03 ATTACHMENTS - Laserfiche WebLink

Alcohol and Drug Treatment There are sixteen residential programs for alcohol and other drug treatment programs in Alameda County. These include 3 -5 day detox programs and short (30 -90 day) and long -term (6 to 18 months) residential treatment programs. Many beds in these programs are funded by the County and are available to people with very low incomes. The County funded slots include beds for men, women and special programs for women with children. No County beds are specifically dedicated to homeless people, although the County estimates that as many as 62% of the people in the County reimbursed treatment facilities may be homeless. In a study of people in alcohol treatment programs, homeless clients presented a more complex clinical picture than did others. They had more severe and chronic alcohol problems, co- occurring drug dependence and poorer mental health status. This study suggests that homeless clients are likely to require a broader array of therapeutic services and perhaps a lengthier intervention that are usually available in traditional alcohol treatment programs. Staff at the County Department of Behavioral Health Care Services cite three primary needs in the housing of homeless addicted people and their families: 1) an increase in the number of beds in residential recovery facilities to meet the needs of homeless people; 2) supportive transitional housing to provide clean and sober living /life skills needed to live independently; and 3) supportive permanent housing for those not able to stay clean and sober and housed in the community at large. Health and Mental Health Care Health Care for the Homeless operates a mobile health team that goes to the sites where homeless people gather and provides a range of health services to them. In 2003, Health Care for the Homeless provided 31,090 "encounters" (consisting of primary care services, alcohol and drug services, and case management services) to 6,550 different homeless individuals. Local clinics, such as Berkeley Free Clinic and the Tri -City Health Center also serve homeless people in addition to the general low income population. For those who are eligible, MediCal provides health coverage which allows patients to see doctors throughout the community. Transitional and ongoing mental health care is provided through Community Support Centers and through transitional programs, multi- service centers and local health centers. There are limited Community Support Centers in Alameda County, several of them are in north county, one is in south county and one in east county. Permanent Housing and Services: Ongoing Support for Self Sufficiency Permanent Supportive Housing While self sufficiency is the ultimate goal of EveryOne Home, those with serious disabilities (often the most visible homeless) may require long -term support services linked to permanent housing if they are to avoid a repeat of homelessness. The Alameda County Shelter Plus Care Program is the primary provider of permanent supportive housing, with long -term rental assistance and services for chronically homeless people with mental disabilities, alcohol or other drug problems, and/or HIV /AIDS. The Alameda County Shelter Plus Care Program includes dedicated units throughout the Strategic Plan FY2010— FY2014 City of Pleasanton Page 27