Homeless Update

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FYI: Vaccine availability.                               01/02/21
 
I tried to get the following information from many county depts. I was told to ask my Pharmacist. He did not know and told me to ask the county. Just a continued “runaround.”
 
Thanks to Super. John Hidahi for the following information.
 
The Community Vaccine Advisory Committee (CVAC) a branch of California HHS and Dept of Public Health voted for the COVID-19 Vaccine distribution plan following Phase 1a. Proposed Phase 1b and 1c listed below. El Dorado County is currently distributing the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines according to Phase 1a with hopes for completion by January 2021.
 
Criteria studied include reduction of illness and death, risk of personal and occupational exposure and transmission, societal impact of one’s job, economic impacts and equity.
 
Phase 1a
·         Three Tiers prioritizing Healthcare Workers in acute care settings, Long-Term Care Facilities including residents, Emergency personnel, Dialysis center staff.
 
Phase 1b*
·         Tier 1
o   75+ years, all
o   Workers
      Education & Child Care, Emergency services, Food & agriculture.
·         Tier 2
o   65-74 years, high-risk, severe COVID due to pre-existing conditions & disabilities.
o   Workers
  Critical manufacturing, Facilities & services, Transportation & logistics
o   Settings with outbreak risk
        Incarcerated, Homelessness
Phase 1c*
o   65-74 years, remainder, not included in Phase 1b
o   16-64 years, high-risk, severe COVID due to pre-existing       conditions & disabilities
o   Workers
     Chemical, Communications/IT, Defense, Energy, Finance, Govt Ops community based, Water & Wastewater.
 
Now in play:
 
Phase 1a
·         Three Tiers prioritizing Healthcare Workers in acute care settings, Long-Term Care Facilities including residents, Emergency personnel, Dialysis center staff.
 
What we don’t know today is when sufficient quantities of the vaccine will arrive in El Dorado County with sufficient amount of vaccine to cover the rest of the population. This is a National problem and not a County problem.
 

Homeless Update

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WELCOME TO OUR WORLD. ALYSON McMILLAN  is our new El Dorado County Homeless Coordinator.
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About 80% of the homeless popular, and placements in El Dorado County is on the Western Slop and 20% in the Tahoe Basin.
From January 1^st until November 30, 2020: Intakes, Referrals, and Placements in the county totaled 578. I found it interesting that the Tahoe Basin processes the homeless population much more than the Western slope. ????????????
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61 persons were moved to permanent housing. 13 persons found Institutional Settings, and 104 BNL (By Name Last) Data Reviewed.

We now have a total of 72 units available for housing the homeless in our County while they transition into a permanent home situation. For the homeless persons in our Room Key program, they are evaluated every 30 days for their willingness to follow our guidelines and actively seek work, permanent housing, and a permanent job. If they do not want to go along with the program, they are removed to make space for someone who wants to change for a better life.

147 volunteers as well as compensated people have been trained to function within the homeless sphere of operation. They do interviewing, training, intervention, and field work.
Our homeless living in the Room Key facility in Pollock Pines are really concerned/frightened that they may have to be put back out on the street if that facility is not made available by the County for the month of January. I understand that the program is funded for January. There are 48 persons on the waiting list to be included in the Room Key program on the west slope. Think about the stress, every month knowing that you might end up being put out.
 
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We have had 2 or 3 or 4 homeless persons who have tested positive for the virus. Those persons have to be isolated for 14 days. Where? It cost around $28,000.00 to rent a motel room to isolate them. Who has to come up with that money? Will a homeless person stay isolated without supervision? Persons have been released from jail/prison onto the streets because they have tested positive. El Dorado county has to take paroled persons from correctional facilities with those conditions who have never lived in El Dorado county.
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Due to the lack of overnight volunteers, the winter shelter, “Pathways” will not be able to open until January.

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“Coordinated Entry” the procedure of a complete, in-depth interview with a homeless person, required by the Federal Government and needed to qualify for government funding, has been changed in our area to … “FRONT DOOR” … much more descriptive and less threatening.
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During the “Point in Time Count” (PIT) the time that the homeless population is individually counted at their locations by volunteers on foot or in their cars will be greatly enhanced this time with the help from students of the Jr. College in South Lake Tahoe.
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Twice a week JSS is still delivering at the Upper Room, masked and keeping a safe distance, and using hand sanitizer. As well as our Monday trip to the “Room Key” group in Pollock Pines.
JSS has received cash donations from our Homeless population. A sacrifice of appreciation and thanks.

Since 2006, JSS has provided the needed items for those who are “in need.” Free and with love.

 

A NEW YEAR AND A NEW START!

Who and where do the Homeless go?😟

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AND THE OTHERS?
In the last issue we talked about the 20 something homeless persons housed for the winter in the ROOM KEY projects on the west slope. We also talked about 20+ on the South Lake Tahoe ROOM KEY project and the 20 homeless persons who will be housed during the winter PATHWAYS PROJECT by the UPPER ROOM/GREEN VALLEY CHURCH. All of these persons “housed” have been interviewed and chosen for their ability to follow instructions, cooperate with the program, and show an effort to get themselves out of homelessness and into a productive lifestyle.

THE OTHERS?????????????? The “PIGION HOLES.”
A.The mentally challenged who fight demons daily, large and small, real and perceived, who do not have anyone willing or able to take care of their basic needs, such as shelter and food to eat. I carry a burden with me from 20+ years ago. Penny, a very challenged woman, very thin, so very not aware about where she was or what she is doing. In and out of “institutions” then back on the street. Penny was in our shelter when I was president of the East San Gabriel Valley Collation for Homeless. That week at St. Matthews UMC, I was in charge of about 72+ homeless persons, a very chaotic evening. Penny had “messed her britches,” I told Penney to go to the side and stand there while I got her cot cleaned up or exchanged. I then got involved in many other issues and continued to run around the multi room (showers outside) shelter trying to stay ahead of the issues as they arrived. Later that evening as I was making “the rounds,” I came across Penny still standing in the same place I had put her hours ago. I was crushed and still am that I had forgotten Penny and her condition while I fiddled around the shelter doing what I thought was what I was supposed to do. I had forgotten Penny, a person in distress, with no place to go, no one to look after her, or anyone to care for or about her. A lost person of God, and I was too busy with my life and forgot her. WHAT DO WE DO FOR THE “PENNEYS” WE WITNESS IN OUR LIVES? JUST FORGET THEM?
                                                
 
B. The addicted to alcohol and legal and illegal drugs who are escaping society. This starts at a very young age as they are not taught accountability, cause and effect, responsibility, and a good work ethic. A good indication of this is to learn what productive jobs they held before age 16.  Those who do not have anyone willing or able to take care of their basic needs, such as shelter and food to eat. These persons are just escaping reality, pain in body or soul, in some demons that they perceive. Their only advantage of this lifestyle is to be able to sleep while laying on concrete on in an asphalt gutter.
 
                                                

C. Those just out of prison on parole. (Parole is a state institution) with one or more “sub-pigeon holes” attached. They are dumped by the state in living areas where they have no connection. Are not allowed to come and trim your lawn, dump your trash, wash your windows or do home repairs to make some money to have a place to sleep or money to purchase food. If they find a place to sleep at a residence after being approved by a parole officer, and a family friend of the homeowner happens to bring a beer with them while they visit the home, the Parolee can be sent back to prison. The parolee is restricted in their ability to make a living on their own without a burdensome bureaucratic procedure. They need to get approval by their Parole officer for almost everything. That is understandable.  Under threat all the time. BUT. Are they taught to be capable? Who is to assist them in adapting to a normal life?

Probation “HEAP”: Probation is local courts’ jurisdiction and judgements. Homeless Emergence Aid Program: The Probation office in El Dorado County is now operating a Recovery/Housing facility that takes those on probation off the streets and guides them to permanent housing, as well as job opportunities.

COULD THE STATE HAVE A “HEAP” PROGRAM FOR PAROLEES IN OUR COUNTY????
“One never notices what has been done; one can only see what remains to be done.”  Marie Curie

FLASH: I wish to share with you that the fiduciary agent for the Nomadic Shelter, HangTown Haven, Inc. (doing business as Community Haven), has a role in this new effort and is going through some dramatic changes.  Hang Town Haven will change its name and transfer its assets into Housing El Dorado.  Housing El Dorado will be the legal corporation supporting the efforts at Green Valley and the Upper Room.
The assets of the old HangTown Haven will become the assets of Housing El Dorado.  These include the three vans, mats, blankets, sleeping pads, and funds provided to shelter homeless people.  These funds are from individuals, churches and the Nomadic Shelter fund raising events.    The assets of equipment and funds will be applied to the same purposes for which they were donated, sheltering and feeding homeless folks. JSS is contributing 34 sleeping bags and 10 tents to this effort as well as continuing it’s ministry in going out directly to the homeless population.
 
 

Homeless Update for Now & W😃inter

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I was out to join a group of people on Monday, in fact I was out with the same group the previous 2 Mondays. A happy group, smiles, conversation, ages from around 30ish to 75 and 83. The group of 21persons were getting information from another group of persons who volunteer their time and knowledge to help others. All were clean, all were polite, all were healthy with some of the older ones having “Old Age Issues,” all had beds to sleep in and clean rooms to preside in. I was in a “Homeless Camp” as some would put it. No, not one alcoholic, none on dope, not one mentally challenged beyond control. These are the homeless population we can help get along in life.

Under the leadership of Shaunda Crane, RN, MS, CWCN, PHN, from Marshall Medical, these two groups come together to help persons to “Navigate” life through their “homeless” period of their lives. The project is called Room Key. The same type of operation is also going on in the South Lake Tahoe area at a different location. By the way, the 83-year-old woman left the program and chose to live out of her car and travel around.  
 
These volunteer guides and support individuals are providing information:
 

      Health insurance (which helps with qualifying for disability for income),
EBT (Food Stamps)
IHSS (In home support workers},
Help with DMV
El Dorado Transit,
Social Security,
Mailing address,
Court and Legal help,
Unemployment,
Housing applications,
etc.

 

For anyone wanting to volunteer with this group, phone Shaunda Crane, at 530-735-7339

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Winter Shelter
Much more than a “Shelter” it’s a “Pathway.”

 
 Partnering with El Dorado Community Foundation and Housing El Dorado, the Upper Room will be operating a New Program; The Pathways Project.
 
The Pathways Project will identify a cohort of individuals who will receive services beginning December 1^st and extending through the winter months that will include sheltering, case management, and a pathway to sustainability in their lives. This program will mirror the very successful Project Room Key currently in operation at a Pollock Pines motel to provide housing for the COVID19 high risk homeless.
 
The Upper Room has submitted a congregate sheltering plan, to the El Dorado County Public Health Department. Upon review by Dr. Nancy Williams, Public Health Officer of El Dorado County, the plan was approved. Dr. Williams was very appreciative of the comprehensive approach that was taken in developing the winter shelter plan.
  
Under the approved plan Green Valley Church has graciously offered their facilities for shelter 7 nights a week for up to 20 individuals.  Guests will be provided shelter at the Church and will be transported to and from the dining hall.  Both breakfast and dinner will be part of the service.
 
Both, volunteers and financial support are needed and if you’d like further information on how you can be a part of the Pathways Project please contact our Program Manager at judy@upperroomdininghall.org or visit our website at upperroomdininghall.org. 
 
Charlie McDonald
Director of The Upper Room

 

AND THE OTHERS???? 

 

We came a long, long way

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WE HAVE COME A LONG, LONG WAY towards the humane treatment of our homeless population. 9 years ago, I was part of the Continuum of Care (CoC), a required County organization by the U.S. Government, if a County wanted to receive Government funding. 6-8 persons would meet once a month at the County Senior Center, talk and suggest what the County should do to provide for our homeless citizens. A report was written. Nothing came of our suggestions.

TODAY! I am again a member of the CoC board. MIND BLOWING DIFFERENCE. The county is a participating partner with the many organizations now involved in caring for our homeless population. The County has spent $715,113.00 so far not only on housing our homeless but also providing Counseling and Navigation into permanent housing, teaching life and social skills needed to be happy and safe in today’s surroundings. We now have a total of 641 homeless persons that were interviewed and screened in our county. This amount varies and the homeless population flows due to economic conditions. However, as JSS took the homeless census years ago, that number was always around the 600 mark. That goes back 8-9 years ago. With personal connections with individual homeless persons now, “NAVIGATION” is the goal.

How did this all come about? The following is Ron’s interpretation on how this grew and from where.

Young, active, individuals as well as city government and district County Supervisor, are working together, in overcoming the homeless problems in South Lake Tahoe. They organized, worked together on ideas, fund raising, with a large investment from and interest from Barton Medical Center. Thanks much to Dr. Marissa Muscat, they got it together. And were successful….. The west slope of El Dorado County was poorly organized with constant rebuff from Placerville city and no County support.

Now those ideas, hatched in South Lake Tahoe have migrated to the west slope of El Dorado County. Marshall Medical Center and County government has gotten involved on the west slope.

HomeKey: a program that houses, engages and Navigates a homeless person into a safe, productive life style. 40 rooms are available. 115 persons screened. 74 persons are placed. Yes, a few had to be removed due to non-cooperation in the program.

Probation “HEAP”: Homeless Emergence Aid Program: The Probation office in El Dorado County is now operating a Recovery/Housing facility that takes those on probation off the streets and guides them to permanent housing, as well as job opportunities.

Covid-19 Homeless Response Team: Headed up by Marshall Medical Center, Dr. Martin Entwistle, engages and oversees the HomeKey program.
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After all these 14 years of effort, it is rewarding to me to be able to see these changes. JSS still goes on with Brian, Colleen, and John going out twice a week distributing the necessities of life to the homeless population. Hobbled Ron is chasing supplies and clothing.
     
Next Issue will have information regarding a sheltering plan for the homeless who will be unsheltered throughout the winter. Yes, a group is working on how, when, where, that will take place.

    Next County issue: Mentality challenged and addicted

Marshall/County Action

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BOY, has El Dorado County made strides in caring for our homeless population. The following is an update from those from Marshall Medical Center who have taken on the burden of caring for our homeless population.
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Care Coordination for Vulnerable Populations (CCVP)
Population Health Division
 Shaunda Crane, RN, MS, PHN, CWCN, S-FNP
 Director of Care Coordination for Vulnerable Populations
 
 August 2020 OVERVIEW: Care Coordination for Vulnerable Populations (CCVP) is an expansive interdisciplinary program Led by Marshall Medical Center, strategically reaching our most vulnerable populations in El Dorado County. These navigation support programs reach those that present the highest risk for health complications, unmanaged chronic conditions, and other social complexities that impact all in the county. To date, multiple projects are established and growing.

The Director of CCVP, Shaunda Crane, RN, MS, WOCN, S-FNP, has established and oversees multiple programs for Marshall Medical Center and Et Dorado County that align with El Dorado County’s Community Health Needs Assessment and strategic plan that was presented in January of 2020.

GOALS: 1. Provide coordinated care to vulnerable/low income populations such as our unsheltered/homeless, the elderly, women, and latino communities 2. Increase community collaboration in mental, behavioral and physical health, support family planning, coordinate effective social services, and improve environmental outcomes in our communities.

 
                                  Team in the field
 
PROJECTS:

State Program; Project; Roomkey & Navigation Program: The state funded motel housing program for the most at-risk homeless populations likely to suffer dire consequences and incur significant medical costs if they are positive for the Covid19 or another complication. El Dorado County supports CHWs, the Sheriff’s Department and the Navigation Program, incorporated into Project Roomkey to further support our most vulnerable.

Marshall Medical Center: Community Health Workers (CHWs): Trained community volunteers who support and guide our most vulnerable populations related to securing health insurance coverage, income, housing and all that impacts such areas for success.

Multi-visit patients (MVP): Identification of the highest utilizers of the Emergency Department that could have been managed at an outpatient/community outreach capacity.

AUGUST HIGHLIGHTS FOR OUR COMMUNITY:

3 unsheltered individuals have found long-term housing.

16 unsheltered individuals are “document ready” for long-term housing.

2 women have successfully coordinated appropriate family planning.

1 elderly woman has successfully found safe housing.

4 CHWs have been trained on HMIS.

11 CHWs are coordinating with county and veteran agencies successfully.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVEMENT: The cost of the current Care Coordination program is very low. Through one program director, 11 volunteers and engagement from multiple agencies, the only additional expense is related to wound care supplies and transportation costs. Lack of transportation to and from medical, legal and other appointments is an ongoing barrier for our vulnerable populations in a rural county such as El Dorado. The program needs vehicles in which designated drivers could help clients travel to and from appointments, receive wound care and other health assessments could be administered privately, and confidential areas are available for clients to engage in the support they are seeking. Further, the program will be more effective and efficient if a grant specialist is regularly engaged.

Shaunda Crane
scrane@marshallmedical.org
 
We give a special thanks to Dr. Martin Entwistle, Administrator of the Marshal Medical Center under whom this program flourishes.
 

Community Partners

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Meaningful dialog between
Community partners who care.

 

Boy Scout Troop #700 from the Rescue area took it upon themselves to do something for our citizens who are living on the “edge.” Those surviving on our streets and in our wilderness areas with little to nothing. Socks, colored “T” shirts and “Jeans” are a necessity to both the women and the men who are homeless.. Troop #700 took it upon themselves to do a collection of just these critical items to help their fellow beings out.
 
              

Troop 700 contacted JSS to do the distribution to the homeless population for them.

              
The used clothing and used socks have been completely washed by the Scouts family before delivery to JSS. The distribution will be done with “social distancing” in mind and without allowing our clients to “Rummage” through the clothing. Items will be held up and our homeless population will be offered each item being offered.

THIS IS COMMUNITY IN ACTION!

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How about our homeless community and the up-coming cold weather?
Well I have heard of many proposals, wishes, conjuring, praying for a solution to the homeless in the winter. But nothing nailed down by the Health and Human Services has arisen. The “Room Key” project (A County supported project) is attempting to get funding so they can continue housing those who are now enrolled and adding more to that program.

There are many involved in the “Room Key” project from both the west slope as well as the
So Lake Tahoe basin.
“God bless you guys! For sure!

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The “Faith Community” on the western slope cannot take care of those in the community who can’t care for themselves. They do not have the space available, the finances, will, or the personnel to run a winter shelter. Only two non-profits in El Dorado County have the finances and influence to make a difference and neither are interested in caring for the homeless population in general.

County report & County obligation

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Came out of a meeting on Friday involving the County Human Resources, the Covid-19 Response Team, and enduring the long bureaucratic reporting necessary to manage Homelessness in our County. A CoC/EDOK meeting. JSS has been involved since 2006 and was involved in the CoC in 2011. JSS is back again in the CoC.

The major issues:

The County Board of Supervisors has not issued any directives to the County Health and Human Resources to begin planning on what the County is prepared to provide for our homeless population during the winter months. As the County works, it will take 3 months for the County to plan on a course of action as well as determine how it will be funded. You are strongly urged to contact your Supervisor NOW and demand that planes begin now on this issue and be implemented in November.
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Covid-19 among the homeless population is reportedly quite small compared to the 600+ homeless in ED County. Less than 10 persons among the homeless have shown symptoms of the virus. A considering facture is that most, if not all homeless are concentrated on the outside where the virus can dissipate, and not contained in enclosed spaces where the virus lives for a longer time.

The Covid task-force that are handling the “Room Key” home;ess project should be commended.They have housed 20+ person that were deemed to be the most “at risk” as well as the most cooperative to be managed by the task-force. This at a cost of $392,000.00 for the three-month period. Now we have the biggest question; Can the County concerns for their citizens, as well as coffers, maintain this expense that is covered mainly by “Grant” monies from State and Federal governments? Do our most disadvantaged citizens who are where they are now due to being unprepared for their future and find themselves homeless, deserve love and kindness?

Overall, the Tahoe Homeless Coalition, has the best handle on the Homeless problems in their domain.. There city government and their community supports and backs their recommendations.
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Hygiene

Your on the front line of caring

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JSS is your arm on the front line of caring for “those who have the very least.” You, through JSS, are at the Upper Room twice a week distributing the necessities one needs to survive on the street or in the woods, along with the food provided by the Upper Room.  JSS is in direct contact, with your sisters and brothers “Who have the very least.”
 
Colleen visits every Thursday. And along with the general necessities, she also distributes masks to our sisters and brothers “Who have the very least.”
 
Brian visits every Monday to distribute the necessities. Our friends in need vary on who wear masks or not. I have observed that the “cleaner” the recipient is in their upkeep, the more likely they will wear a mask.
  
John is the one who keeps track of what we are running out of as well as controlling our supplies that we give out. Brian and Colleen both draw from the stock supply that John maintains.
 
Then we have the Secretary, Doris, then President, Ron,
and the Treasurer, Fred.

And very most importantly we have you, the breathing body of JSS that keeps us in the fight for decent care and understanding of those in our community “Who have the very least.”
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Praise for the “Covid-19 Homeless Community Planning Team.” A group headed up by Marshall Hospital and inclusive of many groups in protecting and isolating those in the homeless community who are at greatest risk of catching and spreading the Covid-19 virus. This group is dominated by those groups that have the most experience with this virus on the east slope of ED County but are housing this vulnerable population on the west slope of ED County. JSS started out working with this group but has been phased out by the group for reasons of “efficiency.”

Can this program “morph” into a permeate program for our most venerable and cooperative homeless population? Equipping them to manage their lives better?
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It appears that the County Government is following the lead of our County Sheriff, who has indicated, through his head deputy of the H.O.T, that there will not be any permeate shelter or gathering place for those in our community who “Have the very least,” our homeless population. As stated by his lead deputy of H.O.T, (I’m paraphrasing,) “If the Sheriff says no, it won’t happen.”

So, for you and JSS, and others like The Upper Room, Don and Peg of Community Haven, and those who volunteer so faithfully throughout the winter months as well as the rest of the year, we have to continue to do what is right and what some describe as their God’s commandment and will. Our County “Health and Human Services” employees do what they can, with their limited resources but they can’t keep this population warm and fed.

It is going to be cold and wet these coming months. Those without resources are just going to freeze. That is the prognosis as it stands now.
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Oh’, By The way. JSS needs a van or SUV in good running condition to supplement the cars we have to use to offer what we have to give out. If someone has one, they can donate it to JSS who would be Greatly grateful.
Ron