The Pandemic, the Alliance, and Community
2021 has been quite a ride so far. We were finally able to settle into a rhythm after the constant curve balls of 2020. Collaboration with other organizations has become one key to success through unprecedented times. Through this collaboration we have onsite health checks happening with our residents, vaccine clinics coming right to us, and deep communication with other housing providers and non-profits in town. This has also allowed for dreams to begin forming into reality.
The Mobile Outreach Services Team (MOST) Launches!
After nine months of planning, fund raising, purchasing, remodeling, and graphics the MOST began service in early May with regular visits to Burbank as well as supporting COVID vaccination clinics at various locations. We have also played part in community block parties and aided in hosting multiple vaccination clinics around the valley as the pandemic has trudged on.
This is a collaboration between the Alliance, Blue Mountain Action Council, and Providence’s Population Health unit. The Alliance brings Peer Support Specialists to assist clients with obtaining ID and documentation, benefits, and housing searches. BMAC brings a Coordinated Entry specialist to help clients navigate the various BMAC services. Population Health brings a Promotores (bilingual health care worker) and a Nurse Practitioner to provide entry level healthcare services and referrals to primary care. Together they bring a large range of social and healthcare services into the field.
Further stops will be added in the near future to bring the full range of MOST services to those who are vulnerable and/or homeless. We are extremely excited to be a part of this project and to see the impact it’s already making. There is still much in the works as we grow and walk out our plans through the rest of 2021.
2020 in Hindsight
To say that 2020 was an unusual year would be understating it. The Alliance began operating the Sleep Center 24/7 in March. This required us to add staff as well as adding breakfast and lunch meal services.
Having clients in camp allowed the Exit Homelessness staff greater opportunity to engage with them. The Peer Support Specialists worked hard to help clients find housing and other services. With the greater opportunity we found greater success as well. And the numbers look good!
14,454 nights of care
221 unique individuals served
Of the 130 who stayed at least two weeks, 48 were housed or returned to live with their family
A 24/7 Sleep Center
Carrying through 2020 and into the new year, 24/7 operations brought with it many advantages to the city, to staff, and to the clients.
From a client perspective, having a place to stay during the day was huge. No more getting up and out by 9:00am No more hassles from volunteers trying to get them out. No more wandering in cold weather trying to keep warm and dry. Possibly the most important perk was a safe place to isolate during the worst of the pandemic.
From staff perspective, having clients in house made it far easier to engage with them. This allowed the Peer Support Specialists the chance to work more closely with clients on their unique individual problems. It gave more time to chip away at the daunting list of resident needs as they work there way forward.
As you can imagine, being open 24 hours also has its additional struggles, but when we were offered long term 24-hour approval in June, we leapt at the chance. This means we can revisit how we do life and business within the camp and begin shaping our operations around something that is no longer temporary.
Volunteers Make it Happen
Our success and survival through crazy year has been made possible by so many people. During times like we have been experiencing, you might expect a non-profit like this one to suffer. You’d be wrong though. Even through social distancing, masking, and the multiple ups and downs of 2021 we are seeing incredible support and growth.
What's next?
Meal donations, volunteer work, food, toiletries, and financial support have made so much possible. While we have grown to handle so much more on our own, our need for this support has not waned, and neither has your generosity.
As we look to the future, it looks bright. While we reflect on our growth in the last few years, we don’t sit idly by. As an organization, we are revisiting our strategic plan process and beginning to dream. As far as we’ve come with your help, there is much to be done in this valley. Many people with unmet needs, and many places to focus our attention.
Dreams of all sizes are being considered and we have high hopes for the rest of 2021 and the arrival of 2022. Now more than ever we value and need your support. Thank you for all that you do.