More Seek Help at Contra Costa's Homeless Respite Center
CONCORD, Calif. (KCBS) - A respite center in Concord, designed to help the homeless who are dealing with wounds or other injuries, is getting busier these days.
The facility opened in June, and the patient load has been climbing since then.
On a day of triple-digit heat outside, the Phillip Dorn Respite Center was a cool alternative as patients recovered from various health problems.
"Most patients have wound care problems," descried Sue Dickerson, R.N. "We have a couple of cancer patients that have ongoing treatment."
There are currently 14 patients in the 24-bed facility.
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"You won't believe how nice this is," offered Terry Spinelli, who was admitted to have a tumor removed form her hip. "I couldn't ask for a better place."
Advocates all the center cost effective because it helps to keep the injured or recovering homeless out of the ER. "It is much more cost effective to place somebody in a respite program when they're stable, when they can continue to get stabilization," explained the county's homeless program director, Cynthia Belon.
This respite center is funded primarily by area hospitals
