Madera County focuses on homeless population

The Madera County Department of Public Health has published a homeless needs assessment.

Key findings from the MCDPH Homeless Assessment: Access and Barriers to Care show that more than four in five homeless individuals have at least one ongoing health or mental health condition and one out of five cannot get care when sick/ill putting them a high risk for poorer health outcomes in the release announced May 18.

The assessment process involved reviewing data from the 2020 point-in-time count, Madera Community Hospital Emergency Room and Camarena Health Center. MCDPH also interviewed community leaders and collected surveys from the homeless population to better understand their needs. Based on assessment results and a survey of partners, several priorities were identified including a one-stop shop for services, centralized homeless data, mobile health, recovery beds, venue-intensive vaccines, crisis stabilization unit, and a sobering center.

Mattie Mendez, Executive Director for Community Action Partnership of Madera County (CAPMC) and Homeless Coordinator for Madera County states, “Madera County Public Health has provided the first comprehensive assessment on the issue of homelessness in Madera County. Together, with our community, and more importantly with those facing homelessness, we will develop strength-based strategies toward solutions for each individual and family.“

“A lot of good things are underway in Madera County such as new respite center led by agencies such as CAPMC, Madera Rescue Mission, and Hope House,” said Sara Bosse, MCDPH Director. “This assessment can help identify and fill existing gaps.”

The assessment is now available online at the MCDPH website.