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Health Matters: Providence Humboldt County | 11 epidemic, it was eventually repurposed to help address chronic homelessness in our area. THE VISION BECOMES A REALITY Two existing motel buildings were rehabbed and now provide 42 studio apartments. A third new building was constructed for six recuperative care rooms, offices and common areas. Residents of the recuperative care units are referred from hospital care and receive support from CARE Network nurses, social workers and community health workers, for stays of up to six months. Today the two Providence divisions continue to work in partnership to support the Humboldt County community. The hospital's CARE Network team acts as the lead services partner to the property management side, handled by Supportive Housing. Along with providers from the City of Eureka and Humboldt County, everyone is helping to address individual resident mental health and behavioral challenges to promote housing stability. "We are providing dignified care while creating a community," says Shanahan. "The team on the ground are the ones who make this project work. Their interaction with residents is so supportive and compassionate, while maintaining appropriate boundaries for the safety and well-being of all residents." As part of the plan, the house offers classes like art therapy and cooking on a budget. These create opportunities for residents to interact and build their own community. WIDE-RANGING BENEFITS The success of Mother Bernard House has also brought huge benefits to the community at large. The new construction, landscaping and sidewalks have brightened up the neighborhood, making the area more walkable. Having 24/7 security at the property improves safety in the surrounding neighborhood. "Another ancillary benefit is that once people get housed," explains Shanahan, "they begin to take care of their chronic health conditions, so over time there is more use of primary care and less use of the emergency room and fewer hospital admissions, because things are getting managed more appropriately." Zaricznyj agrees, adding, "Providence is making a significant impact on our community beyond just delivering acute care. It's also improving the lives of the poor and vulnerable by addressing the social determinants of health." Studies of similar housing initiatives around the country demonstrate that formerly homeless residents can achieve stability, experience improved health outcomes and reduce costs for the institutions in the community that serve them. Importantly, it is the embodiment of what the Sisters who first came to this area strived to do, which is care for those who are most in need. As Shanahan expresses so beautifully, "We're not going to solve homelessness, but we can try to ease the way for people who are suffering." Mother Bernard House is a true testament to the Providence Mission. For information about requirements to be considered for housing at Mother Bernard House, call 211. If you would like to contribute or be a volunteer, go to providence.org/ supportive-housing/find-a-place-to-live/ mother-bernard-house. WE ARE PROVIDING DIGNIFIED CARE WHILE CREATING A COMMUNITY. THE TEAM ON THE GROUND ARE THE ONES WHO MAKE THIS PROJECT WORK. MARTHA SHANAHAN Mother Bernard House staffers Sean Foreman, Jesse Summerson, Joy Victorine, Sharon Beery, and Tiffany Stronhbin COMMUNITY HEALTH

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