St. Bernards Recuperative Care Program

The Heart of the Community Program

Program Overview

The Heart of the Community Program includes a four-bed recuperative care unit located within the Crisis Stabilization Unit in Jonesboro. It serves as a bridge between hospitals, behavioral health services, emergency departments, and shelters that do not provide ongoing medical or mental health follow-up care.

In addition, supportive services are available to eligible individuals who are not residing in the four-bed unit.

Who Qualifies for Temporary Shelter Services?

Individuals facing housing insecurity or unsafe housing conditions that jeopardize healthcare
Individuals meeting HUD definitions of homeless or at risk of homelessness with one or more of the following:
- Serious medical condition(s)
- Serious mental illness
- At risk of institutionalization as a result of a substance use disorder
- Must demonstrate the ability to live independently

Who Qualifies for Supportive Services?

Individuals literally homeless (shelter or places not meant for habitation)
Individuals meeting HUD guidelines for At Risk of Homelessness
Individuals fleeing domestic violence or human trafficking
Veterans and families that include a veteran family member
Other populations meeting HUD qualifying criteria

Financial assistance is available only when grant funding allows and all program criteria are met.

Program Philosophy

At St. Bernards Healthcare, we believe housing stability and healthcare go hand in hand. We accept referrals from:

Any St. Bernards Healthcare entity
Outside community partners
Individuals seeking assistance

Participants are required to engage in Case Management Services and will be followed for one year after receiving assistance, meeting monthly with a Care Coordinator.

Timeframes

Application to housing placement: Varies depending on needs and eligibility
Eviction prevention / utility disconnection assistance: 7–10 business days (submit notice as soon as possible)
*Available only when grant funding is available. Must meet all eligibility guidelines.

Supportive Services (for eligible participants)

Intensive Case Management
*Utility Deposit Assistance
*Rental Deposit Assistance
*Rental Application Fee Assistance
*Transportation Assistance via Jets Pass
*First and Last Month’s Rental Assistance
*Short-Term Rental Assistance

*Available only when grant funding is available. Must meet all eligibility guidelines.

Temporary Shelter Services

Four-bed recuperative care unit
Stay up to 90 days while working toward permanent housing
Placement based on availability; if individuals are placed on a waitlist, they are contacted in order of referral date.