Garden Pathways and Dignity Health to Pilot First-of-its-Kind Homeless Outreach and Intervention Program
BAKERSFIELD, CA – August 15, 2018 – Mitigating homelessness in Bakersfield poses a difficult challenge, but Garden Pathways and Dignity Health are piloting an innovative homeless outreach and intervention program that could be key to a city-wide model. This program will support current efforts in the community.
The Homeless Outreach and Intervention Pilot will target the area surrounding Chester Avenue, Golden State Highway and Union Avenue, building on the successful 34th Street Neighborhood Transformation Project that Dignity Health and Garden Pathways launched in 2013 that has helped avert criminal activity, engage residents in caring for their neighborhood, and supports Stella Hills Elementary students and their families.
This first-of-its-kind local targeted approach to homelessness identifies the risks and needs within a defined area. The results will inform a multi-disciplinary outreach team that will coordinate services for homeless individuals and families, such as medical and mental health screenings, enrollment in health insurance, aftercare, and access to other resources.
Dignity Health will provide $100,000 to support the Homeless Outreach and Intervention Pilot that will be managed through Garden Pathways. The program will provide a comprehensive assessment study to be shared with other community neighborhoods and businesses impacted by increased homelessness. The case study will be used to create a model for homeless outreach and advocacy beyond the 34th Street neighborhood.
Garden Pathways and Dignity Health will hold a press conference to kick off this new partnership.
Date: Monday, August 20, 2018
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: Weill Park - 2601 Q Street, Bakersfield 93301
Garden Pathways CEO and Bakersfield Mayor Karen Goh, as well as representatives from Dignity Health, will be available for interviews.
For more information please call Juan Avila, COO, Garden Pathways, Inc., (661) 633-9133.
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About Dignity Health Memorial Hospital
Memorial Hospital is a 426 bed acute care medical center offering a full range of services including the Sarvanand Heart and Brain Center, Grossman Burn Center, expanded maternity and family care, the Lauren Small Children’s Center, orthopedic services, wound care center, general/outpatient surgery, and 24-hour emergency care including the area’s only pediatric emergency room. Memorial Hospital is a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital and is home to the Bakersfield Ronald McDonald House. Memorial Hospital is a member of Dignity Health and is a trusted community partner, serving residents of Bakersfield and Kern County with quality, compassionate care since 1956.
Publish date:
Tuesday, August 14, 2018