September 2, 2022 Encampment Update (Pierce County)

Medical outreach continues despite the "official" end of the Medical Respite Steering Committee encampment assessment in July. Updates will continue to be provided as informational only and for the purpose of continued prayer for outreach workers and unsheltered individuals alike. Homeless outreach workers from Tacoma Rescue Mission (TRM), Medical Reserve Corps (MRC)/Tacoma Pierce County Public Health department (TPCHD), Pierce County Human Services (PCHS), Comprehensive Life Resources (CLR), Kitsap HEART team, Community Healthcare (CHC), Greater Lakes & others continue to reach out EVERY DAY as needed when needs arise among the residents living unsheltered in Pierce and Kitsap counties. KITSAP COUNTY: There has been no additional known need in Kitsap County. The Kitsap HEART team remains vigilant and responsive to the needs within their community, but if anyone in that area notices additional needs related to medical issues among persons living unsheltered, please post requests here. PIERCE COUNTY: Continued prayers needed for a woman of Hispanic descent who fracture her right ankle last week. She did not follow up with the Emergency Room as encouraged. It is a scary situation for those living unsheltered who do not speak English and are from outside the United States. Please keep this woman in your prayers for healing. Continue to also pray for the 60 year old wheelchair-dependent male with one leg who is on dialysis three times a week. (He was the person who received the electric wheelchair a couple weeks ago when his WC was stolen). I spoke with the dialysis center social worker who has been working with him today. Continue to pray for housing situation. Although he found a house to live in, with trusted roommates, the house is inconveniently located a greater distance away from his dialysis center which makes it more challenging for him to get to his appointments. A 65 year old male was seen today for lower wound infection from a formerly-fractured leg secondary to being hit by a motor vehicle. The infected wound was cleansed and wrapped with instructions to return to the area free standing MultiCare ER on Pacific Avenue nearest the encampment. He appears to need antibiotics at the very least. He is alert and oriented and able to ambulate with a walker and has several encampment neighbors who showed concern for him. TRM will be following up with him again next week. A second male reported a burn on his lower shin; manuka honey ointment was provided. Medical Reserve Corps Nurses are currently forming a medical street outreach group to continue to provide first aid as needed to our vulnerable neighbors living unsheltered. Thank you to all who continue to remain committed to providing compassionate medical care to those living unsheltered on the streets of Pierce & Kitsap counties.