We understand health to include all aspects of life, including the social determinants of health, and relationships of support. When we speak of our “community health team”, we use this term to express that we aim at improving the health of the community as a whole, not only individuals.

Accordingly, we build long-term relationships through our drop-in, and through our connections with encamped people in the community, especially in the yard outside the church. Based on this, we work with people to identify their goals, and to assist them in meeting those goals. Our supports include accompaniment at medical, legal, and social service appointments; basic daily health supports; open-ended pastoral conversation; assistance in dealing with bureaucratic and other barriers to care and shelter; and, perhaps most of all, stable social connections without judgement or stigma. This is community-building work which may extend over months or years. We do not provide formal case management, but we do work closely with case managers as much as possible.