How Our Community Resource Center Supports Our Neighbors in Need During Summer
While temperatures in Pierce County remain relatively moderate in the summer months, it has become increasingly common to experience a fair share of heat waves. These extreme elements bring new challenges to our neighbors, especially those who lack stable shelter. At St. Vincent de Paul of Tacoma, Pierce County, we understand the added stress our neighbors in need face throughout this season. Read more about how services and resources provided by our Community Resource Center support some of Pierce County’s most vulnerable individuals and families.
Increasing Access to Basic Necessities and Beating the Heat
During the summer, the weather can intensify the need for basic necessities. Time spent in excessive heat can lead to dehydration, heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses. To prevent heat-related emergencies and simply the discomfort heat can bring, it is crucial that individuals have adequate access to hygiene supplies, nutritious food and hydration. To help support our neighbors in need throughout this season, our Community Resource Center (CRC) works to address these factors. Open every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, the Community Resource Center sees around 30 to 50 individuals each day with varying needs and requests. Those seeking assistance can receive bottles of water as well as hygiene kits on-site, if needed. A generous grant from Tacoma Pierce County Health Department contributed to the creation of 300 warm weather hygiene kits. These warm weather kits contain items like a toothbrush, lip balm, deodorant, hand sanitizer, sunscreen and more. While these items are commonly utilized in most people’s daily life without much thought, they can be a luxury to some and having access to them can make a world of difference.
In times of a heat wave, the Outreach Caseworkers at the Community Resource Center have provided a list of cooling centers in Pierce County as well as focused on the increased distribution of water bottles. During the heat wave in the beginning of May, our team handed out six cases of water to around 40 people!
Initiating Coordinated Entry and Keeping Neighbors in their Homes
Compared to housed individuals, those who lack stable housing are more prone to the dangers brought by summer weather. These individuals are left unable to seek refuge in a sheltered space, leaving them at a higher risk of heat-related ailments.
The Community Resource Center provides a centralized location and safe space that allows us to collaborate with other community organizations to provide services beyond our scope of expertise. One of those services includes coordinated entry which is the process of connecting those who are unhoused with access to resources and personal assistance in developing a housing plan. In May, 31 people engaged in coordinated entry for the first time at our Community Resource Center. This is the first major step in moving towards stable housing.
Another area of focus for our Community Resource Center is helping to keep individuals and families in their homes. We are all too aware of the toll both expected and unexpected bills can take. For our neighbors that are housed but are in situations where they are struggling to make payments, we are able to provide support in the way of utility and rent assistance. This can lessen the burden our neighbors face, leaving them with more wiggle room financially when dealing with future payments.
This summer and year-round, St. Vincent de Paul’s Community Resource Center works to provide hope and second chances to our neighbors in need. Together, we can increase the capacity of our support. Join us in lending a hand to vulnerable individuals and families. Please consider donating today!
If you’re in need of support, we invite you to visit our Community Resource Center from 10 AM – 3 PM on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Our Outreach Caseworkers are here to lend a compassionate ear and will work with you to address your needs. Additionally, we have more resources and information about receiving help on our website. Click the button below to learn more!