Jovonne Washington wasn’t feeling well. But as a member of the homeless population in Lorain, she’d grown accustomed to just dealing with it. That is, until she saw the Mercy Health Community Outreach team arrive at the shelter she calls home. Because of your gift, she received the health care she needed.

“I saw these two beautiful ladies walk into Catholic Charities St. Elizabeth Center. They said they were doing health screenings,” says Jovonne. “So, I asked them if I could come in and they said yes. I found out I might be borderline diabetic and some other things I wouldn’t have known without this program.”

The health screening program grew from a shared goal between Mercy Health and Catholic Charities. The Community Health team was already experiencing success in other high need areas. Expanding services to shelters was seen as a natural next step since many residents face barriers to accessing health care.

“Going to the hospital is pretty hard. Some people are even scared to go because we are in fact, homeless,” says Jovonne. “So, when they come here, it’s easy.”

Your gift is delivering health care access without barriers. By meeting people where they are, there is no need for transportation, insurance or appointments. Early detection of disease is very important. These screenings are able to provide that, thanks to donors like you. Your generosity and caring is not lost on Jovonne.

“Thank you very much,” she says. “You are doing a good and positive thing for us homeless people who are struggling with health care.”