Riverside Health and the City of Newport News have partnered with LINK of Hampton Roads, Inc., to provide essential healthcare services to the homeless population through People Offering Resources Together (PORT) Winter Shelter program. This collaboration, operating during PORT’s 20-week winter shelter season from November to March, is focused on ensuring the well-being of the most vulnerable members of the community by bringing health care directly to those in need.
Since 1991, PORT Winter Shelter has provided emergency housing to individuals experiencing homelessness during the coldest nights of the year. “Each night, an average of 80 guests seek refuge at rotating locations across Newport News,” says Michael Kessler, PORT Program Director. “In the current 2024-2025 season, 251 individuals have already registered, including 25 veterans and 28 children, with projections exceeding 775 registrations by the end of the season. For comparison, 700 individuals registered during the 2023-2024 season, including 38 veterans and 41 children.”
Elizabeth Parker, Interim Executive Director LINK of Hampton Roads, emphasized the value of the health care component. “Our mission has always been to provide a safe place for people to find refuge during the harshest winter nights,” said Elizabeth. “Having Riverside’s nurses onsite not only meets the immediate health needs of our guests but also connects them to vital resources for long-term care. This partnership brings a new level of support that we could not offer alone, and it truly embodies the spirit of community.”
Riverside Health is staffing PORT locations with registered nurses from 6:15 PM to 11:15 PM, seven days a week, to provide health screenings, care for minor illnesses, and referrals to Riverside providers for follow-up care. Guests arriving at the shelter are screened for health concerns, and those with symptoms such as fever or cough are evaluated privately. For illnesses such as flu or COVID-19, individuals receive immediate care, and if needed, arrangements are made for them to stay in a local hotel at no cost to them, with expenses covered by PORT.
“This effort is all about caring for our community,” said Dr. Mike Dacey, President and CEO of Riverside Health. “We really want to make a difference by being hands on offering real time support and care that can improve health outcomes and create meaningful change. If we can improve the health of the community, we can improve the lives of individuals in ways that last far beyond the coldest nights of the year.”
By integrating health care services into the shelter setting, Riverside is taking a proactive approach to improving community health. Guests requiring additional medical attention are referred to Riverside’s Brentwood Medical Center, where residents in Riverside’s Physician Residency Program provide care with the support from their attending physicians. Additionally, the Charlie W. and Golden Bethune Hill Community Health Clinic in Newport News, offers comprehensive services, including primary care, dental care, and other critical resources to address a wide range of health needs. Transportation is arranged to ensure guests can access these essential services, creating a seamless continuum of care that extends beyond the shelter.
“This partnership is about making a real difference in the lives of those who need it most,” said Phillip Jones, Mayor of Newport News. “By working together with Riverside and PORT, we are meeting immediate shelter and health care needs while creating a healthier and more compassionate community for all.”
This partnership sets the foundation for sustainable change in the years to come. By integrating registered nurses directly into the shelter environment, the program not only addresses immediate health care needs but also facilitates early detection and management of health issues. This proactive strategy improves long-term health outcomes while creating a healthier, more connected community.
For more information about the PORT Winter Shelter schedule or to learn how you can support this initiative, visit PORT Winter Shelter website. Learn more about Riverside’s investment in the community by visiting riversideonline.com/community.