Meridian Healthcare outlines $500,000/year SAMHSA grant for homelessness outreach in Putnam County
Loading...
Summary
Meridian Healthcare presented its TIA (Treatment for Individuals Experiencing Homelessness) federal grant — $500,000 per year, five‑year program — explaining local outreach work, partnerships with Grace Marketplace and the Putnam County Caring Coalition, and the interdisciplinary team delivering mental health, substance‑use and housing navigation services.
Meridian Healthcare returned to the Putnam County commission on Nov. 18 to provide an in‑depth update on homelessness outreach services funded through a federal SAMHSA grant known locally as the TIA grant.
Alan Pollan, senior vice president of clinical and community services, described the grant as a five‑year federal award that provides $500,000 annually to expand access to mental health and substance‑use care and promote housing connections for individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness. "It is a 5 year grant. It's $500,000 per year," Pollan said.
Pollan and program manager Lindsay Smith described the interdisciplinary outreach team — therapists, care coordinators, a peer specialist and dedicated outreach staff — who perform street outreach, assessment and intake, and referrals to local resources including Grace Marketplace and seasonal shelter partners. They said outreach occurs on Mondays and Thursdays with coordination among local pantries and the behavioral health consortium.
Commissioners pressed for local impact details. Pollan said at least half of grant resources have been spent in Putnam County to date and cited a case where the team helped a family of five secure temporary shelter and supportive services. Deputy Administrator Juliana Young and commissioners encouraged continued coalition meetings to identify gaps, align local partners and pursue additional funding.
Staff and Meridian agreed to continue participation in local planning forums and to provide contact information and referral cards for commissioners and the public. The board did not take an immediate fiscal action but directed staff to continue coordinating community outreach and to schedule follow‑up discussions on county support and advocacy.
