The Palmer Navigation Center—Meeting Community Needs

Homelessness. Vagrancy. Hunger. These are problems every community grapples with. And, as Jesus reminded His followers, “ye have the poor always with you,” (Matthew 26:11). According to the US Interagency Council on Homelessness, more than half of all Americans live paycheck to paycheck and are only one crisis away from homelessness.

In October 2022, the city of Palmer wanted to find solutions. Deputy Mayor Pamela Melin called a city council meeting on vagrancy, and as an outcome of that meeting, a grant was secured from the Department of Health/Healthy Communities to meet the needs of those experiencing homelessness. Daybreak Inc., with 35 years of case management experience, was invited to provide services through the grant. So, Daybreak rented a building, set up a “Navigation Center,” and hired a director—time to reach out to the community.

And reach out they have. Jill Roraff, ‘Community Navigator,’ or Navigation Center Director, said, “When I started here, I asked around to know the numbers of people who were experiencing homelessness in the area. I talked to the police, to shop owners, and church leaders.”

They surmised that there were about 10 people who were the focus of the majority of calls received by Palmer Police. However, as the weeks went by, referrals from the police and other locals revealed that there were many more who needed connections to social services.

“Between September and December, we discovered six different women 55 and older living in their cars. We were able to get them housing and improve their situations,” Jill noted. “We offer computer access to people so they can fill out housing or job applications, and provide assistance in filling out the applications. We give out shower vouchers, laundry soap, gas cards and bus passes to those in need.”

The Navigation Center was able to give out cell phones so people had a way to be contacted (for medical appointments, or employers, for example). The Center also provides a post office box mailing address for clients so they can receive needed correspondence. Some services delivered over the last year include donated sleeping bags, completed resumes, and training given to those with low literacy skills.

Even more valuable than soap and showers, Jill offers precious experience and know-how with a dizzying array of government and private services. Her experience with a variety of service organizations helps her guide clients through the sometimes labyrinthine problem-solving process. Extending mentoring, education, and connections, the center has become a welcome resource for meeting the needs of vagrancy and homelessness in Palmer.

“A single father was on the brink of unemployment because his children had needs and disabilities that made it tough for him to keep his job.” Jill’s recalled. When he was referred to the center, Jill’s knowledge of available services gave the father the tools he needed to care for his family and maintain his employment.

In 2023 and 2024, the Navigation Center also hosted two Community Resource Days at the Train Depot in an outreach effort to the wider community.

“Our goal is to give people a sense of power and hope,” commented Polly-Beth Odom, executive director of Daybreak. “When people are in crisis, it’s hard for them to feel valued. We want to walk beside people in their difficulty and help them feel their worth.”

Jill works to stay well-connected with Palmer. “I go on ride-alongs with the Palmer Police Department and have developed relationships in the community. When a problem crops up, they can say, ‘Go see Jill.’”

In our little community of Palmer, the Navigation Center has served over 122 people in its first nine months. Though the center was opened to serve Palmer residents, referrals are made to partner agencies in the wider community, as needed. Currently, Daybreak is working to be a connector agency, collaborating with the Palmer Mobile Crisis Team to expand services and meet more needs.

A meeting to discuss the Navigation Center’s first year of progress will take place on May 21 at 6 p.m. at Swanson Elementary School. The public is invited to learn about the center, ask questions, and find out how they can help. This is an important part of the community and should be supported and strengthened in its role to serve our neighbors who are facing life’s challenges.

Other ways you can help? The Center is always in need of office supplies, paper, Valley Transit 30-day bus passes, and Shell gas cards. Of course, cash donations are always welcome.

Christ concludes a parable with, “I was hungry and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger and you made me welcome. I was naked and you clothed me; I was sick and you looked after me; I was in prison and you came to me.’

‘… when you did it to one of the least significant of my brothers and sisters here, you did it to me.” (Matthew 25:34-36 NCV)

Kristin Fry loves to see our beautiful valley greening up. She is also happy to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

More information:

The Navigation Center is located at 440 W. Evergreen Ave., Palmer; Open Tuesday-Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. by appointment; Walk-in hours are Tuesday-Friday 1-3 p.m.To schedule an appointment, call 907 408-2417 or 907 746-2241 Jill Roraff, Community Navigator jill@daybreakmhsc.com