George James

The overall homeless population in Michigan has decreased for the third year in a row, according to an annual report released today by MSHDA (Michigan State Housing Development Authority) in conjunction with the Michigan Campaign to End Homelessness. “In the past year, we have seen drastic improvements in certain homeless populations, including a 20 percent decline in the area of the chronically homeless,” said Earl Poleski, executive director at MSHDA. “This annual report tells a story about our collective work, and the story is that we are making progress where it matters most.” The steady overall decline is largely due to the coordinated efforts of state and local partners and their ongoing commitment to prioritize those most in need using the Housing First model. In this model, people are moved to housing as quickly as possible while being provided a support structure that improves physical and mental health. “Housing is fundamental to the overall health and well-being of Michigan’s residents,” said Nick Lyon, director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. “Our department manages more than $30 million in funding for outreach, shelter and permanent housing resources so that we can assist residents in removing any barriers to housing security.” Data suggests that a network of critical supportive services and transitional living programs are equipping youth with skills to better prepare for adulthood. The results show that since 2015 there has been a 10 percent drop in homelessness among youth aged 18-24. “In the [Transitional Living] program, I learned adult responsibilities and worked with a case manager who helped me understand rent, utilities, driving tests, budgeting and saving…I wouldn’t have learned these things living at home,” said a youth living in Livingston County who sought help at a local drop-in center. On the other side of the state, the Greater Grand Traverse Area Continuum of Care is earning recognition for being selected as a Youth Homelessness Demonstration Project (YHDP) site by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. This group is one of only 10 YHDP sites in the nation and one of four rural communities in the program. Michigan’s response to homelessness extends past housing. The Campaign is working with new partners in other sectors such as healthcare and employment to improve key social determinants of health and increase access to stable income. This is especially important because the statewide Homeless Management System (HMIS) shows the average income for a person experiencing homelessness is $649 a month, while the 2017 Census Bureau data puts median rent in Michigan at $835. In addition to rent overburden, action is needed to create innovative housing solutions for people with disabilities. The top three disabilities affecting Michigan’s homeless population include mental health (66%), physical health (39%) and substance use disorder (29%). In September, MSHDA’s Board approved more than $5.1 million in grants related to addressing homelessness, the bulk of that amount––$4.8 million––went to Emergency Solutions Grants that fund work to rapidly re-house homeless individuals and families and homeless prevention efforts, among other services. “Each year MSHDA allocates more than $70 million in state and federal funding to help individuals experiencing homelessness with the end-goal of getting them into permanent housing,” said Kelly Rose, chief housing solutions officer at MSHDA and governor-appointed chair of the Michigan Interagency Council on Homelessness. “This report shows us that we are making an impact, but there is still work to be done.”

It is time once again to gather all of your unused, expired or unwanted pills and dispose of them properly. The bi-annual National Drug Take Back Day, sponsored by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, is scheduled for Saturday, October 27^th from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. The St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office will be participating once again, with disposal available at the main office, located at 1170 Michigan Road in Port Huron Township. “We encourage everyone to participate in this event,” said Sheriff Donnellon. “This is a perfect opportunity to dispose of your pills, so there isn’t a possibility for them to be stolen and abused or end up in our drinking water. To participate, all you have to do is bring the pills in their original package or a plastic bag. The main lobby of the Sheriff’s Office will be open. Just come inside, dump the pills into the container in the lobby. Pills are the only medication that will be accepted. No liquids, patches, syringes or inhalers can be accepted. Once the pills are collected, they are turned over to the DEA for disposal by incineration. The St. Clair County Health Department will also be on hand for the event. They will provide literature on proper disposal and storage of medications, along with information the Naloxone program run by the Health Department. This is the 16^th time the Sheriff’s Office has teamed up with the DEA to collect pills. So far, more than 1600 pounds of pills have been collected and disposed of properly. Residents may also turn in pills at the Sheriff’s Office during normal business hours, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. For more information on the Drug Take Back Day, go to the Drug Enforcement Administration’s website at www.dea.gov.

As influenza activity picks up, the American Red Cross is urging healthy donors of all blood types to give blood to ensure a strong blood supply for patients in need. Blood and platelets can only be given by donors who are feeling well. One way to maintain health is to get a flu vaccine each fall. There is no waiting period to give blood after receiving a flu shot as long as the donor is symptom-free and fever-free. Stay healthy this flu season and make an appointment to donate blood by downloading the free American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Donors of all blood types, especially type O, are needed this fall after hurricanes Michael and Florence forced the cancellation of about 200 blood drives, causing approximately 7,000 units of blood and platelets to go uncollected. – Upcoming St. Clair County Blood Drives:

• Saint Clair – 11/1/2018: 8 a.m. – 1:45 p.m., St. Clair High School, 2200 Clinton
• Marine City – 11/4/2018: 8 a.m. – 1:45 p.m., Holy Cross, 618 South Water Street
• Marysville – 11/7/2018: 8 a.m. – 1:45 p.m., Marysville High School, 555 East Huron
• East China – 11/8/2018: 10 a.m. – 3:45 p.m., River District Hospital, 4100 River Road
• Yale – 11/8/2018: 8 a.m. – 1:45 p.m., Yale High School, 247 School Drive
• Port Huron – 11/14/2018: 8 a.m. – 1:45 p.m., McLaren Port Huron, 1221 Pine Grove Avenue