Comprehensive Homeless Access to Nontraditional Clinical Experiences (CHANCE)

The goal of Comprehensive Homeless Access to Nontraditional Clinical Experiences (CHANCE) is to facilitate a connection between mental health services and homeless adults living in Syracuse, New York.

A program coordinator helps individuals transition from psychiatric inpatient units and correctional facilities into various shelters. Staff at these shelters receive training through the CHANCE program. CHANCE also contracts with nurses who conduct medical assessments and client and staff education, have a frequent presence at the shelters to establish familiarity and relationship building, and monitor medications and injections as ordered. A psychiatrist is also available to provide services to patients.

The goal of CHANCE is to facilitate a connection between mental health services and homeless individuals.

In 2009, 2,182 homeless individuals were served through the CHANCE program.