The Downtown Raleigh Alliance takes seriously the mission of advancing the community’s vitality for everyone, including people without homes. People without homes are part of every downtown in the United States, and the factors contributing to homelessness are varied and systemic. DRA is committed to ensuring the dignity of this vulnerable population and remains steadfast in undermining the status quo through our Ambassador Program and partnerships.
Downtown Raleigh Ambassador Program
In addition to contributing to overall safety, downtown’s Ambassadors are integral to ensuring the dignity of vulnerable people. Ambassadors are trained to form relationships, serve as connection points for resources, and are often deployed to de-escalate crises. Their proactive engagement in the community provides an empathetic and immediate response to challenges where people without homes are involved.
In addition to quality-of-life assistance and outreach, Ambassadors provide metrics that city leaders rely on in designating resources. The addition of two full-time social workers to the Ambassador team accelerates the connection to care for unsheltered residents.
Project REACH OUT Partnerships
Convening partners is a core function of DRA’s work, and Project REACH OUT is a collective of organizations aiming to assist vulnerable populations with immediate and long-term solutions. DRA’s leadership includes addressing barriers to care and advocating for civic and nonprofit resources. These partnerships are formed in alignment with those values.
Twice per year, the Downtown Raleigh Ambassador Program invites those experiencing or at risk of homelessness and those who need medical or mental health assistance to the Project REACH OUT Day of Care— a one-day, one-stop event in Downtown Raleigh that connects social service and community organizations with the community members who need their support.
The next Project REACH OUT Day of Care is
Friday, April 28
Friday, June 9
(rescheduled due to inclement weather)
10:00 AM-2:00 PM
Moore Square, Downtown Raleigh
200 S. Blount Street
Rain or Shine!
If you or your organization is interested in getting involved, please complete this form, and a member of DRA’s team will be in touch.
Contact: Darlene
dmcclain@streetplus.net
DRA's Social Services Outreach Ambassador
Partners
Oak City Cares
- Coordinated care for housing, medical, food, showers, laundry
WakeMed
- Free glucose screening
St. John’s Metropolitan Community Church
- Case management
- Food pantry
- Connection to services
The No Woman, No Girl Initiative
- Providing everyday essentials for women and girls
NC Works Career Center
- Job search and placement services
- Employment assistance for veterans
- GED assistance
- Paid occupational training assistance
- Career counseling
Haven House Services
- Transitional living program
Triangle Family Services
- Emergency shelter
- Mental health therapy
Southlight Healthcare
- Substance use programs
- Mental health care
Community Services Initiative
- Re-entry support services
Raleigh A.C.O.R.N.S.
- Outreach
- Connection to services
SHIP Church Outreach
- Food
- Clothing
- Case management
Wake Tech School of Barbering
- Haircutting services
Wake County
- Veterans housing assistance, employment assistance, benefits
- Housing voucher assistance
Legal Aid of NC
- Free legal help
Dress for Success
- Career coaching and development
- Free clothing
Advance Community Health
- Primary and pediatric care
- Dental
- Pharmacy services