Help for the Homeless

Help for the Homeless

The coldest days of the year are approaching, and Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency (HHSA) is holding a donation drive for essential supplies for the local homeless community. Supplies collected will be distributed at Project Homeless Connect events in January, along with backpacks and other supplies purchased through the Capture Cares Project Access Care Kit (P.A.C.K.) grant funding.

"As we all recognize, our local homeless community often faces tremendous challenges to accessing even the most basic necessities,” notes Charles Felix, Tulare County HHSA’s Homeless Initiatives Program Coordinator. “We are hoping to tap into Tulare County’s tremendous holiday spirit to support those experiencing homelessness and supplement the efforts of our partners, who are doing great work serving this population."

HHSA is seeking donations of these items:

  • Socks
  • Hand warmers
  • Blankets
  • Flashlights and batteries
  • Wet wipes
  • Mylar emergency blankets
  • Female hygiene items

     

    Individuals who are homeless often struggle to access the most basic and essential goods and services. These essential items, along with other provided items, can help individuals who don’t have a home remain healthy, increase dignity, and foster a sense of well-being. HHSA is hoping to fill 500 backpacks to improve the lives of homeless individuals in our community.

    The Capture Cares P.A.C.K. grant funding addresses hygiene, safety, and public health concerns (by providing items such as sunscreen, toothbrushes, first aid kits, etc.) for homeless individuals. With these items protected in a backpack, individuals who are experiencing homelessness have easier access to better health.

    Donations can be dropped off through January 6, 2020, at these Tulare County HHSA locations:

  • “The Heart Center” (TPC-E), 6330 S. Mooney, Ste. 104, Visalia
  • CWS on South Mooney, 6520 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia
  • Hyde on Mineral King, 3500 W. Mineral King Ave., Ste. A and B, Visalia
  • Government Plaza, 5957 S. Mooney Blvd, Visalia
  • TulareWORKs Visalia, 1845 N. Dinuba Blvd., Visalia
  • Hillman, 1062 S. K St., Tulare
  • Porterville Government Plaza, 1037 W. Henderson Ave., Porterville

     

    For more information on the MHOT supply drive, contact Christi Hutson at CHutson2@tularehhsa.org or (559) 623-0650. For more information on our HHSA Homeless Initiatives, please contact Chaz Felix at CFelix@tularehhsa.org. This is a coordinated effort with the P.A.C.K. Project (https://capturecares.org/introducing-the-grant-recipients-3/).

     

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