Homelessness in the United States represents one of the most urgent public health and human rights crises of our time. Conventional healthcare systems, built on assumptions of housing stability and access to resources, often exclude those living unsheltered.
Born out of necessity to close this critical gap in care, Street Medicine teams work in encampments, alleyways, riverbanks, and sidewalks, providing medical, behavioral health, harm reduction, and social services directly where people live. Although the field has expanded, street medicine programs still operate without defined standards, stable funding, a shared evidence base, or a supportive legal and policy framework. As a result, the field lacks the policy and research infrastructure needed to support its continued growth, effectiveness, and integration.
To address these critical gaps in the field, The United States Street Medicine Summit brought together leaders from across the country to co-create a national research and policy agenda. This report offers a comprehensive overview of the Summit’s discussions and key findings, culminating in the 2025 Street Medicine Agenda—a strategic roadmap for advancing street medicine research and policy across the country.