Abstract
People experiencing homelessness have poorer health than the general population. Those within these special populations require complex, non-traditional care for chronic conditions management, mental health disorders, substance abuse, and violence. Chronic poverty in the Appalachian Region of the United States compounds difficulties. This paper presents an innovative model of care called the Protection-Engagement nursing model of care with persons living houseless and unsheltered. The result was a process of integrated patient-centered care provided by advanced practice nurses, social workers, and counselors who deliver primary and mental health care, case management, counseling, and community outreach in a day center/clinic with those who are homeless, vulnerable, and with those who live in social and economic poverty.