Plans being made for Oaks Shelter residents
A number of Monroe’s community action agencies and partners met Friday to talk about the impending closing of the Oaks Homeless Shelter, 1018 E. Second St. They discuss relocation of shelter occupants. More meetings are planned.
In January, Pastor Heather Boone announced the shelter will close Feb. 17 due to lack of mental health support services and resources.
Earlier report:Oaks Homeless Shelter in Monroe to close Feb. 17
According to a news release issued by the Monroe County Board of Commissioners, the agencies and partners are actively working to step in to provide support and assistance to those individuals and families who will be affected.
On Friday, the Monroe County Homeless Network, including representatives from substance abuse and mental health agencies, met to address the issues and develop an action/response plan.
“The plan developed will provide support to house all current residents of Oaks shelter,” the news release said.
Oaks reported there were 31 individuals, comprised of three families and 23 single adults, housed at the shelter.
Alternative plans are in place to immediately house the three families upon the shelter closing.
“All residents will be triaged by Catholic Charities staff prior to Feb. 17 to determine if they are suitable for placement at other local shelters,” the news release said.
State funding has been redirected to allow for permanent immediate housing of those eligible, including security deposit and a minimum of first month's rent.
State funds have been redirected to provide short-term emergency housing for those with no alternative options.
Four residents who are not from Monroe County have requested to be returned to their home county. Transportation will be arranged.
The action plan meeting was organized by Salvation Army Harbor Light Director Jason Berry and included community leaders and stakeholders in homelessness, including the Salvation Army Shelter, St. Joseph Center of Hope, Monroe Community Mental Health Authority, Family Counseling and Shelter Services, Paula’s House, Monroe County Opportunity Program, Recovery Mobile Clinic, Professional Consulting Services with Michigan Department of Corrections, Fairview County Home, Recovery Advocacy Warriors and Philadelphia House.
“The outcome of this meeting was the groups were committed to ensuring the needs of those individuals currently at Oaks can and will be met by the community through their collective efforts. Whether the needs are for shelter, housing, food, substance or mental health counseling, their needs will be met by alternative agencies upon the shelter’s closing,” the news release said.
The agencies will continue to meet every Friday to ensure the placements and care of each of these individuals will continue to be met.
Monroe Community Mental Health Authority was scheduled to follow up Monday with Oaks to review the individuals who were identified with mental health issues to see if any interventions need to happen. MCOP leadership intends to stay in close communication with Oaks to ensure coordination.
Monroe County Board of Commissioners Chairman Mark Brant acknowledged and thanked the agencies for their rapid response.
“It is gratifying to see the quick and compassionate response from all of our community action agencies working collaboratively and jointly to ensure those in need are being supported,” Brant said in the release. “I want to thank them for their steps to create a response plan and ensuring these vulnerable citizens are not left behind.”
Brant has asked for weekly updates on how the support in the community is continuing to meet the needs of those impacted.
This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Plans being made for Oaks Shelter residents
