A pivotal moment in Ben Harris's career began when he worked at Erie Family Health Centers in Chicago, where he witnessed the profound connection between community support and health outcomes. Inspired by his mentor, David Buchanan, who highlighted the critical role of housing in healthcare, Harris became deeply interested in leveraging community-based strategies to improve public health. This passion led him to pursue advanced studies, first earning an MBA from the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business and then continuing on to Princeton’s School of Public and International Affairs for his MPA.

Last winter, Harris seized an opportunity to apply his business acumen to a real-world challenge. He joined forces with the Trenton Rescue Mission (TRM) and the New Jersey Coalition to End Homelessness (NJCEH) as a social impact fellow. His mission was to establish a medical respite center—a transitional facility designed to assist homeless individuals recovering from hospital stays. Over nine months, Harris collaborated closely with NJCEH CEO Connie Mercer and her team, developing a comprehensive business plan, setting up operational protocols, and securing funding. The TRM Medical Respite Center officially opened its doors on November 1, marking a significant step forward in addressing homelessness and improving healthcare outcomes.

The importance of medical respite centers cannot be overstated. Without these facilities, homeless patients often face limited options—either remaining in costly hospital beds or returning to unsafe conditions on the streets. Both scenarios are detrimental to their recovery and place unnecessary strain on healthcare resources. By providing a safe environment for recuperation, medical respite centers not only enhance patient care but also reduce overall healthcare costs. Harris envisions expanding this model across New Jersey, working with various stakeholders to diversify funding sources and ensure sustainability.

Harris's efforts have already begun to inspire other communities in New Jersey to explore similar initiatives. His leadership has been instrumental in demonstrating that with dedication and strategic planning, it is possible to create meaningful solutions to complex social issues. As Mercer aptly noted, Harris's work has given Trenton a renewed sense of hope and belief that ending homelessness is within reach. Through innovative approaches like medical respite centers, we can build a more compassionate and effective system for supporting those in need.