For the sixth year in a row, the 2024 Summer Outreach Event brought together more than 60 agencies representing behavioral health, primary care and family support agencies to housing programs, medical referral services and free haircuts to raise awareness about the help available for those in need.
The event was held on Fifth Avenue SE in downtown Olympia, with the street closed in front of the Salvation Army and Habitat for Humanity offices.
“Today’s event is wonderful because it works to bridge the gaps in care for those who need it in our community,” said Amanda Martineau, a psychiatric nursing student, as she stood in front of the Salvation Army’s Administration office. “It is amazing to be here and work to provide help.”
“Today is a good day,” said Chris, a homeless person after receiving a haircut. “They are few and far between, and I am happy about this.”
Northwest Resources II made the outreach possible. It partnered with the Salvation Army, Arrest and Jail Alternatives, the Thurston/Mason Behavioral Health Organization, the Capital Recovery Center, Exceptional Foresters Inc., and the Family Education and Support Services and Innovations HTC. The event was free and open to the public.
A Washington State-certified Behavioral Health Agency, Northwest Resources II (www.nwrii.com) has been serving Thurston and Mason Counties since 1993, including Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, Shelton, Tenino, Chehalis and Centralia.
“Holding this event brings services to the community in one location and assists our community in connecting/accessing these services with ease,” explained Samantha Gilbertson, an intensive case manager with Northwest Resources II.
“The public will see a collaboration of agencies which help out community members improve their lives,” said Gilbertson. “There are resources in our community that are rarely accessed or could be of great service if the community knew about them.” She added that there were over 65 service providers on hand.
Lunch was provided for both providers and members of the community. Brian Johnson from Johnson Medicare Solutions supplied the providers’ lunch; Catholic Community Services provided lunch for those who attended.
“I wasn’t sure what to expect today,” commented Stuart Wilson, an Olympia Barber School student, as he cut a man’s hair, “but I am happy to see the number of people here learning more about what our community can do.”
Northwest Resources is planning a 2025 Winter Outreach Event at the end of January to coincide with Thurston County’s Point-in-Time Count Homeless Census.
For more information about Northwest Resources II and the numerous support agencies that can provide assistance to those in need, visit www.nwrii.com.
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