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Local ministries report increased rehabilitation entries and outreach to people experiencing homelessness
Summary
Speakers at public comment described expanded outreach efforts, recent entries to rehabilitation programs and plans for additional supportive housing and transportation services for people experiencing homelessness in Moses Lake.
During citizen comments, Joseph Moriarty of Moses Lake described recent progress in outreach to people experiencing homelessness and those struggling with addiction, reporting that four people had entered rehabilitation in the past week and a half.
Moriarty said faith-based efforts, including a Sunday evening service to engage people at the park, have averaged about 25–30 participants and have led to referrals for detox, 12-step programs or transitional housing. “We hope to be able to pick up anywhere from 6 to 12 of those that are used in the sleep center with the agreement that we would sign them out… and get them back in time at an appropriate hour,” he said.
Moriarty said local partners, including the rapid response transportation effort and a potential fiscal agent in Seattle, are in development; he also said Teen Challenge has expressed interest in opening a women’s recovery home in Grant County and that there is local interest in opening a men’s transitional house. He noted staffing challenges at some partner organizations driven by serious health issues among staff.
Council members asked about coordination with existing county and city service providers. A council member noted the city and county maintain a growing list of roughly 50 agencies providing services; Moriarty said his organization conducts intake assessments based on experience in transitional housing and attempts to match individuals to appropriate levels of care and build trust.
Council members and other speakers expressed encouragement about the reported progress and asked staff and community partners to continue coordinating on referrals and transportation options.
