California’s Homelessness Crisis
The nation’s most populous state has an estimated 161,000 people experiencing homelessness, more than any other state. A new federal report shows California’s homeless population increased by nearly 7% – from January 2019 to January 2020 – to an estimated 161,548. But these numbers have likely increased significantly due to the pandemic and subsequent economic crisis in the state. Care Podz is answering the call to action by partnering with local agencies to reduce the consumption of valuable emergency room resources, bring US veterans into affordable housing, and provide field based hygiene and health services to the streets.
A Growing Need for Healthcare and Humanity
2018 Statistics
There were 1,299 adults and children who were homeless during the point-in-time count according to the Ventura County 2018 Homeless Count and Survey. This number represents a 370 person increase when compared to the number of homeless persons who were counted in 2017, which was 1,152.
Ventura County’s homeless population rose for the third straight year, with a total of 1,743 homeless people identified in the 2020 count.
The 1,299 persons counted in 2018 represents the first homeless count increase when compared to the previous year since 2009.
Care Podz & Whole Person Care
The California Whole Person Care (WPC) pilot program is designed to coordinate health, behavioral health, and social services in order to improve the health outcomes of Medi-Cal beneficiaries who are high utilizers of the health care system. Serving as the central hub for field-based coordinated care, the shower and exam Carepodz are integral in providing a ONE-STOP solution to often fragmented services, improving care for vulnerable populations.
Our Partnership with Gold Coast Health Plan & VCHCA
Especially well-suited to serve homeless populations, Carepodz has partnered with Ventura County Healthcare Agency (VCHCA) to establish shower and hygiene services at Ventura River Haven, Santa Paula, and Fillmore in an effort to streamline access to available resources and bring them directly to those most in need. Outcomes have shown a reduction in ER utilizations by as much as $6.5million according to VCHCA.
Play Video
Hear the story behind our location at The Spirit of Santa Paula from 2017 Good Neighbor recipient, Kay Wilson-Bolton.
Guest Testimonials
“Hi Kay,
I’m just writing to say thank you for helping me along the way. Because of the shower program I was able to meet with people who were willing to help. I went to River Haven for a year completed it got housing and now I’m living in my own apartment in a very nice complex. I’ve spent years in homelessness now my whole way of life has made a complete change, I’ve been sober and drug-free well over a year and the blessings have come continuously again thank you I know the Lord has his hand over your life and mine... God bless you and keep you.”
- River Haven User
Award Winning Care
The WPC program and Care Podz recently won state wide recognition with a 2018 Quality Leaders Award for their outstanding effort to administer team-based, right place-right time care.