Palliative Education and Care for the Homeless Program

This document is a guide on the Palliative Education and Care for the Homeless (PEACH) program, which was established in Toronto, Ontario, in 2014. It outlines the program's objectives, which include providing mobile palliative care interventions for individuals experiencing homelessness. The guide details the operational model of PEACH, emphasizing its outreach intervention that focuses on symptom management and psychosocial support through a trauma-informed and harm reduction approach. The document describes the team structure, which includes various healthcare professionals and peer workers, and highlights the funding sources for the program. Additionally, it discusses the population served by PEACH, which includes individuals at risk of homelessness, and emphasizes the importance of education and advocacy in improving palliative care for this demographic. The guide also presents evaluation data showcasing the program's impact on client outcomes, including reduced hospital visits and increased connection to families, while underscoring the significance of building trust within the community.