As the temperatures drop in northern Arizona, Catholic Charities is increasing its efforts to seek out the homeless in the area. Recently, Catholic Charities homeless program welcomed two new members to the team, Patricia Jacques and Merideth Earles.
Homeless Outreach
Jacques and Earles will join the team as a Homeless Outreach Supportive Specialists. They are being trained and taken on outreach jaunts into areas where homeless individuals are living in forests, under bridges and other popular places.
Jacques (pictured on the left) will serve the homeless in Mohave County and Earles (on the right) will serve the Prescott area. This will be the first time PATH will have coverage and full time staff in these areas.
PATH Training
Catholic Charities homeless program utilizes specially trained staff and volunteers to connect homeless people who are mentally ill with psychiatric treatment and housing. Staff engage with potential clients by building trust, distributing information and life-sustaining items such as tents, sleeping bags and water.
“Training included administrative duties, technology set up, understanding operations, setting up regional planning goals, shadowing PATH Walk-In office hours, shopping for start up outreach kits, enrollment and shadowing an actual intake, the importance of financials, Q&A, and actual PATH Outreach at a few campsites” said Rick Brust, PATH Outreach staff.
Building Trust
Once trust has been established, staff offers referrals, transportation to mental health treatment and shelter. Outreach efforts are conducted in all of Coconino County and parts of Yavapai County and Mohave County.
“After their training, they had both expressed their excitement and anticipation to get the ball rolling in their regions,” said Brust.
If you are interested in joining the Catholic Charities team take a look at open positions on our Employment Page.
Your donation helps Catholic Charities continue to reach the homeless. Please consider a one time or monthly gift.
