CARES for the Unhoused

At CARES for the Unhoused Medical Clinic, we are dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive healthcare to the unhoused members of our community. We believe that every individual deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, and we strive to create an accessible and welcoming environment for patients with unmet needs.

We understand that people experiencing homelessness face unique challenges when it comes to accessing healthcare. We are committed to breaking down those barriers by offering services regardless of a person's ability to pay and striving to address the social determinants of health that impact the lives of our patients. We envision a world where those who are often overlooked and underserved can access the healthcare they need to thrive.

We further aim to foster a learning environment that emphasizes empathy, cultural competency, and social justice. We believe that everyone deserves to live a healthy and sustainable life, and we are committed to educating future medical providers through our drive to make this a reality for the unhoused members of our community.

CARES at the Navigation Center

The CARES Clinic at the Navigation Center is a student-run free clinic that provides healthcare in-person and via telehealth to individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability. Since opening in 2018, CARES Clinic at the Navigation Center has served hundreds of patients, providing everything from routine health maintenance to specialty referrals.

The clinic is housed within The Navigation Center, an organization dedicated to helping individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability navigate the complex ecosystem of organizations they need to rebuild a sustainable independent life for themselves and their families. CARES provides the Navigation Center with an in-house medical center, and the two organizations work synergistically to meet the needs of our shared clients and patients.

Street Medicine

House Calls to the Homeless is Charleston’s inaugural street medicine initiative. MUSC students, residents, and attending physicians team up with community partners to provide medical care and social services at street-based locations and homeless camps which have been previously identified as high traffic for unsheltered individuals.

Each month, House Calls to the Homeless has approximately 100 impromptu "appointments" which include wellness checks, wound care, vaccinations, treatment of acute conditions, and chronic disease management. The care provided through House Calls to the Homeless is longitudinal; our team follows some of the same individuals week after week in order to provide high-quality and continuous care to those who may not be able to access it otherwise.

Donate

Volunteer Information

• CFU Engage Page
• Volunteer Sign-up