Dr. Marlene M. von Friederichs-Fitzwater
Founder/Executive Director
Health Communication Research Institute
5025 J Street, #311
Sacramento, CA 95819

Dear Dr. von Friederichs-Fitzwater:

I write to convey my support for you and your effort to create a hospice care house for terminally ill homeless persons in our Sacramento community.

Life on the Streets is challenging for healthy able-bodied persons. Life on the streets with a terminal illness is difficult to comprehend. Many of us have a notion of what our final days could be like. We will be in a comfortable setting surrounded by loved ones preparing to say goodbye. For the homeless, it is a tragic time of survival and regret.

Joshua’s House will undoubtedly meet a need for quality hospice care for homeless men and women at the end of their lives. Instead of being discharged to the streets, as is the case currently, patients will be able to access Joshua’s house where they will be safe and comfortable. They will receive care that is appropriate and compassionate. They will also have the opportunity to connect with loved ones and to get their affairs in order with the help caring volunteers that will make their final days dignified.

I am moved by your commitment to create this organization and your reason for doing so. Losing a loved one as you have and channeling that grief into energy and focus are a testament to your character, humanity and abilities.

It has been an honor and a pleasure to work with you over the last half year and I look forward supporting you in this effort.

Sincerely,

JEFF HARRIS
Sacramento City Council member, District 3

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Chamberlain University College of Nursing is working with HCRI, Inc and Joshua’s House to provide students with experience in public health and the opportunity to give back to the community.

The university’s mission is “to educate, empower, and embolden diverse healthcare professionals who advance the health of people, families, communities, and nations.” Students in the College of Nursing can pursue different educational paths, one of which being Dr. Angie Strawn Campus President, Chamberlain University a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The degree involves studying theory and gathering clinical experience in community and public health. This is what led to the connection between Chamberlain and HCRI, Inc.

“Nurses today need to be able to deal with population health; not just the traditional thought of a sick individual in a hospital, but the many places out in our community where families and people who have health needs need to be cared for,” Dr. Angie Strawn, Sacramento Campus President at Chamberlain, said.

Joshua’s House will be a place where nursing students can gain clinical experience and learn how to connect with disadvantaged communities.

“It is obvious to our students how much input [at Joshua’s House] there is from the homeless community as to what their needs are. The students can really see in action how important it is to get input from the community and not just make decisions because you think you know best. That has been a really good learning opportunity for them,” Teena Evans, Community Health Faculty at Chamberlain, said.

So far, two students have helped at Joshua’s House with the Policies & Procedures Committee, and one of the students, Priscilla Catingub, will be continuing her efforts as the new Administrator for Joshua’s House when it opens in early 2019.
Until Joshua’s House opens, Chamberlain is collaborating with HCRI, Inc. and Sacramento Loaves & Fishes by offering basic health services at the Partners in Health & Wellness Clinic held at Loaves & Fishes on Tuesdays each week.

“Our students are there doing assessment screenings, providing basic education, and answering questions,” Evans said.

Being a part of these community programs isn’t just another degree requirement, though. These experiences are meant to prepare the nursing students for whatever they may encounter in their careers.

“Registered nurses are expected to be advocates for patients and they’re also expected to be advocates in terms of health policy,” Strawn said. “In order to practice that advocacy, which is part of their code of ethics, they need to understand where disparities are and how they can be a voice for the homeless, the disenfranchised, or others who represent inequity.”

For more information about Chamberlain University, visit https://go.chamberlain.edu/About.html.

Thanks to Julie Interrante for bringing Lyon Real Estate in Curtis Park on board as a supporter of Joshua’s House!

Lyon Real Estate presented Marlene with a $5,000 check on August 29, 2018!

A BIG THANKS to the Lyon team!