Meeting needs at Street Level PARTNERSHIP BRINGS RESOURCES TO THE UNHOUSED
ANATOMY OF A STREET LEVEL VAN A CASEWORKER’S OFFICE ON WHEELS
Equipped with Wi-Fi, a laptop, printer and phone to allow the Street Level team to help individuals and families with paperwork, online applications and more from the field. IN THE FIRST YEAR, Street Level teams engaged 2,229
T
people across the four California communities, and distributed health information to 605 people along
HE STREET LEVEL homeless outreach initiative has
with 21 referrals to medical assistance.
helped build relationships with those living on the streets since its 2019 launch in Seattle, connecting people with resources with the long-term goal of achieving housing. In 2020, The Salvation Army secured more
than $1 million in grant funding from Dignity Health to expand the
program to four California communities: Central Valley, San Joaquin County, San Bernardino and Central Coast (including San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties). In those communities, caseworkers drive the Street Level van to
encampments and areas where those who are unhoused live and congregate. They build rapport through consistent presence in the clearly marked van and by offering items, including food, water, hygiene supplies and socks—all made possible through generous partners. When people feel more comfortable, the team can then ask for contact information and work to connect them with services to start the process of finding long-term housing. “One of the reasons we believe the Street Level model is so effective is because the first touch engagement is with someone who has had access to the system themselves,” said Sabrina Kiser, Western Territorial Social Services Director. “It’s about the relationship first. It’s about
Clear labeling for awareness of who is assisting to aid in relationship and trust building
offering a cup of coffee or water, and just saying hello.”
“We have been working together on efforts to address rural homelessness along with developing a collective response to COVID-19. The Salvation Army partnership seems boundless given our shared mission, vision, values and focus on serving those who are vulnerable.”
—ASHLEY BRAND Dignity Health System Director of Community and Homeless Health
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CARING 2022
