Sam’s options had run out just as he managed to find a bed for the night at the local shelter. After speaking to a case worker, the next day, Sam obtains help from the Family & Children’s Services Homeless Outreach program just as the pandemic begins in March.
Although Sam feels reassured with his therapy, he still longs to find a place to call home. His case worker Don reaches out to other community organizations and essentially finds an apartment for Sam with the help of a federal housing grant. For this to happen was truly a gift for Sam to start a new life.
Sam is one of several clients the Family & Children’s Services Homeless Outreach team connects with thanks to telehealth services between the agency and John 3:16 Mission as well as an emergency shelter, which houses 55 males at the former Tulsa County Juvenile Detention Center. Using telehealth services, the Homeless Outreach team follows up with current clients and admits new clients as services are needed as well as connects them with a much-needed case manager and prescriber services.
The team obtains weekly client feedback regarding FCS telehealth and telephone services. Just as Sam did, many FCS clients have not only found relief from the stress of finding transportation to attend their appointments, but some find it easier to talk to therapists over the telephone versus meeting in person. Clients also adopt advocacy practices by finding local resources on their own. Obtaining help from Family & Children’s Services appears to be crucial factors in the client’s exit from homelessness because the agency offers an opportunity for them to build a new life.
