Saline County agencies share ongoing efforts with homelessness, mental health services

Stories of success and life change provided reprieve from much of the conversation about homelessness, substance abuse and mental health issues in Saline County during a public forum Wednesday.

The stories were an almost necessary pause from some of the harrowing realities discussed among those who showed up to the forum. Not long after hearing statistics on homelessness, high recidivism rates, and a look at challenges county agencies see day-to-day, the stories left the crowd of about 50 musing.

"We all, I think, have those success stories that show change is possible," said Chad Young of the Salina Rescue Mission.

Panel shares ongoing efforts to better the community

A seven-member panel discussed various aspects of agencies in Saline County and their response to issues in the community.

The panel consisted of Chad Young, executive director of the Salina Rescue Mission; Nathan Dickey, assistant county attorney; Cody Sparks and Shianne Davis from Central Kansas Mental Health; Officer Chris Venables from the Salina Police Department; Rachel Bieker from CKF Addiction Treatment; and Sergeant Tina Miller from the Saline County Sheriff's Office.

Each member talked about issues relating to their experiences in the community, and what programming or opportunities for growth are present with ongoing efforts. The panel provided insight on how mental health, homelessness, substance abuse and interactions within the criminal justice system are at play locally.

What is being done about homelessness?

Young began the evening by talking about the nationwide homeless crisis and how it affects the Salina community.

"What we want to remember is that there is a person behind the issue," Young said. "There is a real person who is going through real struggles who needs real help."

Young explained to those in attendance that the homeless crisis stretches far beyond the local community. There are many factors that contribute to a person becoming homeless, and to best help those in or near that situation, it is important to get at the root cause for individuals.

And that root cause is likely going to be different for two people in the same community.

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Some organizations at work on this issue include the Salina Rescue Mission, Ashby House, and the Domestic Violence Association of Central Kansas, which provide shelter and programs.

"Yes, we provide the basics, food and shelter, but the more important thing we provide is opportunities for people," Young said.

Employment programs, counseling, financial planning, healthcare needs and addiction treatment are all part of helping people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Mental health services and training are a large part of the effort

Sparks talked about how mental health issues are multifaceted and solutions are not simple.

Central Kansas Mental Health offers programs for treatment, but a large part of current efforts has been prevention of more serious issues.

"It's a lot easier to prevent a forest fire than put it out," Sparks said. "So that's kind of our philosophy, let's try and prevent the problem, get there first and intervene if we can to reduce recidivism in going to the jail or the emergency room."

Some services discussed Wednesday included: therapy, crisis stabilization, medication services, individual and group mental health in the Saline County jail, among others.

Law enforcement's evolving role in mental health crisis

It's common for the Sheriff's Office, county jail, Salina Police Department and community corrections to have a role in working with homeless populations in the community.

And with more training opportunities, Venables said, law enforcement is becoming better prepared for calls that involve individuals with mental health issues or special needs.

One program mentioned Wednesday was the Special Needs Alerts and Identification Program (S.A.Id) program of the Salina Police Department. The program provides first responders with the resources to identify and assist people with special needs in emergency situations.

People can register in the program to help officers know if they have a disability or special need ahead of time, so officers are prepared to respond to a call appropriately given the individual's situation. To register, people can visit www.salina-ks.gov/SAId.

Venables said local law enforcement has undertaken training and is committed to doing its part to ensure a safe community while recognizing what special needs may be present.

Other law enforcement focuses have been on reducing recidivism rates and implementing re-entry programs. Tina Miller of the Saline County Sheriff's Office described ways law enforcement can help inmates leaving jail and re-entering the community find their footing.

Some programs that are in current practice at the Saline County jail include bible studies, mental health group sessions, peer mentoring and employment programs for after jail.

The county is looking at expanding programming at the new jail to include more services like anger management, budgeting classes, yoga, art therapy and handheld tablets for access to various learning programs.

Note: The resources and programs mentioned in this story are not the extent of available help for those in the Salina Community. Those who may be in need of any services mentioned are encouraged to reach out to the Salina Rescue Mission at 785-823-2610 or Central Kansas Mental Health at 785-823-6322.

Kendrick Calfee has been a reporter with the Salina Journal since 2022, primarily covering county government and education. You can reach him at kcalfee@gannett.com or on Twitter @calfee_kc.

This article originally appeared on Salina Journal: How ongoing programs are working for those at-risk in Saline County