A Unique Approach to Homelessness and Better Health
As a healthcare leader, Anthem understands that improving health involves more than just access to care.
More than a half million people across the United States experience homelessness on any given night. It is a national issue and one that affects many of the communities Anthem serves.
That is why, in May 2017, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Indiana, in collaboration with the City of Indianapolis and Partners in Housing and Adult & Child, launched the innovative Blue Triangle program.
This novel program addresses issues related to homelessness, healthcare, criminal justice and housing. The program provides participants with sustainable and secure housing that supports autonomy and offers connections to wrap-around services and access to healthcare which improve both health and quality of life.
Since Blue Triangle launched, Anthem's Indiana team has worked directly with nearly 90 participants and has helped to place 20 individuals in permanent housing. Clyde is one of those people.
When he first came to Blue Triangle, Clyde had been homeless for nearly three years, shuttling back and forth between living on the streets and in homeless shelters. Suffering from a schizoaffective disorder, arthritis and substance abuse, Clyde encountered numerous barriers that affected his ability to find permanent housing and to manage his health. Today, he says that before Blue Triangle his life was "hectic," because he was surrounded by fighting, robberies and drugs—all hindering his ability to get better.
Once he arrived at Blue Triangle, things began to change. Clyde started receiving medications on a regular basis, gained access to a steady food source and obtained new clothing. With these changes, his opportunities for employment and housing also expanded. In October 2017, Clyde graduated the Blue Triangle program and moved into his own permanent home. Clyde now says he no longer has to worry about the chaos that once surrounded him. His life is much better.
"I'm very happy to have my own place and a place to call home," Clyde says. "Without the Blue Triangle program I would not have had access to the types of assistance I needed to start moving my life forward in a positive direction. I'm extremely grateful for the help I've received and feel like I'm on the path to achieving my goals and dreams."
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