Transportation
Transportation is another basic necessity and a primary barrier for homeless individuals in accessing health care and benefits and services.28 Transportation is a means of survival, especially in a city as decentralized as Los Angeles. Lack of access to transportation results in missed appointments, inability to acquire medication and treatment, and has the effect of producing significant strain on individuals forced to walk long distances. Clinicians can offer the following forms of transportation assistance to patients:
- Bus tokens.
- Transit cards, such as a Metro tap card.
- Transportation vouchers for taxis, Uber, and other ride sharing services.
- Van or car transport by health or social service agency.
- Transportation provided by health insurance.
Beyond their practical value to the patient, transportation assistance vouchers can facilitate positive engagements between patients and team members. Patients receive an immediate tangible benefit for interacting with the team, providing a potential opening for further communication.