We believe that going directly to the streets and into encampments is crucial to the practice of harm reduction. It's the heart of our outreach work. We "meet people where they're at" to provide them real time care, with no agenda other than preventing events common to those experiencing homelessness - starvation, death by overdose, spread of infection, etc.
Our outreach team is out daily distributing hot food, snacks, bottled water, outdoor survival and harm reduction supplies and services. We build trusting relationships that are based on respect for the right to dignity and autonomy that all humans deserve.
Our outreach team is out daily distributing hot food, snacks, bottled water, outdoor survival and harm reduction supplies and services. We build trusting relationships that are based on respect for the right to dignity and autonomy that all humans deserve.
Community Partnerships
We have created partnerships with multiple community agencies to provide additional resources and services beyond those provided by our team.
Medical ServicesAt least once each week, professionals from various organizations ride along with our outreach teams: Every Tuesday, Volunteers of America offer free, anonymous and confidential HIV and Hepatitis C testing in their mobile unit, distribute safe sex supplies, and connect houseless people with treatment options. Dr. Pam Karns, as well as street medics, certified herbalists and nurses, accompany on outreach to tend to medical emergencies and chronic conditions as needed. We also assist with medications, hospital transport, and pharmacy pick up. |
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Used Bicycle ProgramOur partnership with Pedal Power, a local non-profit that restores bicycles, allows us to provide this vital means of transportation to houseless folks. Since late summer of 2020, we have distributed 300 bikes to people living on the streets.
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Pet Care PartnershipsTo assist with the care of pets who live alongside many houseless people, we have partnered with animal services like the Kentucky Humane Society’s SNIP Clinic to make sure pets are fixed and vaccinated, Saving Sunny for pet food donations, and My Dog Eats First, which provides medical care during emergencies.
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Public Health EventsWe partnered with the Louisville Metro Health Department to facilitate and ensure that our houseless community received the Covid 19 vaccine.
Feed Louisville was also instrumental in the creation of the Clean Collaborative along with the Health Department, Solid Waste Management and RCS to humanely assist houseless folks during street cleanings. |
