City of Hood River Provides Outreach to Those Experiencing Homelessness
Hood River (OR) — To help individuals overcome barriers to housing, the City of Hood River has contracted with a licensed clinical social worker to provide direct outreach to individuals experiencing homelessness.
Social Worker Alisa Fowler was lead program coordinator for Gorge Outreach (a program of Community Action Partnership of Oregon). Gorge Outreach began in the early days of the pandemic to provide temporary housing to the houseless community through hotel vouchers. Working in the Mid-Columbia region since 2017, Fowler has two decades of professional, educational and volunteer experience as a therapist and service provider. She specializes in mental health and housing with a commitment to the model of “housing as healthcare.”
“Individuals and families served through this program meet the HUD definition of homelessness, sleeping outside in tents or on the street, in vehicles or RVs with no utilities, in places not meant for habitation,” Fowler explains. “Community members living ‘doubled-up’ or ‘couch surfing’ are also eligible for case management assistance through Gorge Outreach.”
Following the success of the initial outreach program and with a grant from Providence Foundation, Hood River Mayor Kate McBride convened a stakeholder working group to assess services available to homeless individuals and identify gaps in services. Outreach services was one of the gaps identified. Using remaining grant funds, the City of Hood River contracted with Alisa Fowler to continue providing this service part-time.
Fowler relays that in the first six weeks of the City’s program, 33 individuals have been contacted by referral or street outreach. Ten households are actively engaged in housing placement and case management services. Other contacts are in the process of program enrollment, have declined services at this time, or are already connected to ongoing housing placement services.
“We have more work to do to effectively address the complex issue of homelessness, but I am so pleased in how the community came together to work through this issue,” Mayor Kate McBride said. “And I’m pleased that the City of Hood River stepped up to continue outreach services that were so effective during the pandemic.”
Pictured: Social Worker Alisa Fowler showing supplies she carries in the back of her vehicle for her outreach work
Pictured: Fowler’s car is packed full of supplies at the Hood River Warming Shelter.
Fowler’s case management includes linking individuals to social services and healthcare providers, opportunities for placement in permanent or transitional housing, and basic needs resources such as food boxes, hygiene supplies, clothing and winter gear. Supplies have been purchased with grant funds or received through donations. For those wanting to donate supplies, contact Fowler directly. She also works with individuals to identify barriers to housing (such as lack of current ID or recent rental history, poor credit or insufficient income) and how to overcome those barriers. In addition to direct outreach, data on the homeless population is collected and reported that could help the community secure federal funds.
Chief Neal Holste of the Hood River Police Department is eager to collaborate more with Fowler. “I’m excited about Alisa’s passion and experience to address some of the challenges law enforcement encounters when responding to homelessness concerns,” Chief Holste said. “Alisa’s community involvement and knowledge of available resources provide resources beyond the scope of law enforcement.”
Hood River County residents experiencing homelessness and community partners seeking basic needs and housing assistance can contact Gorge Outreach by leaving a message or text at 971-238-4438 or emailing gorgeoutreach@gmail.com. Hours and availability vary depending on scheduled outreach activities, severe weather response, and collaborations with community partners.
The City of Hood River homelessness stakeholder group will reconvene in February to prioritize long-term action items. Long-term actions include identifying a lead organization to provide homeless services.
