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The Washington County Homeless Outreach Team was launched by city officials and leaders of the county on Monday.
The effort was created to connect individuals who are experiencing homelessness to resources and county agencies that can provide assistance.
Facilitated by the Washington County Behavioral Health Board, the team brings together law enforcement, medical providers, social service organizations and behavioral health specialists. The team of professionals will be available to provide a direct link to resources like housing, health care, employment support and addiction recovery.
"Our mission is simple but powerful - to improve the well-being of individuals experiencing homelessness by meeting them where they are and connecting them with medical, behavioral, and social services available in Washington County," said Tim Hahn who is the assistant director of the Washington County Behavioral Health Board and chair of the Homeless Outreach Team.
The team will provide outreach at homeless encampments and other areas in the county. Along with the outreach, there will also be a referral program which allows the community to contact any member about concerns for another individual. The outreach team will proceed with the referral by reaching out and ensuring the individual receives support.
"This effort is about compassion, coordination and action," said Marietta City Councilwoman Erin O’Neill, organizer of the former Marietta-Washington County Homelessness Task Force. "We want to break down silos and make sure no one falls through the cracks. Homelessness is everyone's problem, and this team represents our community coming together to address it head on."
The outreach team is working on creating a website and referral tools for the public to utilize. Community organizations are encouraged by the group to get involved.
For more information, visit www.wcbhb.org or contact the Washington County Behavioral Health Board at 740-374-6990.