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President Paula opened our meeting on another glorious Tahoe summer morning.
Sunshine
- Continues for our Wendy. You are a warrior and we are here for you.
- Continued prayers for Jim Barr and family.
- Congratulations to Grandma Paula who welcomed her beautiful granddaughter, Adara Wren, this past week. Many blessings!
Guests: Heidi Proske. Hoping to see you again soon!
Invocation: Lydia’s words touched on the terror and panic that must be felt, finding oneself homeless. We must seek to develop compassion when we see people huddled in doorways or seeking a handout. “Be grateful for the home you have, knowing that at this moment all you have is all you need.” (Sarah Ban Breathnach) Reach out to those that work to alleviate this crisis in our country
The invocation was a perfect segue into today’s speaker and topic.
Program:
Marissa Muskat, hospitalist physician at Barton Hospital and Board member with the Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless, gave us a very informative overview of the great work and growth that has occurred in the organization since its inception 10 years ago. The initial program began in 2015 as a grass roots organization with the opening of the Warm Room. It was an overnight shelter 3-5 months/year, which included some basic services. 10 years later, 740 people were served in 2023-24 through the following programs: Homekey, Coordinated Entry, Emergency Shelter, Rapid Rehousing, and Arise.
The Homekey program began with 50 people enrolled, housed in the 3 motels which were purchased with funds from the State of California. The Coordinated Entry program is a collaboration with other agencies in El Dorado County which helps with transitional housing, guests staying with friends or family, help with rentals, and even help moving someone into their own home. Emergency Shelter helps to transition guests to more permanent housing. Rapid Rehousing shortens the period of time of homelessness. Finally, Arise Rapid Rehousing is primarily for those who face or are survivors of domestic violence.
Primary funding for the Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless comes from the Dept. of California Health Services that is transforming Medi-Cal to ensure Californians can get the care they need. It is a contract with California state Medicaid providers.
Dr. Muscat’s goal this year is to raise an additional $100,000 to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of TCH. (see flyer of an upcoming fundraising event in November). The Coalition is always in need of volunteers, supplies, and financial support. For more information on TCH, click here.
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