Dignity Health announces $1.6 million investment in the city of Sacramento’s homeless initiative

SACRAMENTO, CA, August 9, 2018 – Dignity Health Sacramento today announced a $1.65 million investment to address the needs of the homeless in the region, building on decades of support to this underserved population.

Dignity health will commit $1.2 million of the funding to continue operations at the city’s triage shelter on Railroad Drive for three months, from September to November, serving about 200 people. The costs of extending services at the triage shelter include re-installing heating units and the continued costs for community mitigation from the Downtown Streets Team. The remaining $450,000 of Dignity Health’s contribution will be allocated at a later time.

“Dignity Health is proud to support the city’s efforts to provide shelter to the homeless,” said Laurie Harting, senior vice president of operations for Dignity Health’s greater Sacramento region. “Housing is a key determinant in an individual’s health. Our investment in the city’s work to address this issue truly represents our core values and mission to care for some of the most vulnerable in the region.”

“Dignity Health’s generous contribution of $1.65 million will give hundreds of homeless people a chance to come indoors and to stabilize their lives,” said Mayor Darrell Steinberg. “The City of Sacramento appreciates Dignity Health’s leadership on both the Triage Shelter and in funding our Whole Person Care program. These innovative approaches are already proving that they can get thousands of people off the streets.” 

The health system’s investment of $1.65 million complements Dignity Health’s local community benefit contributions of $350 million annually on average. In FY 17, Dignity Health provided $2.6 billion in charitable care and services system wide. Dignity Health has invested in other programs that focus on the growing needs of the homeless including the Interim Care Program, in partnership with WellSpace and Volunteers of America; Housing with Dignity, operated by Lutheran Social Services; and Mercy Clinic Loaves & Fishes, in operation for many years. 

Dignity Health is also a partner in the City of Sacramento’s Whole Person Care program called Pathways to Health + Home. Dignity Health Mercy General Hospital is currently serving as the pilot hospital to refer homeless individuals into Pathways with a coordinated transition of care and services from the hospital into the community.