Highest Honor Presented by USAging
From left: Aging, Disability, and Veterans Services Division Senior Manager Joe Valtierra and Homeless Mobile Intake Team members: Catalina Cloud, Jody Michaelson (Senior Manager) and Byron Vaughn alongside staff members at St. Johns Village. (Photo courtesy of Motoya Nakamura/Multnomah County)
Multnomah County has announced that the Aging, Disability and Veterans Services Division’s Homeless Mobile Intake Team (HMIT) received a 2024 Aging Innovations Award from USAging, one of the highest honors presented by USAging to its members.
The Homeless Mobile Intake Team, was created to meet unhoused people where they live and assess them for Title XIX long-term care services and supports and other qualifying critical supports such as rent assistance and special needs funding. The team works with people to understand their living and care needs and build a person-centered plan of their choice. The program provides access to services for the most vulnerable, including disproportionately affected Black, Indigenous and people of color populations. It was among 16 local aging programs to receive Innovations honors during USAging’s 49th Annual Conference and Tradeshow. An additional 22 agencies received Achievement Awards.
The 2024 USAging Aging Innovations & Achievement Awards, supported by Caregiving.com and Cumulus.care, recognizes USAging’s Area Agency on Aging members that have found new and innovative ways to support older adults, people with disabilities and caregivers as they live in their homes and communities. Area Agencies on Aging provide a range of services to help older adults live safe, healthy and independent lives. Multnomah County’s Department of County Human Services Aging, Disability and Veterans Services Division is an Area Agency on Agency.
"At USAging, we are thrilled to recognize the outstanding achievements of this year's Aging Innovations & Achievement Awards recipients. Their innovative programs and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of older adults set a high standard for excellence in our field. These initiatives not only enhance the well-being of our aging population but also inspire others to strive for impactful and lasting change in their communities," said USAging CEO Sandy Markwood.
“It's always a great feeling whenever we get at least a thank you. It's like, yes, it's a win,” said Irma Jimenez, Aging, Disabilities & Veteran Services (ADVSD) Division Director. “I'm really happy to show the continued work that Oregon is doing, to really meet the needs of our most vulnerable individuals. And I'm really proud of my team.”
Created by the Multnomah County Aging, Disability & Veterans Services Division, the Homeless Mobile Intake Team mobile relies on a diverse group of caseworkers and other staff — some who speak multiple languages and some who have lived experience. The team is the result of a partnership between the Joint Office of Homeless Services and the Department of County Human Services and is funded by the Metro Supportive Housing Services Measure.
They build relationships with people, conducting assessments, identifying benefits such as food and medical support, and also providing short-term intensive housing case management. To facilitate outreach, the team has a scheduled rotation to different shelters across the county, the Multnomah County Behavioral Health Center and has a presence at cooling and warming centers when activated. Referrals are also sent from community partners.
The 2024 USAging Aging Innovations & Achievement Awards honored traditional and new strategies in a range of categories, including advocacy; agency operations; caregiving; community planning and livable communities; diversity, equity and inclusion; economic security; elder abuse prevention; health–social care integration; healthy aging; home and community-based services; housing and homelessness; kinship and grandfamily support; nutrition; technology; social engagement; transportation and mobility; and workforce development and volunteerism.
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