Yakima Neighborhood Health Services programs.
Yakima County families that are behind on their rent or mortgage (and facing homelessness) or that currently do not have a place to reside may be able to get help from Neighborhood Health Services. The organization can help rehouse individuals, may offer emergency rental assistance and other support. The homeless can access groceries or meals from a pantry as well as receive medical care from Yakima providers.
YNHS Homeless Resource Centers, located in Sunnyside and Yakima, offer a range of services to pre-screened clients. All applicants need to meet conditions, including either be currently homeless or at risk of becoming homeless/eviction. The non-profit will help clients with finding safe shelter, applying for security deposits on new housing, transportation, household items, and personal hygiene items. On occasion, while limited, the Resource Centers may also assist with overdue rental or utility bill payments.
They are a key member of the Homeless Network of Yakima County. Due to this, Neighborhood Health Services focuses on providing assistance to the population of Yakima County through a number of resources and programs, including Health Care for the Homeless. This program employs an interdisciplinary team of full time and volunteer professionals who provide medical and free dental care.
Other services, both medical and financial, include immunizations, counseling, case management, assistance with basic needs and hygiene items, respite care, WIC, permanent and low income supportive housing. There is even more available to homeless individuals and families.
Short Term, Transitional and Permanent Supportive Housing from YNHS helps homeless individuals and families who are in need of a place to stay. The non-profit will maintain several housing units or apartments in the area. Staff also work closely with landlords throughout Yakima County to provide safe, comfortable and of course affordable housing for individuals and families.
Neighborhood Connections, is a dedicated Health Care for the Homeless site, and a key partner. Services include low cost or free medical and dental care. Case managers also offer referrals and connections to all other YNHS programs for the homeless.
Recuperating after an injury or illness is challenging, and in general homeless individuals are faced with a unique set of issues. This is in addition to the actual recovery process. The YNHS Respite and Recuperative Care Program provides clients access to short-term shelter and care for those who are unable to live in communal shelters or on the street as they recover. Medical professionals, case managers and outreach nurses are available to provide help as needed. It may include health education, working with patients to locate housing, and carry out providers’ discharge health.
Medical, counseling, and dental care is offered from Yakima Neighborhood Health Services. Street Outreach nurses, outreach staff, behavioral health specialists and housing specialists travel around the county, visiting shelters and other places where they may encounter homeless individuals or families.
Examples of some of the resources provided are Women’s Health, Dental Services, Cleaning, Medication, Medical Nutrition Therapy, and OB and Prenatal Care. Non-medical referrals can be made as well, including referrals to Transitional Housing, Outreach Services, and applications to Women, Infant & Children's Nutrition Program – WIC.
Dental services are provided by a highly trained team of hygienists, dentists and assistants at the YNHS locations. It is offered in both Yakima and Sunnyside and at the Neighborhood Connections.
Assistance administered includes preventative and restorative care, extractions, exams, digital x-rays, cleaning, crowns, assistance with dentures, fillings and emergent care. The dentists also emphasize early dental care for all children, even beginning before birth with good dental hygiene and health for mothers during pregnancy.
Medications from the licensed pharmacy are available at the 8th Street YNHS campus in Yakima. All YNHS patients are encouraged to have prescriptions from medical providers within the network filled at the Yakima Neighborhood Health Services pharmacy. In some cases, both low-income and uninsured patients may be eligible to receive discounts.
WIC, also known as the Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children serves pregnant women, teens, new mothers, babies, and infants/children up to age five. While the federal government funds it, WIC assistance is in the form of monthly checks and is available to eligible working families, military families, and those on unemployment.
The checks are accepted at grocery stores or super markets as soon as the same day you visit to apply. Participants in the TANF, DSHS Medical Program or Basic Food (Food Stamps) programs are automatically eligible for WIC benefits. Other assistance from Yakima Neighborhood Health Services includes free foods for both baby and mother, nutrition tips, and information in regard to other community service agencies.
- The main locations are the YNHS 8th St. Campus, 12 South 8th St., Yakima, WA 98901, dial 509-454-4143.
- Neighborhood Health, 617 Scoon Rd., Sunnyside, Washington 98944, dial 509-837-8200
- Neighborhood Connections, 102 S. Naches Ave., Yakima, WA 98901, 509-834-2098
- YNHS Southeast Yakima Community Center, 1211 S. 7th St., Yakima, WA 98901, main phone 509-853-2372
- Southeast County - YNHS @ Central Washington Comprehensive Mental Health, 402 S. 4th Ave., Yakima, Washington 98901, dial 509-574-5553
- YNHS @ The Depot, 602 E. Yakima Ave., Yakima, WA 98901, dial 509-249-6232
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