Thanks to the hard work of Latasha Marin, our Fresno Housing Homeless Pilot Case Manager, 103 homeless men and women residing in “Tent City” – a homeless encampment in downtown Fresno that was recently closed – have been provided intervention, case management, and housing assistance.

Last spring, our Sanctuary and Youth Services launched a collaborative effort with the City of Fresno and Housing Authorities of the County and City of Fresno to house homeless adults who were residing in “ Tent City”. The team originally planned on assisting 68 adults, but quickly realized the need for housing was much greater than they anticipated. As of January 31, 2010, 90 clients remained in housing. Two children were reunified with their families as a result of secure housing; 28 individuals secured income through employment, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), social security benefits, or other means; and five have enrolled in school. A transition plan is in effect for these clients to assume permanent housing or transfer to other transitional housing.

This special assignment allowed for Latasha to use her experience, expertise, and perseverance in serving the homeless population at the encampment. “I felt so proud knowing that I had a direct impact in the lives of so many people,” says Latasha.