Phil Serna

Dear Dr. von Friederichs-Fitzwater

I am writing to express my support for Joshua’s House, a conceptual hospice facility serving terminally ill homeless patients in Sacramento.

A tragic fact is that too many homeless men and women are dying on the streets each year in Sacramento County. and records indicate that number has steadily increased. This is the reason I believe a hospice house is a much-needed addition to Sacramento’s homeless continuum of care. No person should ever be forced to live their final days, weeks or months living on the streets without adequate support and access to services that provide comfort and dignity.

I agree that having a safe, comfortable. home-like facility for our terminally ill homeless constituents where they would receive hospice care, have private rooms, regular meals. opportunities to find or reach out to relatives. as well as interact with each other and caring volunteers would allow them to die with dignity and respect. The opportunity to keep their beloved pets with them is an added benefit. Equally important, Joshua’s House would serve to significantly reduce healthcare costs, including expensive ambulance transport and emergency room visits. while providing quality hospice care to terminally ill patients experiencing homelessness.

I am pleased to partner with you to bring much-needed hospice care to our homeless community and ensure that the most disadvantaged among us have an opportunity to die with dignity and respect. Please contact me or my staff at 916.874.5485 or SupervisorSerna(@saccounty.net should you have questions or require further information.

Respectfully,
Phil Serna
Supervisor, District 1
Saramento County Board of Supervisors

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