Make a Difference with Mental Health First Aid Training
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If someone stopped breathing or showed signs of having a heart attack, most people know how to help. They’d administer CPR or call 911. But many of us don’t know how to help someone who may be experiencing a mental health crisis. Since May is designated as Mental Health Month, Integral Care launched this video to raise awareness about Mental Health First Aid – a nationally-recognized training that teaches people how to help someone who might be showing signs of a mental health issue. What are you doing for Mental Health Month? Register today for this free, 1-day class.
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Annual Point-in-Time Count Shows Uptick in Homelessness
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| In the early hours of January 27, 2018, more than 500 volunteers counted the number of children, families, and adults experiencing unsheltered homelessness throughout Austin/Travis County. Volunteers counted people in cars, tents, parks, under bridges, and on the streets.
Individuals experiencing homelessness, both unsheltered and sheltered totaled 2,147, reflecting a 5% increase from the previous year’s total count. Continue reading here to learn more about Ending Community Homelessness Coalition’s (ECHO) findings during the annual point-in-time count.
Many stakeholders participated in the annual point-in-time count, including Mayor Steve Adler and Mayor Pro Tem Kathie Tovo, both of whom voiced their support for an action plan to end homelessness. The Austin City Council subsequently approved to adopt ECHO’s Action Plan to End Homelessness at its April 26 meeting. |
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David Gomez is one of our Program Managers for Homeless Services and oversees the Programs for the Assistance in the Transition from Homelessness (PATH/ACCESS)* and Safe Haven programs.
For the past few months, David and his team have been working with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) team at IH-35’s many construction sites. Bridges and underpasses have become a place where individuals who are homeless sleep or spend their days. When a construction project begins in these places, construction workers typically remove all extraneous items from the site without finding out first if they belong to someone. Our PATH team is now coordinating with TxDOT at a number of construction sites to connect with individuals experiencing homelessness before his or her shelter and belongings are removed and temporary campsites are dismantled. |
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*PATH/ACCESS
program helps adults who experience homelessness, live with a mental illness and/or use alcohol or drugs get help and find
housing. Staff are in the community every day connecting people to Integral Care programs and other local resources. Staff also provide support to people experiencing homelessness in the community at places like the ARCH, Salvation Army, Caritas of Austin, Trinity Center, public libraries, food pantries and soup kitchens.
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Housing First Construction Update
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Housing First Oak Springs will provide crucial—sometimes life-saving—services to individuals with disabling conditions who have been continuously homeless for a year or more. It will help chronically homeless individuals
build their health and well-being so they have the foundation to reach their full potential.
Speaking of foundations… we are excited to report that the building foundation is progressing and construction is on schedule. |
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We know that housing is more than four walls. It’s the basic foundation for mental health and well-being.
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Sincerely,
Ellen Richards
Chief Strategy Officer
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Housing First Oak Springs is a project of Integral Care
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Housing First