Grace In Action: FAQ

	Grace in Action Offering the Shelter of God's Hope and Love
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FAQs
(Frequently Asked Questions)

How Can I Help? - follow this link for more information.

Where can homeless individuals get food and clothing?

The Grace in Action monthly calendar (on this website and distributed to all church partners) includes the following info and more: Bag lunches are available M-F at Davis Community Church from 11:30-12:30. Food is also available at Grace House from 12:00-2:00 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Davis Community Meals provides meals on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, and Saturday afternoon at Episcopal Church of St. Martin. Referrals for food and/or clothing at STEAC are available from the DCM Resource Center at 1111 H St.

Grace in Action collaborates with ten local churches to provide referrals to community agencies and emergency services for unsheltered individuals in Yolo County. Individuals struggling with homelessness find supportive relationships and are treated with compassion, dignity and respect at Grace House.

We provide advocacy and case management for individuals who are ineligible for community shelter services. Grace in Action provides access to resources and referrals for basic health concerns, emergency survival supplies and referrals to social service partner agencies.

Grace House is open to individual homeless guests for daytime rest and respite between 12:00 and 4:00 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Ministers of Hospitality provide a simple lunch between 12:00 and 2:00 p.m. which supplements meals offered in the community.

Services at Grace House include: Spiritual direction, case management through the Individualized Goal Plan, daytime rest and respite, outdoor gardening and positive fellowship as well as special events such as a bike repair clinic, health clinics and special Holiday fellowship times.

Where are Grace House guests coming from?

The majority are members of our Davis community. A good number grew up here and are now without family support or have otherwise fallen on hard times. Some are from Sacramento, Woodland and surrounding areas. Some homeless individuals have stated they retreat to Davis for increased safety. Some are working one or two jobs yet still cannot afford housing. Some formerly homeless individuals now live in apartments because they have a minimum income, but all income goes to rent. Little income is leftover for food and basic needs. Their income level often disqualifies them for county subsidized health insurance.

Is there a need for security at Grace House during open hours?

Guests sign a behavior agreement form when they register for the first time at the Grace House. Guests are generally very polite and grateful. Grace House will open only if we have an appropriate ratio of Ministers of Hospitality to guests. A strong Minister of Hospitality support base during open hours helps with security. The majority of guests who are treated with respect and dignity by our staff and Ministers of Hospitality, respond with respect and dignity while at the Grace House.

Are we enabling the homeless by providing services for them?

In a sense, the answer to that is "yes." How do we enable them? We enable the homeless to have HOPE AGAIN! We are enabling them to believe in themselves and a source greater than themselves to improve their current life situation.

Few community members realize that if one is addicted to alcohol or drugs, one’s health (physical, emotional and spiritual) is severely compromised. If we offer food, we are simply strengthening individuals to survive through the day and night. As part of our service option, we provide an Individualized Goal Plan™ for anyone who is interested. This plan is co-created by the homeless guest and Grace in Action staff. Compassionate care and the Individualized Goal Plan supports individuals as they take initial steps toward life improvement.

To help another human being…to love one another in times of struggle is not “enabling”…it is what we are each called to do.

Why do we need Grace in Action when there are other homeless shelters?

Individuals struggling with homelessness find supportive relationships and are treated with compassion and respect at Grace House. Grace in Action collaborates with community agencies and ten local churches to provide basic needs and services for unsheltered homeless individuals in Yolo County.

Daytime rest and respite is available between 12:00 and 4:00 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Grace House offers an alternative to just “hanging out” downtown or in the parks. It is a “home away from homelessness.”

Grace in Action informs guests of the Yolo County Healthcare for Indigents (YCHIP) insurance program and encourages enrollment of 100% of its guests in some form of health insurance. This allows them to obtain the healthcare resources provided by Davis Community Clinic rather than accessing the emergency room for general health care needs. In addition, several homeless individuals need assistance completing appropriate service forms and applications. Grace in Action staff provides positive reinforcement for guests to make healthcare a priority.

Grace in Action's unique liaison service to churches is valued by homeless individuals and church partners alike. Grace in Action has developed partnerships with ten local churches that distribute Grace in Action’s monthly resource calendar and “To Go” Bags (emergency supply bag) to homeless individuals who stop by their church for assistance. Grace in Action staff communicates and collaborates with partner churches to decrease duplication of services to the unsheltered homeless who access their church in times of need. Our unique liaison service to churches is valued by homeless individuals and church partners alike.

Grace in Action provides the following unique services:

A trained spiritual companion upon request for individuals struggling with faith issues or simply seeking an individual to listen to their sacred life story.

A simple meal on Monday, Tues, Thurs from 12-2. This supplements the meals offered in the community.

Garden projects under the supervision of a master gardener and horticultural therapist. This program provides increased self-esteem, positive mental health, an outlet for frustration and focused activity for many of our guests.

Individual case management and advocacy via the Individualized Goal Plan^™ for unsheltered guests to assist them in establishing short-term life goals (i.e. employment, addressing health concerns, housing, etc.)

Extended individual attention needed by some of our guests due to learning challenges, mental illness or other challenging circumstances. Individual attention is required in such cases in order for them to properly complete forms to obtain the services to which they are entitled.

Staci (a homeless guest and member of the Grace in Action Advisory Board) shared the "value" of Grace in Action. Staci helped "answer" the question, "If there are homeless services already out there...what's the purpose / value of Grace in Action? "The Spirit" was her answer. "The compassion and the listening and acceptance of us...that is what brings us here."

Updated 8/10/07