07/31/2026
Homelessness Isn't a Moral Failure. 🔴
A 2026 systematic review published in the International Journal for Equity in Health (available at the link in our bio) — analyzing 79 studies covering more than 51,000 people experiencing homelessness — found that the biggest barriers to healthcare access include social stigma, negative provider attitudes, bureaucracy, lack of service integration, and limited service availability. Unhoused members of the community often need vital social and human services programs but are unable to access them when they need them most or for as long as they require. This research affirms Threshold's goal to improve access and outreach for individuals. While much of this research originates outside of Berks County, the "below-the-line" poverty experience is near-universal across metro areas — including Reading.
Currently, our mental health supported living team works with clients to identify feasible transportation solutions and explain the often complicated world of government benefits (i.e., Medicaid, SSI, SNAP, etc.). Beyond our professional ranks, clubhouse members at Hope Springs have "Bus Days," where they ride local BARTA bus routes together so members unfamiliar with the system can remove transportation barriers. There's no reason an individual should go without help when perfectly competent resources and services exist. One day at a time, we'll keep bridging that gap.
