Providence partners to address needs of
those who are homeless, amid pandemic
LOS ANGELES COUNTY -- Providence Southern California has donated $1 million to meet the mental and physical health needs of those who are homeless, partnering with public and private organizations to expand services as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
The funding will enable access to onsite health care at Project Roomkey sites in the San Fernando Valley and South Bay, under a statewide program that reserves hotel rooms as a temporary solution for the homeless. This vulnerable population is at heightened risk of contracting the virus.
To expand resources for homeless individuals and families, the California Community Foundation and the United Way of Greater Los Angeles, in partnership Providence, Cedars-Sinai Health System, L.A. Care Health Plan and the UniHealth Foundation, created Health Pathways Group. This coalition has raised a total of $2.5 million for projects in Los Angeles County.
“The goal of this team is long-term,” said Kelly Linden, chief executive at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Burbank. “Together, we want to build a sustainable system of shelter, health care and other resources for those in our communities who have no permanent home. We are fortunate to have partners that share our commitment to outreach to those who are poor and vulnerable.”
This is the second $1 million contribution Providence has made to efforts to provide integrated services for the homeless since the coronavirus hit Southern California. An earlier contribution helped provide COVID-19 surge capacity at Olive View, LAC-USC and Harbor UCLA county medical centers, and mobile health care in the Valley and South Bay.
“The pandemic has increased the challenges thousands face living on our streets or in temporary shelters,” said Garry Olney, chief executive Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Centers in San Pedro and Torrance. “We are committed to easing their way by addressing health needs as part of a program to integrate resources. By working as partners, we can address this critical issue holistically by sharing our individual expertise.”
About Providence Southern California
Providence Southern California is a not-for-profit Catholic health network with 13 hospitals and affiliated hospitals, more than 100 clinics, TrinityCare Hospice and its TrinityKids Care pediatric hospice, Providence High School, home health care services, wellness centers and numerous affiliated physician groups. Together these ministries, including secular affiliates and some representing other faiths, generate $7.5 billion in net revenue and have approximately 35,000 employees – called caregivers – and nearly 5,200 physicians on staff. PSJH Southern California is part of Providence, a health system of 111,000 caregivers serving in 51 hospitals, 829 clinics and a comprehensive range of services across Alaska, California, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas and Washington. PSJH strives to increase access to health care and bring quality, compassionate care to those we serve, with a focus on those most in need.
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