Latest news with #ECRC
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
To tackle homelessness, Los Angeles moves to centralize its response
The request came in June. A staff member for Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath emailed the county's newly established Emergency Centralized Response Center, asking for a cleanup of a reoccurring homeless encampment along a rail line in the San Fernando Valley. Joshua Chung, an analyst with the Emergency Centralized Response Center, or ECRC, said he quickly got to work. He contacted outreach workers at nonprofits in the area to compile names of people living at the Northridge encampment. He then coordinated with multiple county departments to see if there was a bed available for those individuals, and if they'd qualify for special services because of health problems or drug addiction. It was all in preparation for the day in late July when crews would arrive to the train tracks and throw away tarps and tents, and remove a makeshift electrical line residents set up to siphon power from the grid. Bernice Saavedra said she and her fellow outreach workers at the nonprofit LA Family Housing had around a month before the cleanup to contact residents and find them help. Before ECRC, she said they often had just a few days. Sometimes only 24 hours. "The more time we have to engage, the more time we have to have thorough conversations," Saavedra said. "There's a better chance of getting people indoors." L.A. County's Emergency Centralized Response Center launched in January with a goal of better coordinating the various efforts among different government agencies and nonprofits to clean encampments, get people healthcare and into temporary or permanent housing. The dispatch center was established following a request from Supervisors Horvath and Kathryn Barger and is part of a larger stated effort to increase accountability and coordination when it comes to homeless services, including a new county homeless department that will launch next year. In the supervisors' motion requesting the response center, they said there previously wasn't one entity tasked "to oversee and direct daily operations for unhoused individuals across Los Angeles County" — no small problem when different county departments, federal agencies, state agencies and 88 cities are involved. Overlap and gaps in services were common. When an encampment popped up, officials said multiple agencies would receive requests for service and then act on their own, resulting in multiple outreach teams dispatched to the same location, without knowledge someone else had been there before. There were also jurisdictional issues. Sometimes, a state agency would clean an encampment on its property, but not notify the local agency that owned the adjacent property, allowing residents to move their encampment there, said Donald Holt, principal analyst with ECRC. Now, the county says ECRC overseas more than 150 outreach teams across 11 organizations and coordinates with multiple government agencies that offer housing and conduct cleanups to ensure they are working together. Horvath said the effort is particularly important given the investment the public has made to get people off the streets and the ongoing budget constraints facing all levels off government. "I am really grateful for all the ways we will now not only be able to deliver results but stretch those dollars further," Horvath said. "It wasn't until this center came together that that coordination was really put into action in the ways we all expected." Read more: The real story of how L.A. became the epicenter of America's homeless crisis Based in an office at the downtown Hall of Administration, center staff handle requests for service from elected officials, the public and government agencies and then coordinate cleanups and work to find housing, as well as needed medical care. In addition to eight analysts dedicated to managing requests for specific regions of the county, workers at the center include staff from the county's Housing for Health, Department of Mental Health, the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority and the Department of Military & Veterans Affair, among others. Chung, who previously worked at the nonprofit LA Family Housing, said finding housing for someone was once like a game of telephone. But with the government agencies that manage shelters now a few cubicles away, things have changed. "Now I can just go over and talk to our [staff member] Josh... and say 'Hey Josh can you see if this [bed] is available?" Chung said. "That would have taken me six hours." On a recent Tuesday, staff started the day in a meeting where they updated one another on requests for service, including instances where people were successfully moved into housing and others where the effort was still underway. Chung told a group of roughly 20 about a person with autism who was anxious about living in a congregate shelter and is requesting a private room. Chung said staff was working on finding such an accommodation and in the meantime has tried to get the person open to living in a shelter that has availability. Other staff members then chimed in to offer suggestions, including looking for family members or friends who might house them. Shortly after the meeting, Chung's supervisor Lisa Speights stopped by the cubicle of Maribel Lozano-Hernandez with the county's Housing for Health program to discuss a housing request that came in within the last 24 hours. "You mentioned that client can't go in until Monday?" Speights said. Lozano-Hernandez said that yes, that housing site was likely full until Monday, almost a week later, but she had luck elsewhere. "I called a different site and [they] can take her today," Lozano-Hernandez said. "Oh nice," Speights responded. She texted the homeless individual's outreach person with an update. Holt said ECRC also ensures when an encampment is located near multiple jurisdictions, representatives from those jurisdictions are present for cleanups. "We are bringing them all together," he said. "We are going to have one operation on the same day." That's what happened recently in the San Fernando Valley. The cleanup would show the benefits of coordination and challenges of making lasting change. Located along a dirt path on the northside of an in-use rail line, the encampment was on land owned by Union Pacific. Step over the tracks, to the south, Metrolink is the owner. Three weeks ago , outreach workers from LA Family Housing, arrived to speak with residents, remind them of the following day's cleanup and encourage them to sign forms to get into housing. Outreach workers had already been on site around five times and had already located housing options for some of the people living in roughly 10 tents and makeshift structures. Today, among the team there was a substance abuse specialist, a mental health specialist, as well as a worker who previously was homeless to provide emotional support. Residents Jose Duran and his partner Melanie Morales said they moved onto the streets a few months ago when they couldn't pay rent after Duran fell from a three story building and could no longer work construction. Outreach workers hadn't been able to find a bed for the couple, but learned information they hadn't before. Speaking as trains zoomed past, Duran said after he fell from a ladder, his foot became infected and he received skin grafts to fix it, but still needs another surgery. He pulled up his pants to reveal a bulging ankle and said he hadn't heard from his doctor about when he could get it fixed. "We have a medical group that can come help you," Saavedra told him in Spanish. "Thank you," Duran replied. The next day, workers swept through the encampment and moved people out. By 10:30 a.m., the encampment was gone. The dirt path on both side of the rail line was clean. According to a county spokesperson, workers removed "four makeshift shelters or tents and ten cubic yards of debris." Duran and Morales weren't housed that day and said they were told there wasn't beds currently available. While deciding what to do next, they waited in a parking lot behind the dirt path they called home a few hours before. They said cleanup crews didn't give them enough time and threw out many of their belongings, including a backpack that held a photograph of Morales' now deceased mother. "It was the only one I had," Morales said, holding back tears. Rachel Kassenbrock, the county spokesperson, said on the day of the cleanup ten people from the encampment weren't immediately able to be housed, but put on a wait list until beds became available, including Duran and Morales. In addition, she said four others were moved into interim housing that day, including Jose Quinonez. The day before the cleanup the 48-year old said he had spent two years on the streets, with drugs and marital problems contributing. He said he was excited about "starting a new life." "I want to fix myself," Quinonez said. "None of us want to be here." Two weeks later, the encampment had repopulated. Late Wednesday morning, there were about 10 tents and makeshift shelters adjacent to the rail line. As the temperature neared 90 degrees, one resident sweated as he stripped an electrical wire for copper to sell. Duran and Morales were there too, asleep inside an orange tent, a black tarp draped over it for shade. Kassenbrock, the county spokesperson, said ECRC is continuing to work with remaining residents to get housed. That hasn't yet included Duran and Morales, but Kassenbrock said since the cleanup an additional three people have moved inside. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Solve the daily Crossword
Irish Independent
11-07-2025
- Science
- Irish Independent
Cork's Fota Wildlife Park hosts free educational family weekends this summer
The three weekends will focus on science, native species and insect life, and take place at the Education, Conservation and Research Centre (ECRC) in Fota. This year's event kicks off this weekend – July 12 and 13 – with the Wild Science Weekend, which features a range of interactive displays, talks and demonstrations designed to make science topics accessible to all ages. Exhibitors include the Tyndall Institute, Irish Bee Conservation Project and The Lifetime Lab @ Old Cork Waterworks, presenting hands-on activities such as MathsWorks and VEX Robotics. Participants will walk through a giant model of the human digestive system, which was created by University College Cork (UCC)'s Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre. While walking though the digestive system, participants will get a detailed view showcasing how food is transported through the body. Later in July, the Native Species Weekend is the attraction and will focus on Ireland's rich biodiversity with a series of interactive exhibits and biofacts. Fota's education team will be joined by several organisations, including Dublin Zoo, Nature Network Ireland, Irish Bee Conservation Project and Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Galway, among others. Native Species Weekend will take place on July 26 and 27. August will see the return of the Bug Bonanza Weekend, which will take place on August 16 and 17. While the full list of exhibitors is yet to be confirmed, the weekend will focus on invertebrate biodiversity, including talks and displays on insect life both local and exotic. Aileen Tennant, the director of Fota Wildlife Park said the conservation charity, wants to spark curiosity while connecting visitors with science and nature. 'These weekends give families a chance to explore complex ideas in a hands-on, accessible way, with the help of expert partners from across science, academic and conservation fields. 'Fota Wildlife Park protects endangered species through dedicated conservation efforts and educates the public about the importance of biodiversity. 'As a living classroom, through initiatives like these interactive educational weekends, Fota Wildlife Park aims to raise awareness of endangered species, foster a culture of conservation, and inspire every visitor to become a lifelong guardian of the natural world,' she said. The educational weekend events will run from 11am to 4pm each day, and no booking is required as it operates a walk-in only system. All activities are included in the price of entry to Fota Wildlife Park and face painting will also be available, free of charge, from 12pm to 2:45pm on July 12 and 13 at the ECRC. Due to popular demand, the Panoramic Wheel will remain on site at Fota Wildlife Park throughout the summer months. This optional experience is priced from €5 per person and tickets can be purchased separately at the dedicated booth. Fota Wildlife Park is open daily from 9:30am and online booking is available via
Time of India
16-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Scheme to provide medicines for kids with growth disorders
Coimbatore: Health minister Ma Subramanian on Sunday inaugurated a scheme to provide somatrogon -- a medication -- to children with growth disorders in Tamil Nadu. Also, the minister inaugurated an emergency care and recovery centre (ECRC) for homeless people with mental illnesses in Coimbatore Medical College Hospital (CMCH). The ECRC is established at a cost of ₹8 lakh. Speaking after the inauguration, the minister said the growth hormone medication scheme, worth ₹13.28 crore, was launched to benefit children with developmental deficiencies. "Depending on each child's growth pattern, these medications need to be administered continuously for one to two years to support healthy development," he said. Emergency mental health services for mentally ill individuals without family support are operational in 16 locations in the state. "In Coimbatore district, an upgraded emergency care and recovery centre with 15 beds has been launched with the support of a voluntary organisation to assist homeless individuals with mental health conditions," he added. The minister said the installation of a cath lab and a new MRI scanner at CMCH has benefited people in the district and surrounding areas. "Due to the enhancement of various medical facilities, the hospital now sees a daily influx of 4,500 to 5,000 outpatients," he said. Under the initiative of the district collector, the department of public health and preventive medicine, along with the District Blindness Prevention Society, had conducted 16 special eye examination camps since April in regions such as Madukkarai, Thondamuthur, Negamam, Karamadai, Sarkarsamakulam, Sultanpet, Valparai, Periyanaickenpalayam, and Annur, the minister said. "A total of 3,330 individuals benefited from these camps. Among them, 204 were identified with cataracts, and 139 underwent cataract surgery in CMCH to restore their vision. The remaining 65 are under continuous observation. Additionally, 496 elderly people with vision impairments were identified, and 50 were provided with eyeglasses with the assistance of the Coimbatore Rotary Club," he added.
Time of India
15-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Minister launches scheme to provide medication for children with growth disorders
COIMBATORE: Health minister Ma Subramanian on Sunday inaugurated a scheme to provide somatrogon -- a medication -- to children with growth disorders in Tamil Nadu. Also, the minister inaugurated an emergency care and recovery centre (ECRC) for homeless people with mental illnesses in Coimbatore Medical College Hospital (CMCH). Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The ECRC is established at a cost of Rs 8 lakh. Speaking after the inauguration, the minister said the growth hormone medication scheme, worth Rs 13.28 crore, was launched to benefit children with developmental deficiencies. "Depending on each child's growth pattern, these medications need to be administered continuously for one to two years to support healthy development," he said. Emergency mental health services for mentally ill individuals without family support are operational in 16 locations in the state. 'In Coimbatore district, an upgraded emergency care and recovery centre with 15 beds has been launched with the support of a voluntary organisation to assist homeless individuals with mental health conditions,' he added. The minister said the installation of a cath lab and a new MRI scanner at CMCH has benefited people in the district and surrounding areas. 'Due to the enhancement of various medical facilities, the hospital now sees a daily influx of 4,500 to 5,000 outpatients," he said. Under the initiative of the district collector, the department of public health and preventive medicine, along with the District Blindness Prevention Society, had conducted 16 special eye examination camps since April in regions such as Madukkarai, Thondamuthur, Negamam, Karamadai, Sarkarsamakulam, Sultanpet, Valparai, Periyanaickenpalayam, and Annur, the minister said. "A total of 3,330 individuals benefited from these camps. Among them, 204 were identified with cataracts, and 139 underwent cataract surgery in CMCH to restore their vision. The remaining 65 are under continuous observation. Additionally, 496 elderly people with vision impairments were identified, and 50 were provided with eyeglasses with the assistance of the Coimbatore Rotary Club," he added.
New Indian Express
08-05-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
CMCH to establish recovery centre for mentally ill, destitute
COIMBATORE: As part of the state-wide initiative of caring for the mentally ill and the destitute, the Coimbatore Medical College Hospital (CMCH) is set to establish an Emergency Care and Recovery Centre (ECRC). "For the first time, we have got an opportunity to open such a centre to cater specifically for the mentally ill and the destitute. We are one of the hospitals in the state to be equipped with this facility under the National Health Mission. Through this facility, we can also treat many homeless people with special attention," said CMCH Dean Dr A Nirmala. She said the centre will have 15 beds, and counselling and treatment will be provided to patients for their mental and physical wellbeing. 'There is one ECRC at Mettupalayam, operating with the support of NGO 'Helping Hearts', which admits only women. In CMCH, we will design it for men. The same NGO would be roped in as they have experience in rescuing, counselling and taking care of the mentally ill and the homeless. They would be kept in the centre until recovery,' Dr Nirmala added. As part of the Mental Health Programme, Emergency Care and Recovery Centres were established under the National Health Mission Tamil Nadu in 2018 to provide temporary shelter, medical and psychiatric care and rehabilitation services, including social welfare support for homeless individuals with mental illness. Subsequently, in 2019, the Tamil Nadu government introduced the Tamil Nadu Mental Health Care Policy to promote mental health and ensure socio-economic inclusion of people with mental health issues, including the homeless. Based on this, the health department has come up with a comprehensive policy which emphasizes rescue, acute care, intermediary care, long-term care and social reintegration. ECRCs are currently operational in 17 districts and have catered to more than 4,000 people since its establishment,' sources said.
