Sojourner House, a medical respite program born from the collaboration between Loyola Medicine MacNeal Hospital and Housing Forward, has been a haven for healing for individuals experiencing homelessness since 2019. This innovative program offers a crucial bridge to recovery for patients who lack stable housing, significantly improving their health outcomes and overall well-being. The recent addition of internal and external lifts has further enhanced accessibility, ensuring that Sojourner House can cater to a wider range of patients with mobility challenges.
Dr. Charles Bareis, chief medical officer at MacNeal Hospital, emphasizes the importance of this upgrade, stating, “Access has been a big issue for patients navigating in and out of the house. Patients with leg wounds, partial foot amputations, fractures, septic joints and heart failure have all had difficulty navigating both sets of stairs in the house. So this is a wonderful new development that will improve safety and ease of access for our patients at Sojourner House.” This improvement directly addresses a critical barrier to care, making the program more inclusive and effective.
The Loyola Medicine shelter care program, embodied by Sojourner House, directly tackles a significant gap in the healthcare system. Without medical respite care like this, individuals experiencing homelessness are frequently discharged from hospitals back into unstable living situations. This often leads to hindered recovery, increased emergency department visits, and higher hospital readmission rates. Sojourner House breaks this cycle by providing a safe and supportive environment where patients can recuperate after hospital discharge. This not only fosters better patient outcomes but also contributes to a more efficient and cost-effective healthcare system by reducing reliance on emergency services and readmissions. Furthermore, a key component of the program is connecting patients with ongoing primary care, establishing a pathway to long-term health management. Once patients are medically stable, Sojourner House facilitates their transition to permanent supportive housing, offering a holistic approach to recovery and stability.
Sojourner House emerged to fill a critical void in suburban Cook County. While medical respite programs existed in DuPage County and Chicago, there was a lack of such resources in the communities served by MacNeal Hospital. Dr. Bareis, recognizing this unmet need, collaborated with Housing Forward and the Oak Park housing authority to establish Sojourner House. The housing authority played a vital role by renovating a 105-year-old house into individual apartments, providing patients with privacy and independence during their recovery.
Dr. Bareis’s commitment extends beyond the program’s inception. He remains actively involved, conducting weekly rounds at Sojourner House alongside Arletta Curtis, Housing Forward’s community nurse. This collaborative approach ensures coordinated and comprehensive patient care. Beyond medical attention, the Loyola Medicine shelter care program offers a range of supportive services. Nutritious meals are provided through partnerships with Beyond Hunger and MacNeal’s Food Surplus Program, along with nutritional counseling to support healing and well-being. Case managers are integral to the program, assisting patients with medical appointments and guiding them through the process of securing long-term housing and preparing for life beyond Sojourner House.
The impact of Sojourner House is profoundly felt by its residents. Holly Rotman-Zaid, director of medical respite at Housing Forward, shares the powerful sentiment often expressed by patients: “What we hear from people mostly is, ‘you saved my life.'” This statement encapsulates the life-changing impact of providing not just housing, but hope and a pathway to a healthier future. Thomas, a Sojourner House resident, credits the program and Dr. Bareis for giving him a second chance after severe injuries. His successful recovery at Sojourner House led to placement in a Permanent Housing Program through Housing Forward, specifically designed to support individuals with substance abuse and mental health challenges.
Recognizing the importance of community and emotional well-being, Housing Forward staff fosters a supportive environment at Sojourner House. Holiday and birthday celebrations are held in the communal area, which also features a library of donated books, creating a sense of belonging and stability. This focus on community is crucial for residents as they navigate their recovery journey.
The Loyola Medicine shelter care program at Sojourner House is deeply rooted in trauma-informed care. As Holly Rotman-Zaid explains, “Patients come in with the trauma of being homeless and medical issues re-traumatize them. We try very much to accept people for where they are, work with them, and help lead them to where they can be proactive in their own life.” This empathetic and understanding approach is fundamental to the program’s success, enabling residents to heal physically and emotionally, and to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.
