Bay Area Community Health’s Ongoing Harm Reduction Programs

Blog contribution: Bay Area Community Health

Warm Coat Drive: Giving Back to Social Services Programs at Bay Area Community Health

As winter approaches, the cold can be particularly harsh for our vulnerable neighbors in the community. Bay Area Community Health’s Warm Coat Drive has been an invaluable effort to ensure that those facing homelessness and other challenges have the protection they need during these chilly months. This initiative directly supports the diverse Social Services programs at Bay Area Community Health, including Homeless Street Medicine and Harm Reduction, which serve individuals who are experiencing homelessness or struggling with substance use.

Through our Homeless Street Medicine program, we bring healthcare directly to individuals on the streets, meeting them where they are and providing essential medical care, including addressing health needs exacerbated by cold weather. For many of our patients, a warm coat can be as essential as access to healthcare, providing a critical layer of protection against the elements while they receive care and support.

The Harm Reduction program offers individuals who are actively using substances non-judgmental care, with the goal of keeping them safe and healthy. The warm clothing and accessories collected through the drive are a vital resource for those in this program, ensuring that they are shielded from the harsh effects of winter while receiving support in their journey toward better health.

Shing Chin (Alice) Ginkens, Behavioral Health and Social Services Director at Bay Area Community Health, shared, “This coat drive is a direct reflection of our commitment to providing holistic care that extends beyond medical treatment. By addressing both physical and emotional needs, we help our clients face winter with warmth, dignity, and hope.”

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, we’ve gathered 188 items for those in need. This includes 83 coats for men, ranging from small to 3X-large, and 105 coats for women, ensuring that everyone has access to appropriate clothing. In addition to coats, we’ve collected accessories like scarves, blankets, caps, socks, and gloves—items that provide vital protection from the cold.

If you or your organization would like to host a coat drive or are interested in supporting this important effort, please contact Lucy Hernandez at lhernandez1@bach.health. With the success of this drive, we are able to offer warmth and dignity to those who need it most, helping to ensure that no one in our community has to face the winter cold without support. Thank you to all who contributed!

Learn more about Bay Area Community Health HERE.