The need is so great and people were so appreciative…
Over 100 community members attended a special Compassion to Action event geared toward individuals who are without a place to call home, lack basic resources and have other unmet needs.
Every week our mobile outreach teams are in the community connecting with people…people who are struggling with challenges ranging from food and housing insecurity to substance use and mental health concerns. These individuals often have significant barriers to accessing community resources despite outreach efforts by our agency and other community providers.
How to address that? By bringing resources together in one location. Housing programs, employment readiness, medical services, clothing, insurance programs and behavioral health services were among the many resources available from Catholic Charities, CAPCO, JM Murray, Reach Medical, CHAMP, Cortland County Mental Health, and Family & Children’s Counseling Services. The event was purposely held in Courthouse Park in Cortland, a familiar location where individuals who are homeless frequently gather during the day.
Our Outreach & Engagement Services (OES) and Rapid Opioid Assistance in Recovery (ROAR) teams were the catalyst behind the event and pulled together the partners and necessary resources. Through word of mouth at homeless encampments and other locations, they let people know about the event. Catholic Charities and other agencies helped promote it through their programs as well. Throughout the day, peers and other
Staff from the Outreach & Engagement Services (OES) and Rapid Opioid Assistance in Recovery (ROAR) teams were the catalyst for the event and provided resources and support to those in attendance.
staff were available…chatting with folks and making them feel welcome. “Sometimes it is helpful to have a peer or someone with them to help with accessing these resources and having the ability to follow up,” shared Angela Romano, Outreach and Engagement Director.
Through a wonderful partnership with Cortland ReUse Center, suitcases, tents, sleeping bags, backpacks and other useful items were donated and available for those who could use them; in fact all the items were claimed before noon. Donated hygiene products were available as well. Food and beverages were offered so people could grab something to eat while they checked out the various resources.
“Thank you to everyone who helped to make our first Compassion to Action event a success. It was heartwarming to see how many needs were met and the impact that we made on the community by serving over 100 unique individuals,” shared Angela Romano. “It was also humbling to hear the gratitude from those who attended thanking us as we were packing up for the day,” she continued. “We hope to do this again.”
