Medical Respite Programs Receive Nationally Recognized Certification

Housing Forward is proud to announce that Sojourner House and the RISE Center Medical Respite Programs have been certified by the National Institute for Medical Respite Care, a special program of the National Health Care for the Homeless Council!

The certification comes after a rigorous application process, requiring extensive documentation and collaboration with program partners, to show that Housing Forward is aligned with national standards for Medical Respite Programs.

Medical Respite care provides short-term clinical and supportive services for people experiencing homelessness. Sojourner House, in partnership with MacNeal Hospital, first opened in 2019 and the RISE Center, in partnership with Cook County Health, began serving people in 2020.

Jessica Gutierrez, Housing Forward’s Director of Medical Respite, and her team spent months collecting, creating, and updating manuals and essential documentation for both programs. The application required proof that the programs follow the standards of care including access to safe accommodation, quality environmental services, timely transitions into and out of Medical Respite, quality post-clinical care, access to Wraparound Services, and staff trained in trauma informed care.

“We hold ourselves to a high standard,” says Gutierrez of the Medical Respite programs she oversees. “To get this certification confirms that we’re doing exactly what we should – treating everyone with dignity and compassion.”

Congratulations to the entire Medical Respite team and our partners - Dr. Bareis at MacNeal Hospital and Dr. Hinami at Cook County Health - for their work to complete the application. This certification aligns with our values as an organization and our belief that everyone deserves a safe place to call home.

For more information on NIMRC Certification and the National Health Care for the Homeless Council, please click here.