Homeless Outreach Goes Mobile
On August 29, 2018, the Stanislaus Community System of Care Outreach and Engagement Team organized the fourth bi-monthly Mobile Access Center event at Mellis Park in West Modesto.
On August 29, 2018, the Stanislaus Community System of Care Outreach and Engagement Team, a group of multi-sector community partners and other community agencies, organized the fourth bi-monthly Mobile Access Center event at Mellis Park in West Modesto. The purpose of the event was for outreach staff and community agencies to connect with and provide services to individuals in the community who are currently experiencing, or at risk of experiencing homelessness. This unique event offers a “meet you where you are†approach where outreach staff go straight to those in need of assistance.
The event was a success with 33 organizations present and over 200 individuals served at the event. Some of the organizations at the event included: Stanislaus County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services, Community Services Agency, Health Services Agency, Turning Point, Modesto Police Department, DRAIL, Community Housing and Shelter Services, Golden Valley Health Center, Center for Human Services, and many others. One new important partnership is with the DMV. Identification is key to helping people getting off the streets. The DMV has partnered to provide on-site applications. This type of strategic partnership and services are crucial in preventing and reducing homelessness. Many services were provided at the event, some of them included ID registration; STD testing; mental health services; housing assistance; and services for youth, victims, and veterans. Even veterinary checks for pets were provided.
These events are most successful if we can provide the wide range of services needed for our residents who are at risk for and experience homelessness. Ultimately, we hope to provide services that will eventually lead to housing, the betterment of individuals’ social and mental condition, and an improved quality of life.
“Our mobile access centers are a learning process for us, allowing us to test ideas. We are seeing the value of taking our partners and moving our outreach and engagement teams to where people are,†said Stanislaus County Deputy Executive Officer Ruben Imperial who leads the Focus on Prevention initiative. “Homelessness is a county wide problem and the mobile access centers allow us to provide services in rural areas as well as our major cities across the county. We should be out in our community as much as possible seeking individuals who need our help. We will take what we learn and further improve our efforts.â€
The next Mobile Access Center event will be held at the end of October in Turlock.
