Our SJ CARES team has collaborated with multiple agencies and engaged with the community to enhance efforts to address homelessness. While we are still learning and growing, trust is being established within our community through our responsiveness to referrals and concerns raised by our citizens. Through our interactions with the unhoused community, it is evident that trust is being fostered through consistent communication and follow-up on requested services. We are proud to share a few of our stores…
- Our team encountered an individual, referred to as P, at a local encampment. While speaking to P, she was offered services and agreed to be transported to Loads of Hope, a community organization that offers laundry services, showers, haircuts, and more. Upon arrival, P was able to get her laundry washed, take a shower, and receive a haircut. P expressed gratitude with excitement, telling the officers that she felt “brand new.” While at Loads of Hope, officers engaged in conversation with P to develop a plan for improving her living situation. P disclosed struggles with substance use and expressed a desire for change, with a goal of finding employment. She received a referral to WorkNet and expressed her gratitude once again. SJ CARES has continued to follow up with P over the past several weeks.
- SJ CARES received a referral from the San Joaquin Sheriff’s Office regarding a concerned citizen who expressed worries about the unhoused population and the safety of her neighborhood. The SJ CARES team promptly responded to the area, conducted outreach, and assessed the needs of the individuals. It was evident that some individuals had serious medical concerns. SJ CARES returned along with the Community Medical Center Medical Team, they assessed and treated three individuals for their medical needs. The population at the encampment expressed gratitude, surprise, and appreciation for the swift follow-up. Overall, the collaborative efforts of SJ CARES and the Community Medical Center Medical Team were instrumental in addressing the medical needs of the unhoused population and fostering a sense of safety and well-being in the neighborhood.
- SJ CARES conducted outreach with a team in Stockton, consisting of members from San Joaquin Behavioral Health, Public Health, Community Medical Center’s Medical Team (CMC), the Fire Department, and other Community Based Organizations. During this outreach effort, the team encountered an individual who was immobilized in an RV and in need of urgent medical assistance. Working in conjunction with CMC and Public Health, they quickly called an ambulance to transport the individual to the hospital for specialized care. This collaborative effort demonstrates the dedication and effectiveness of our team in providing critical support to those in need within our community.
- SJ CARES was contacted by Behavioral Health Services (BHS) regarding an unhoused individual at a local park who appeared to be in crisis, had an aggressive dog, and was displaying aggressive behavior towards outreach workers. Law enforcement presence was requested to assist with the situation. The SJ CARES team promptly responded and collaborated with the Stockton Police Department (SPD) to de-escalate the individual and provide him with services to address his immediate needs.
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