A little more than two years ago, Washoe County, Reno and Sparks along with several non-profits, collaborated on a system called Clarity Cards to help serve those who are homeless or living in poverty.
We checked in to see how the program is doing now and found the cards are not only helping those in need of services but also those who provide.
"Good morning,” says a volunteer, “How can we help you?"
The resource center is always busy at Volunteers of America (VOA) on Record Street in Reno. Here is where you can get a Clarity Card. It's an ID that allows the user easy access to free services - like the shelter.
VOA client and Veteran Richard Bennett says,"Before it was really hard, you had to answer all these questions, wait a half hour. With the Clarity Card, they punch you in - it's automatic."
The card will help a person get a bed for the night, food and clothing but also helps the case managers understand what other services are needed. “Like Welfare, so they can get Medicaid and food stamps,“ says Case Manager Tiffany Bacon. “We want them to be connected with Catholic Charities so they can get on the housing list, we want them connected with the shelters, when they're connected with the shelters I can connect them with an employment specialist.”
Bennett says the card has had a positive impact on his life. "There are about eight places that I go to and with my clarity card they know who I am, it's a big help." Soon he will be moving out of the men's shelter and into his own place.
At the resource center, the volunteers sometimes print out as many as 10 cards per day - they're provided free of charge...and while the cards do collect data, it's not a tracking system infringing on anyone's privacy.
"For me, it really helps me know where they're at, and that way I know what else to address,” explains Bacon.
"All that information is kept private amongst the organizations,” says VOA’s Regional Director, Pat Cashell. “It's not shared with anybody except amongst ourselves.”
The Clarity system is used statewide, with more and more providers collaborating every day to support those in need - from families to Vets.
Click on link below for the VOA website…
