Navigation Team

We connect people to a coordinated network of services.

Navigation Team

The Navigation Team is a committee made up of Support Staff that work with individuals on a one on one basis to provide strengths-based advocacy and navigation services to our guests in regards to medical needs, mental health support, substance use and housing. It is a participatory, goal-oriented program for guests that are ready to engage in getting connected to services. This service is open to all assigned guests as space is available.

With a little imagination and some navigation, we can help you reach your destination.

What is it?
The Navigation Team is a committee made up of Support Staff that works with individuals on a one-on-one basis to provide strengths-based advocacy and navigation services to our guests in regards to medical needs, mental health support, substance use and housing. It is a participatory, goal-oriented program for guests that are ready to engage in getting connected to services.

What do you do?
We assist you in identifying personal goals and navigating local resources that help you attain them. We focus on housing, mental health, medical, and substance use.

We work together to identify your goals, create action plans to achieve them, and anticipate and minimize obstacles you are facing.

What can you help me with?

Applying for benefits
Setting and keeping appointments
Overcoming transportation barriers
Signing up for healthcare
Finding primary care doctors
Pursuing substance use treatment
Accessing mental health services
Making self-care plans
Exploring housing options

(This is not a definitive list. Let’s get innovative.)

How much time per week can I expect to spend with my Navigator?
You can expect to spend at least 1-2 hours a week with your Navigator. Depending on your goals some weeks may require additional time spent together and others may require less.

What is my role if I choose to join?
We expect that you are participating in the program of your own free will and have an interest in increasing confidence in your own abilities to navigate the services that you want to connect to.

We’ll go over what services you are already connected and where else you’d like to be connected to.
Then you will complete an intake designed to help you write out what you want help with and set realistic goals you can achieve in a timely manner.
Your Navigator’s job is to work with and alongside you to meet your goals. They’ll cheer you on and help you navigate through the system to get the help you need.
Your role is to define the direction and lead the way.

Who will I work with?
The Navigators are IW Support Staff who you may already know. You will be paired with one of them as your point person and you will begin by meeting with them weekly.

I’m interested.
Now what?

Step 1:
Be sure you have completed a Vulnerability Assessment. You can do this at the Nightly Shelter or at the CCC by meeting with SideWalk.

Step 2:
Contact us through our website OR tell an Interfaith Works staff person at either the Nightly Shelter or the CCC that you are interested in getting connected. You will then be added to the waitlist and contacted when a Navigator is ready to connect with you.