OUR MISSION
The Mobile Clinic Project at UCLA aims to improve the health outcomes and quality of life of individuals experiencing homelessness and other vulnerable populations in the greater Los Angeles area by connecting them to the existing continuum of care.
Most importantly, we strive to establish a safe, nonjudgmental environment where people of all backgrounds can receive direct medical care, legal advocacy, and compassionate connection.
OUR HISTORY
Since 1987, the Hollywood Food Coalition (HoFoCo) has served free dinners to those experiencing food insecurity every night of the week. Noticing the desperate need for healthcare among their clients, the HoFoCo contacted UCLA Fielding School of Public Health in 1999.
Two Fielding students conducted a needs assessment at the HoFoCo site and reported a multitude of health needs and barriers to healthcare access among their clients experiencing homelessness. This information almost immediately incited a larger group of public health students to recruit physicians and medical, law, and undergraduate students to assist with more formative research and program planning.
On October 26, 2000, the Mobile Clinic Project at UCLA (MCP) was born.
MCP has remained a long-standing effort to connect underserved individuals to social and health resources on a regular basis. Through the commitment and determination of public health, undergraduate, medical, and law students, as well as dedicated faculty support, MCP has served Hollywood's unhoused population alongside the HoFoCo every Wednesday night for 24 years and counting. Over time, student involvement has enhanced MCP’s capacities by increasing the availability of medications, referrals, and health education, as well as by operating an additional clinic at the LA LGBT Center on the second and fourth Sunday of every month.
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Our clinic could not work alone!