VOLUNTEER PHYSICIAN ADVOCATE SERVICE Program

UPDATED
John W. Ragsdale, Ph.D, Clinical Psychologist, is directing this program

The new Volunteer Physician Advocate Service professionals will be defining the services they will donate to fill the gap where some people in the homeless community are in need of an advocate to guide them through healthcare options.
We are working with local providers of services with mutual interests to fill the gap where people in the streets are unable to access medical and other healthcare services. Some have said they cannot reach their appointments and often they forget. When a person has no telephone to be contacted for any doctor appointment changes, they are frustrated and unable to communicate with offices when schedules conflict with their jobs or other reasons.
A survey questionnaire is being distributed the week of 1/20/2019 to the homeless. If a person is living in their automobile or in the streets or tent, or in other uninhabitable spaces, he/she is homeless. If a person is in a hotel room one night but has no permanent residence to return to, then that person is considered homeless.
Durango's homeless population include people in poverty. The two conditions of poverty and homelessness describe a situation in which an individual or family is unable to afford paying rent, is lacking healthcare for financial reasons, is unable to hold down a full or part time job, and may be chronically ill (physically or mentally). Those are not the only reasons people are in poverty and homelessness at the same time. Life's interruptions​ will often come without our being prepared.
Community Compassion Outreach responds to the needs of people experiencing homelessness. We help them to survive.

• One great need for survival is healthcare!

To learn more about Volunteer Physician Advocate Services, contact Donna Mae /E-mail execdirector @CCOHome.org

Successful Volunteers & Stakeholder Meeting 

On Saturday the 19th, 2019, we had 35 in attendance. Twenty (20) new people came to learn how they can help CCO implement plans and projects as we enter our Tenth Month as Nonprofit. Two years ago in January 2017, we were a program of Durango Christian Church. 
We accomplished much in our efforts to bring supplies, resources, connections and helps to people experiencing homelessness in Durango, La Plata County, Colorado. 
Check back to find volunteer opportunities here.

Coffee & Conversations
​with friends experiencing homelessness.....

Come on by to share a picnic! 
​
12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Anyone who is food-burdened is welcome!
Serving food-burdened individuals with hot beverages and food, plus
some prepackaged food items to take-away. 
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​On Saturday, December 22nd, we celebrated Christmas with special homemade casseroles, rice, baked chicken, gifts of chocolate candies, cookies, and more.

Donations are welcome! 

Quick Grilled Cheese Sandwiches hot from the oven.

Darren, our Board Treasurer, made Tomato Soup. It was so g-o-o-d!

Fun with Board Secretary Johnie and Board Treasurer Darren fixing baked chicken, tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches.

REGULARLY Scheduled at 12:30PM to 2:30PM each Saturday during winter.
At Schneider Park parking lot north of 9th Street on Roosa Drive (below Manna Soup Kitchen).

We may be late arriving from distant towns, but we stay late to make up for it!
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Volunteers distribute coats and other warm clothing from anonymous donations.

​Contact us to help!
Join us most Saturdays, unless weather prohibits!