Update: 6 Month Recap 2023

Some of you know I have been out of the loop for a few months. Thank you for persevering in the midst of some very difficult circumstances, grief and trauma. I wanted to circle back with you to let many of you know that there remains commitment to caring for our populations living in vulnerable states (ie, homeless). Many persons working in the government and private sector have continued to work hard to provide for our vulnerable neighbors. They deserve recognition even though most don't want it. I wanted to share some good news and resources that have come about due to the faithfulness and commitment of those of you who have prayed or worked directly alongside our homeless communities in need over many months and years: 

• January to June 2023: Twenty four nurses enrolled in the UWT BSN program were trained alongside homeless advocates, such as Paula & Lisa (Cornerstone Respite), Laureen (Elevate Health-Medical Respite Steering Committee), Janet (Medical Reserve Corps, Tacoma Pierce County Health Department), Gerald (Brotherhood Rise), Jay (Lived Experiences), Elliot (Greater Lakes) to research and provide evidence for the need for medical respite for homeless populations
•  Anton of Northwest Hospitality in Kitsap County has been helping train Olympic College Nurses in this area to care for homeless populations as well. 
•  Gerald of Brotherhood Rise in Tacoma is in the midst of providing a Tiny Home Village near St. Joseph's Hospital after receiving funds from a government grant 
• Duke of Tacoma Rescue Mission has been involved in moving forward on a Tiny Homes Village that appears to be getting closer to a reality: https://www.kiro7.com/news/local/plan-build-permanent-tiny-house-village-pierce-county-takes-another-step-forward/RKXEQYTCBJHVXO4A75UXZ7MD6Y/ 
•  Paula and business partner Lisa of Bridges of Hope have successfully provided care and advocacy for many homeless residents needing medical care through their Cornerstone Respite. Over $1000 and personal items from my husband was donated on behalf of my late-husband to this cause. 
•  Janet and Verna, Medical Reserve Corps nurses, along with Pacific Lutheran University nursing students have successfully been providing weekly foot care for nearly 10 months to the homeless residents of Tacoma Rescue Mission and Nativity House. 
•  There have been inclement weather listservs and weekly check-ins arranged by Tacoma Pierce County Health Department, Tacoma Pierce County Homeless Coalition and Lived Experience members where our neighbors living homeless have community members checking in on them and providing resources as needed. 
•  Numerous churches have stepped up to provide safe parking shelters for persons living vulnerable (not mentioning directly due to ensuring the vulnerable populations stay safe). More is needed, but there is action happening! 
•  There is a service provider involved in making a medical respite facility a reality-more to come-stay tuned! 
•  Please see the link for the new Homeless Outreach website from the Tacoma Pierce County Public Health Department-It is excellent. Jennie S. of Tacoma Pierce County Public Health Department and many others have been involved in creating the following website to help any of us in the community to help person living homeless-please review: 
•  New website for homeless service providers and advocates: 
• https://tpchd.org/healthy-people/provider-resources/homelessness-providers-toolkit/
• https://www.piercecountywa.gov/4118/Resources