Street Outreach

We go to the streets and we are always reminded of our humanity. Our goal is to go to people right where they are and provide necessities and support. Our community has been in a housing crisis for years even as the city booms and grows. Meanwhile in the shadows, hunched figures carry all they own in this world on their backs. Gaunt cheeks, worn shoes, and broken bodies. The very young and the very elder. Hunger and homelessness stalk our streets in the richest nation in the world. We connect with people right where they are building relationships, providing necessities, helping people access jobs, shelter, housing and more. We do this in the blazing summer heat and in the worst weather possible rain, snow, frigid temperatures, and even hurricanes.
street outreach
Beginning in 2017 the our efforts got even more organized forming the first homeless/formerly homeless street medic team in the nation to become the “first, first responders” to the Asheville community. Recognizing that “homelessness is the most fatal condition in the country” according to CNN, and after Janet Jones froze to death on the streets of Asheville, folks from BeLoved’s Homeless Voice team decided that it was crucial for folks living on the streets to be know what to do should a health crisis occur with someone on the streets. Training in first aid, CPR, and other health-related topics began with EMTs and registered nurses for our friends on the streets. A homeless/formerly homeless medic team formed who do “street rounds”–regular street outreach to those living on the streets.
street outreach
health on the streets
Our outreach efforts also work to create a culture of health and providing preventative care through sharing health and wellness supplies and health education. We began to hold Health on the Streets street health fairs taking place multiple times throughout the year. These efforts also support elders on fixed incomes living downtown, public housing residents, and working poor families and individuals as we meet them doing rounds in our community. We also support people in connecting to primary care physicians and formal healthcare institutions. And when needed perform life-saving care until the ambulance arrives in life threatening emergencies. We hold space for mental health and wellness and support in caring for both body and soul as we create spaces for compassionate listening and care for people struggling with anxiety, depression, and other struggles.
street outreach
street outreach
street outreach
street outreach
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