Two organizations have given more than half a million dollars to help homeless people in Lane County suffering from mental illness or chronic health problems. KLCC’s Brian Bull reports on today’s press conference.
Kaiser Permanente Northwest and PeaceHealth announced the $590,000 gift to ShelterCare. The goal is to create short-term, transitional housing to people who lack shelter and need medical or psychiatric help. Clients will be moved to permanent housing within a year.
Cindy Williams told the crowd she’s not only president of ShelterCare’s consumer council, but is a former homeless addict.
“I was very lost," Williams recalled. "And ShelterCare came into my life and they gave me a place to live.
"I still had my behavioral issues, I still had my addiction, but they didn’t judge me. I’m so grateful because I’ve gotten over not only my addiction, in February I’ll be clean and sober for a year.”
Lane County’s latest point-in-time homeless count showed over 1500 people on the streets. Nearly half were struggling with substance abuse or mental health issues.
Copyright 2017, KLCC.
