White Rock / South Surrey

Integrated Homelessness Action Response Teams (IHART) support homeless and at-risk people in the Fraser Health region. Unlike conventional models of care where people reach out to the health authority for services, IHARTs reach in – to shelters, isolation centres, homeless encampments, single room occupancy units, and other places where homeless or at-risk individuals may congregate. The teams identify and respond to a broad spectrum of health care concerns including mental health and substance use disorders. They stabilize and treat people who have new and chronic conditions, facilitate access to primary care and addictions medicine, and support transition to housing. They work with community groups and government agencies to help clients get the longer-term care and supports they require. They also provide on-the-ground health promotion and prevention.

IHART teams are made up of nurses, social workers, outreach support workers, peer support workers and mental health clinicians who provide low barrier, culturally safe, wrap-around care. They support clients who are: