Community Support Services

The quality of our health begins in the places where we spend most of our time, like in our homes, work places, or schools. Our health also depends on the resources we have access to in our daily lives, which include healthy foods, reliable transportation, social support, access to education, employment, and childcare. For someone to effectively manage their health conditions and maintain a healthy lifestyle, they must first have access to these basic resources.

The Community Support Services team (formerly known as the Community Programs team) connects you with programs and services in your community to help with your everyday needs. Our team consists of specialists in the areas of housing, wellness and recovery, general health and social services. Our team supports members with their personal goals to improve their health and well being.

Basic Needs

Basic needs can include everything from food and clothing to personal care items and utilities. Anything that you need in order to live your everyday life counts as a basic need. Making sure your basic needs are met is the foundation for good health.

We may be able to help if you are having trouble getting or maintaining any of your basic needs. Our staff can connect you to direct service organizations in your community like food banks or shelters.

We can also help you complete applications and follow-up with other organizations. For example, if you are having difficulty affording food, a staff member could assist you in applying for the government assistance Supplemental Nutrition program (SNAP). They could follow up on the progress of the application. Knowing that someone is there helping you get back on your feet can help make things easier.

Transportation

Safe, reliable transportation to and from medical appointments is one of the ways we can support members. Transportation may be included as a benefit on select plans. We connect members to transportation services in their specific area, and can even assist in arranging rides.

If you need transportation for reasons other than getting to your doctor appointments or you need rides to get groceries, we can connect you with organizations that specifically assist seniors with these needs.

Another option is transportation vouchers, which could cover public transit fares or gas money. These vouchers can give you the opportunity to travel affordably on your own schedule. If you have any other transportation related needs or concerns, talk with a team member and see what resources are available.

Housing

Secure, affordable housing is a basic necessity for everyone, yet not everyone has it.  We provide support for those facing a housing crisis or concerns about their housing situation. Searching for affordable housing can be complicated and we are here to talk you through your options which could be emergency housing/shelters, low-income housing, transitional housing or senior housing.

We can assist you with any applications you may need to complete including Section 8 applications. If your finances are tight, we can also help you locate resources to help with rent and utility payments, and could assist you in finding low-cost accommodations for your home like grab bar installation. If you are in danger of being evicted, we can connect you to eviction prevention resources and help answer your questions.

If you are in need of assistance and you are not sure where to turn, our Community Support Services staff may be able to help you.  For more information, please contact us at 1-866-418-7006 (TTY 711).