The All In SJC newsletter is about communicating actions, ideas, policy,
research and stories about people who have been impacted by homelessness.
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Kids Are the Future
All In SJC February 2023 Edition
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Written by Jessica Nguyen |
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The phrase “kids are the future,” is as common as it is true. Unfortunately, there are youth across San Joaquin County experiencing difficult circumstances, such as homelessness. How does this happen? Some situations may include runaway
minors, youth who were abandoned, aged out of foster care, or have been released from the juvenile system with no place to go (calyouth.org). They are also more likely to have heightened risks of behavioral, mental, and health-related problems — including but not limited to — suicide and substance abuse (samhsa.gov).
This is why it is crucial for communities to work together to ensure that youth in tough situations receive support, care, and compassion so that they can live independent, healthy lives and successfully transition into adulthood. This is exactly what various organizations such as The Lodi House, Child Abuse Prevention Council (CAPC), San Joaquin County Pride Center, PREVAIL, and Children’s Home of Stockton (among many others) strive to do.
In this February edition of our newsletter, we feature an article sharing the experiences of homeless youth, highlight the incredibly impactful work of the Lodi House, and discuss homeless youth prevention featuring insightful words from the Child Abuse Prevention Council (CAPS). Keep reading to learn how our county comes together to support and empower youth.
Sources:
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Spotlight & Information & Organization Spotlight |
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Lodi House — The Lodi House was conceived to address the gap in support for unsheltered mothers and their children. The Lodi House is not an emergency shelter, but instead serves as a structured environment that provides specialized care to families and addresses their specific needs.
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Preventative Measures —
Youth homelessness is a prevailing issue, but how do youth become homeless in the first place? The most common reasons include: family conflict, alcohol or drug addiction of a family member, pregnancy, and rejection over sexual orientation.
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Homeless Youth — Homeless youths are among the most vulnerable populations in our county. The trauma of homelessness can lead to significantly higher rates of emotional, behavioral, physical and mental health problems. The Children’s Home of Stockton’s Catalyst Program and The Lodi House are some of the places in San Joaquin County that offer support, compassion, and the tools necessary to positively transform these young lives.
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Resources & Service Spotlights |
211 San Joaquin Call Center 2021 Annual Report is available! |
211 provides expert, caring help — No matter the situation, the specialists at 211 listen, identify underlying problems, and connect people in need with resources and services in their community that strengthen their lives. |
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- Tracy Police Department Introduces Familiar Faces Homeless Outreach Team
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The Familiar Faces program will serve as an initial call, triage level, and follow-up response team. Through their work of identifying, engaging, and assisting unsheltered individuals in the community, they will be able to build relationships and work with them to develop solutions that may include transportation to existing homeless services or health care providers.
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- City Awarded $8.2 Million for the Access Center
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The initial request was $5.3 million for the completion of the primary building and parking lot, however, staff also presented on the future phases, which included the Learning Center and exterior shade structures/courtyard at a cost estimated at $2.9 million. The City of Lodi was awarded $8.2 million for the Access Center project.
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- City of Stockton Request for Letters of Interest from Qualified Development Partners Seeking Match Funds for Potential Homekey Projects for Homeless Individuals or Families in Stockton.
- Homekey projects must provide housing for individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness or who are at risk of experiencing homelessness and who are inherently impacted by or at increased risk for medical diseases or conditions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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- The Clean City Initiative provides several free community recycling events and city-wide clean-up events throughout the year, mitigating illegal dumping and removing thousands of tons of trash each year.
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- The City has taken a strategic and regional approach to address homelessness by working with the City’s regional partners to direct individuals experiencing homelessness to resources within San Joaquin County.
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Kristen Birtwhistle
United Way of San Joaquin County
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Alex McBride
United Way of San Joaquin County
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Rebecca Ray
Family Resource Center
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All In SJC is Sponsored by |
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All In Project SJC Editorial Board:
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Betty Wilson
Business Council
Dana Sovinec
Mayor of Stockton’s Office
Jennifer Rhyne
City of Lodi
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Joan Singson
San Joaquin County Clinics
Hilary Crowley
San Joaquin County
Kayce Rane
San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office
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Marie Sanchez
Kaiser Permanente
Tammy Shaff
Dignity Health
Toni McNeil
Faith in the Valley
San Joaquin
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