Rural Health Program Helps 341 Homeless Find Stability

When you're homeless in a rural area, getting help often means finding a way to travel miles to an office during business hours—an impossible task for many.

That's exactly the barrier 4C Health decided to eliminate. Over the past year, their REACH program has brought mental health services, housing assistance, and recovery support directly to 341 people experiencing homelessness across three rural Indiana counties.

The numbers tell a powerful story. In Howard County alone, 238 individuals received help. Another 81 people in Cass County and 62 in Miami County connected with services they desperately needed but couldn't access before.

The secret to their success? Meeting people where they are, both physically and emotionally. Instead of waiting for people to come to them, REACH staff go into communities, parks, shelters, and anywhere else people gather.

"By reducing barriers to care and partnering closely with local organizations, we are able to provide timely, compassionate support to some of our most vulnerable community members," said Alanna Lease, director of adult intensive services at 4C Health.

The program also hosted three community outreach events across all three counties, reaching an additional 117 people. These events offered on-site resources, education about mental health and addiction services, and direct connections to housing support—all in one place, no appointments necessary.

The Ripple Effect

The impact extends far beyond the individuals served. When someone experiencing homelessness gets connected to stable housing and mental health care, entire communities benefit through reduced emergency room visits, decreased strain on law enforcement, and stronger social networks.

Rural areas face unique challenges when it comes to homelessness. Resources are spread thin, public transportation barely exists, and the stigma of seeking help can feel magnified in tight-knit communities. REACH's person-centered approach tackles all these obstacles at once.

The program focuses on early intervention and building strong partnerships with local organizations. By connecting people not just to immediate shelter but to long-term wellness resources and recovery programs, REACH helps individuals build sustainable paths forward.

Funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the Rural Enhancement and Access for Consumers Experiencing Homelessness grant has given 4C Health the resources to prove that rural homelessness isn't an unsolvable problem—it just requires creative solutions and genuine commitment.

As 4C Health moves into year two, they're expanding their outreach efforts and deepening community partnerships, ready to help even more people find their way to stability.