Health services provided for homeless families during winter in Newport News
Newport News has partnered with Riverside Health to provide crucial health services to homeless families during the winter months. Through the PORT winter shelter program, families receive not just shelter, but also on-site medical care from registered nurses. This initiative addresses urgent health concerns and supports families in need, especially as demand rises amid the ongoing housing crisis. Community forums are also being held to involve locals in discussions on homelessness solutions.
In a heartwarming move, Newport News has teamed up with Riverside Health to extend a helping hand to homeless families during the chilly winter months. This collaboration aims to provide essential services, ensuring that unsheltered families have a safe place to sleep, nutritious meals, and much-needed support.
The People Offering Resources Together (PORT) winter shelter program, operated by LINK of Hampton Roads, has become a beacon of hope for families in Newport News. Running from November through March, the program spans 20 weeks during the cold season, providing assistance to families that need it the most. With the current housing crisis pushing more people towards instability, the need for shelter services has never been higher.
In a generous partnership, Riverside Health has joined forces with LINK to bring healthcare services right into the PORT shelter locations. Every night of the week, a registered nurse will be present on-site to provide health screenings, care for minor illnesses and injuries, and offer vital referrals to further medical care when needed. Not only does this initiative provide immediate medical assistance, but it also ensures that families have access to health resources that are often out of reach.
Health experts have highlighted that individuals experiencing homelessness frequently face challenges related to both mental health and physical ailments. This nursing initiative addresses these concerns head-on. The nurses are not just there for regular check-ups; they actively screen for concerning illnesses, including flu and COVID-19, while tackling other health complaints that may arise.
Debbie Campbell, a vigilant registered nurse from Riverside Health, has reported that, fortunately, no major health issues have been identified among those who were screened. They come equipped with over-the-counter medications, supplying items that may be a luxury unavailable to many shelter residents. For those dealing with larger health concerns, arrangements can be made for doctor appointments, ensuring comprehensive care.
As the PORT program reaches the sixth week of operation, it has seen a noticeable increase in demand. Almost 300 individuals have registered for care, and the rolling average shows nearly 90 people served daily by LINK. Notably, there has been a surge in the number of women, families, and veterans seeking shelter, highlighting the urgent need for more support amidst ongoing housing challenges.
In light of these pressing issues, Newport News city leaders are inviting community members to partake in forums focused on the recently conducted Virginia Peninsula Homelessness Study. These engaging discussions aim to unpack the study results and brainstorm potential solutions to the problem of homelessness, ensuring that local voices are heard and valued.
Facilitated by Viam Advising, a Houston-based organization, the study sheds light on the number of unsheltered individuals residing in the area. Surprisingly, many may be your everyday neighbors, going unnoticed. Currently, an estimated 6,000 individuals in Virginia are homeless on any given night, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
To further tackle these daunting challenges, feedback gathered from community forums will contribute to a comprehensive report. Moreover, the Virginia Peninsula Homelessness Study Survey is open to all residents and workers within Newport News, Hampton, Poquoson, Williamsburg, James City County, and York County. This is an incredible opportunity for people to voice their thoughts and concerns while contributing to positive change.
With supportive initiatives such as the PORT program and community engagement, Newport News is taking meaningful steps toward addressing homelessness and providing essential services for families in need throughout the winter season. It’s a time to come together, support one another, and uplift our fellow community members.
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