Homeless Families in Washington County Directed to St. Andrew’s Community Resource Center
Mahtomedi, MN (PRWEB) January 23, 2015 -- Homeless families in Washington County now have one place to call when seeking emergency shelter: St. Andrew’s Community Resource Center (CRC).
Washington County recently implemented a new system called Coordinated Access, a streamlined process that helps those seeking emergency shelter and housing options to get connected to the right services as quickly as possible.
The county named St. Andrew’s CRC, located in Mahtomedi, the point of access for homeless families with children who are seeking emergency shelter. Canvas Health is the contact for homeless youth while homeless adults are directed to Washington County.
“We’ve had a successful track record helping a large percentage of our families attain stable housing by the time they exit our program,” stated Liz Schreier, director of the St. Andrew’s Community Resource Center. “We are honored to partner with Washington County and continue to help all people from our area who are experiencing homelessness.”
St. Andrew’s CRC partners with Hope for the Journey Home in Oakdale for hospitality and overnight stays, as well as with some hotels in the area. Although this partnership has met with great success for people in the immediate area, Schreier says there are gaps in serving the overall Washington County area.
“Washington County is extremely large, and it’s difficult for families sometimes 30 miles away to move their entire family to a shelter in Oakdale,” she said. “We are looking for churches and organizations to help us in South Washington County as well as the north.”
Schreier added that they have had initial conversations with FLAMF (Forest Lake Area Mission for Families), a Forest Lake group of churches interested in partnering with St. Andrew’s CRC and helping provide shelter for families in need.
In addition to Washington County residents, St. Andrew’s CRC also provides emergency shelter to families of the White Bear Lake and North St. Paul school districts.
“We do not accept government funding, but we do accept the responsibility of helping our neighbors in need,” Schreier said. “It is a blessing to work with Washington County, and we believe together we are making a difference for families and individuals in our community.”
Washington County Coordinated Access
Youth: 651-251-5214 (Canvas Health)
Families: 651-762-9124 (St. Andrew’s Community Resource Center)
Single Adults: 651-430-6488 (Washington County)
http://www.co.washington.mn.us/homeless
About St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church:
St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church is located at 900 Stillwater Road, Mahtomedi, Minnesota. The church was established in 1922. This 8,000-member congregation exists so that the whole world will know the healing power of Christ's love. St. Andrew’s is known for relevant and powerful preaching, strong traditional and contemporary music, and impactful youth programs including special services for troubled youth. Its community resource center provides emergency and long-term services such as counseling, emergency shelter for homeless families, assistance with job searches, a free weekly community meal and more. Mission teams work in Slovakia and Jamaica. Through a partnership with Presbyterian Homes, St. Andrew’s Village offers independent, assisted living and memory care facilities. For further information, visit saintandrews.org or call 651-426-3261.
Joe Holmberg, St Andrew's Lutheran Church, http://www.saintandrews.org, 651-762-9116, [email protected]
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