Abstract
Recent reports indicate that the unhoused population experience a higher risk of illness and morbidity than the general population. People experiencing homelessness live in unpredictable environments, encounter various psycho-social stressors, and have inconsistent access to healthcare. Barriers such as insufficient social service benefits, lack of transportation, or stigma prevent unhoused individuals from accessing healthcare. To bridge gaps in care, Sacramento Street Medicine exists to provide patient-driven medical care to those experiencing homelessness in Sacramento. This thesis assessed Sacramento Street Medicine’s objectives, approaches, and influence of rapport when conducting street and medical outreach in Sacramento. Researchers utilized an ethnographic approach to understand and explore what Sacramento Street Medicine is doing, how they are doing it and the role of rapport when serving the Sacramento unhoused population. Qualitative data was gathered through nine individual interviews and participant observations from September 2021 to February 2022. All of the findings are related to one another and revealed the importance of consistency when working with those experiencing homelessness. Additionally, researchers found that relationships between the SSM team and the unhoused population are vital to engagement in services. Specifically, the patient-provider relationship which is necessary in addressing healthcare gaps and treatment interventions. Lastly, researchers unexpectedly found that SSM volunteers experienced a shift in their perspective after working with the unhoused populations. The following findings can inform the field of social work on methods to engage the unhoused population, and the importance of establishing relationships when serving vulnerable populations.