In April 2020, Integral Care received a $10,000 grant from the Alice Kleberg Reynolds Foundation that allows our intellectual and developmental disabilities and homeless services teams to provide short-term assistance to mitigate the negative impacts of the COVID-19 virus on the populations they serve.

In response to the COVID19 pandemic, Integral Care now provides most of its services via telehealth. However, many people experiencing homelessness do not own a phone and cannot access telehealth services. To ensure continuity of care, Integral Care is providing mobile phones to people experiencing homelessness. This means clients anywhere – even on the streets – can call in to a telehealth appointment and work with Integral Care staff to address their health needs. The grant will also allow Integral Care to deliver single occupancy tents and groceries to clients living on the street, allowing them to shelter in place and have their basic needs met.

Integral Care’s IDD Services Division provides people with intellectual and developmental disabilities the tools they need to live on their own while also offering extra help during times of crisis. Changes to grocery store and restaurant operations – including social distancing rules, modified schedules, and limited availability of certain products – may present unique challenges for this population. Staff have identified ten people with IDD who are currently struggling to get groceries, toiletries and cleaning supplies. The Alice Kleberg Reynolds Foundation grant allows staff to deliver groceries and other products during their regular visits throughout the shelter in place period.