Twice a week in church parking lots, Topeka’s homeless population finds help through an array of services offered collectively – with purpose – by local partners. Through the Mobile Access Partnership (MAP), homeless individuals receive hot showers, warm meals and clean clothes, along with primary care services and immunizations for themselves and even their pets. They can also charge their phones and access supplies donated by local companies ranging from sleeping bags and tents to sunscreen and packaged snacks. MAP partners include the Topeka Rescue Mission, Valeo Behavioral Health Care, Stormont Vail Health, the Shawnee County Health Department, the Topeka Police Department, the Salvation Army and the Street Dog Coalition, which provides health services for pets of the homeless. An average of 45 to 70 clients seek MAP services each day the site is open. Since the program’s inception in 2021, 1,600 people have been identified as new service recipients. Bill Persinger, chief executive officer of Valeo Behavioral Health Care, says the community collaboration strengthens clients’ social, mental and physical well-being.
Source: KLC Journal
