b'Brooks Ann has 24 years experience serving the homeless population in the healthcare and housing industry. Her career began as a case manager, then program director for rescue missions in Colorado and North Carolina before she entered the hospitalsystem sector. Today she is the director of vulnerable populations for an accountable care organization in Greensboro, North Carolina. You can reach her at brooksann.mckinney@gmail.com.Try to gain support of hospital leadershipif they are champions for the partnership, then that will spread throughout the hospital system.or The National Institute of Medical Respitedonate nonmonetary items like linens and furni-Care (www.nimrc.org). The NHCHC websiteture or hold large food drives to help stock your (www.nhchc.org) has other ideas on how to growsupply. Contact the hospitals philanthropy and/or medical services within your program. Manyhuman resources department to learn more about Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)its donation programs. have outreach opportunities to bring clinicOne excellent example of a Citygate Network services to shelters and housing sites that servemember working in this area is Western Carolina vulnerable populations.Rescue Ministries in Asheville, North Carolina, Hospital entities also may have access to out- under Executive Director Micheal Woods. All reach staff or community case managers whoof the innovative programs on site collaborate will come visit patients on site as well as teachdaily with the ministrys local FQHC and local educational classes for diabetes and other chronichospital for referrals and collaboration of diseases. They also may have connections toservices. These relationships help coordinate community organizations that can support yourappointments, medications, and aftercare for residents in receiving services that are outside ofall who enter each program. Keeping residents what you can give. Hospitals also may be able tomedically and mentally stable is critical for their growth, so working with the medical community is necessary for everyone to have a chance to reach their goals and be self-sufficient. You can find out more about these programs at www.westerncarolinarescue.org and find your local FQHC at www.findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov. Photo by Josiah Stam, provided by Knox Area Rescue Ministries\x04 \x04 \x04 In conclusion, relationships with hospitals can open doors not only for coordination of care but also for funding opportunities. As a former rescue mission program director, I know from experi-ence that lives were changed daily because of the love and care clients received from medical serv-ices to heal their physical and mental wounds. Once people heal and have clarity, this is when they can see God. Whatever we can do to be servants and provide healing is our job, and our Savior will do the rest. \x0324 WWW.CITYGATENETWORK.ORG JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024'