It is that time of the year again, the temperatures routinely drop and our communities most vulnerable are left cold. Typically, a city the size of Charleston, WV would operate one or two Low-Barrier Shelters that would take individuals in with minimal intake or restrictive regulations to keep individuals safe from predators or the elements. Charleston has no low barrier shelter, and shelters in town typically stop intakes in the afternoon with fewer available beds than interest.
Charleston Area Warming Centers are approved to be opened by the City of Charleston when the temperature and windchill threatens to be below 15°F. Without any additional support, community organizations take up the responsibility and staff, operate, oversee, and fund warming centers. The Salvation Army of Charleston, WV provides space, the United Way of Central WV provides recruitment of volunteers, staff and administrative support, and the Kanawha Valley Collective provides expertise, organization, and staffing. Volunteers come from all walks of life to prepare food, clean, sort donations, or to have a friendly conversation with residents.
It has been Cabin Creek Health Systems unique privilege to provide medical services during these events. This year has seen some rough weather for those who are unhoused. Last week as the snow fell and most reasonable people went home to avoid the roads or the cold, Josha O’Dell, Angie Mullins, and Bernard Slater went to work. Without disrupting daily care, the CCHS Mobile Health Team provided life saving intervention well into the morning hours. Far too often traditional systems of care such as the Emergency Departments simply do not treat this population, or they are treated with such disrespect they do not seek care. Having a team in the field allows for health needs to be met but also gives opportunity to improve the relationship that the patient has with the healthcare system.
Working these events to only get up and report to work on time the next morning can be physically draining, but they are also emotionally taxing. I believe it was well stated by Josha last Thursday night after checking in when he got home, “The way people live?” It is a lot of humanity in one place; good, bad, ugly, and beautiful represented at one time. It illustrates the resiliency of the population. It is inconvenient to be homeless, uncertainty is commonplace. Uncertainty about your next meal, where you will sleep, whether or not you are safe, who would help you if you were sick or infirm. The Mobile Health Team and our partners answer those questions when we can. I am thankful and proud that CCHS provides certainty to all patients daily, and on the coldest nights of the year.
