BUFFALO, N.Y. — ​Providing health care services to homeless patients released from the hospital is the goal of the Buffalo City Mission, who have partnered with Amerigroup and Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield.

The City Mission’s Recuperative Care Unit will be used to house patients who need further care to fully recover.

“We are incredibly proud to partner with Amerigroup and Highmark BCBSWNY, whose proven vision and network will help us deliver an elevated level of care, hope and healing for our region’s homeless,” said Stuart Harper, executive director and chief executive officer of the Buffalo City Mission. “For many poor and homeless in our community, the journey after the hospital does not end. Our Recuperative Care Unit provides treatment and resources to meet them where they are in their road to recovery. Together, we can now provide even more support for our neighbors in need.”

“Focus on social determinants, health equity, and the communities we serve are at the core of our mission and our collaboration with the Buffalo City Mission will help make a meaningful difference for the recently discharged homeless population,” said Michael Hofer, president of Amerigroup Western New York. “The City Mission is an integral member of our community and has been innovative in their approach to homelessness and housing instability. We are excited to align with them on their newest endeavor, in this time of critical need.”

The City Mission says homeless individuals are four times more likely to be readmitted to the hospital within 30 days.

“Housing is a health issue,” said Dr. Michael Edbauer, president of Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York. “We’re proud to open access to the City Mission’s integrated services for our members in need and others across our community.”