H.O.P.E. connects with those in need
The Fairfield Police Department's Homeless Intervention team hosted its annual free resource event, the Homeless Outreach Partnership Event (H.O.P.E.), on Wednesday.
“The primary focus of the Homeless Outreach Partnership Event is to connect individuals and families either experiencing unsheltered homelessness or at risk of homelessness with viable opportunities for sustained living and help,” said Kelly Rombach of the department's Special Enforcement Division.
H.O.P.E. was developed to help overcome the challenges of homelessness in Solano County.
The event helps with these challenges by consolidating services in one area, networking between service providers, connecting city government with local providers, providing opportunities for walk-in treatments and triage, connecting people with services and benefits and providing substance use and behavioral health assistance.
“Fairfield police and fire departments responded to nearly 6000 homeless calls for service in 2022,” said Rombach. “Most individuals who experienced unsheltered homelessness in 2022 refused all shelter and other service offerings. H.O.P.E. is the `Super Bowl' of services intended to reduce human suffering, soften the community's fear of crime and make a positive difference for everyone.
“H.O.P.E. will impact homelessness with humanity and provide immediate opportunities to accept help.”
About 40 vendors volunteered their participation from both private and public sectors.
Some of those vendors included the City of Fairfield Homeless Services Division, City of Fairfield Police, City of Fairfield Fire, City of Fairfield Information and Technology, the Solano County Sheriff's Department, Solano County Mental Health and Substance treatment, Solano County Animal Control for animal vaccines, Assemblymember Jim Frazier's office, the Fairfield Unified School District, Community Action North
Bay, Resource Connect Solano
(CAMINAR), Shelter Solano, NorthBay Medical Center, Goodwill, Bay North Church and other faith-based groups and Safe Quest domestic violence assistance.