Finding the Forgotten Engaging the Chronically Homeless By Tamara Wanner
About Me… Chronically homeless, mentally ill, drug addicted B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies, Education & Psychology, from Heritage University PATH Outreach Case Manager for CWCMH Yakima County Outreach Coordinator Professional Friend
Rules Have fun Learn stuff Ask questions at the end Let me know if you’re in the weeds
WHAT IS A HOME?
A hollowed out bush…? A tarp and some string…? A forgotten space in an abandoned building…? A space on a couch…? A collection of rooms…? A house that you rent…? The family estate that you own…?
A HOME IS… A place to keep my personal possessions. A place to invite friends and family. A place to return to at the end of the day. A place to meet my needs: food, shelter, rest. A place I can make my own. A place where I feel safe.
Homeless Populations Crisis Clients Couch Surfers Shelter Dwellers Squatters & Campers
Outreach Places Referrals Known Locations Scheduled Outreaches Pounding the Pavement Native Guides (Alpha Team) Camps & Squats Ask
TRANSTHEORETICAL MODEL Precontemplation Contemplation Planning Action Maintenance Lapse/Re-lapse
OUTREACH STAGES Engagement Trust-Building Accomplishment Trust-Transference
ENGAGEMENT
TRUST-BUILDING
ACCOMPLISHMENT
Treatment Plan Shelter & Housing Funding Health & Treatment – Physical – Mental Health – Chemical Dependency Education & Employment Psychosocial
TRUST TRANSFERENCE
Safety Rules Be locatable. Stay in a group. Constant vigilance. Be part of, not apart from. Weapons for which you qualify. Turn your clients into your allies.
“Boo!” Clap!
Q & A