Doctor's street medicine helps cure homelessness

(CBS News) 

PITTSBURGH - There are certainly easier ways to hear a heartbeat than over the roar of Interstate 376 in Pittsburgh, Pa. Certainly, there are more profitable specialties than street medicine.

CBS News correspondent Steve Hartman reports Dr. Jim Withers has been caring exclusively for the city's homeless since 1992.

Night after night, he and his team make their rounds at homeless camps. They treat everything, head to toe -- from mental illness to frostbitten feet.

What little money Withers makes comes mostly from grants and teaching at a medical school. But he doesn't think about money. In fact, he doesn't think at all like a typical doctor.

"The essence of healthcare is going to where people are. Either physically or even more importantly spiritually, emotionally," he said.

"Anything else you need tonight?" Withers asked a homeless woman.

"Just a hug," she replied.

"When they're shown that they matter," Withers said, "When that really sinks in, then hope grows. And amazing things happen. That's why we've been able to house well over 700 people."

You heard that correctly, house. Doctors don't put people in houses.

"You know, if I could I'd write a prescription for a house for all the street people because it is immensely important for health," Withers said.

Jim Ellis, 49, was on the streets for eight years until he met Withers, who first treated his back pain and then helped cure his homelessness. Through a non-profit Withers started called Operation Safety Net, he and his staff have been remarkably successful at finding apartments for people like Jim.

Learn more about Operation Safety Net

"I had everything. And I lost it all," Ellis said. "And it's nice to call someplace home again."

Jim pays what he can for rent. House calls are still free.

Over the years, Operation Safety Net has been able to help so many that today homelessness in Pittsburgh is literally half the problem it used to be - half as many people on the streets.

About a dozen cites in America are now trying to copy the program, in firm belief that this doctor definitely knows best.

[Dgunner]

That doctor he is a alright joe!Kidding aside all the people who help him help others are just as special as the doctor.I am sure it takes a team work to reach a goal so far away and concerning so many.These days it does a lot of people good to actually see something happening instead of hearing broken promises and reports of the wars.CBS SHOULS DO A WEEKLY FOLLOW UP ON THIS DOCTOR AND HIS TEAM.PERHAPS SET UP A SITE TO DONATE.

[ludvig1-2009]

Definitely not a material guy.

[fervan-2009]

He's a saint! I am not a doctor, but would want to do this if I was. What a contribution to society and the human race. Heaven WILL be waiting for him someday.

[BethWelsh]

I was in a class a number of years ago when Dr. Withers spoke to us about his work. He is truly an amazing man. Pittsburgh Mercy Health System should be commended for supporting his efforts. Kudos to both Dr. Withers and Mercy Health Systems. Thank you for your caring and compassionate care.

[miaone1]

Thank you to CBS for this wonderful, moving story. It's nice to know that programs like Operation Safety Net are making a difference. Thank you to Operation Safety Net and Pittsburgh Mercy Health System for living the mission and values of the Sisters of Mercy, and for continuing to provide superior care to our neighbors in need. You continue to "raise the bar" for compassionate care in Pittsburgh and beyond.

[abby_del_abbey]

This man is not just a doctor - he's a physician; he's a healer of mind, body, and spirit. We need more doctors like him. God bless him.