Shout Out: Agent Bill Moe

By Kate Erickson

One of my core values is acknowledgement and genuine and authentic human connection. When I see this in the frontline professionals that I have the opportunity to engage with in the space and focus of the work of the Community Stability Team I make a point to pass along notes of recognition to the leaders of these individuals. These observations and specifically the circumstances associated with Bill's client (AF) are likely not new, and I want you to know that his efforts and the work of the community partners is seen (at least by me).

Bill made a referral to Jen Abbas (Community Stability & Support) several months ago. AF (on probation) was living with her mother and her mother was moving … and AF could not move with her to her new residence. AF has a long history of SUD, mental health and in the year prior was in a car accident that resulted in serious injuries. As a result of these injuries AF has mobility and cognitive impairments (TBI). Bill initially tried to chase down local housing needs on his own with no success.

Bill and Jen worked together to get her into a local motel. Jen and Bill remained connected every month to staff and pursue different options. These options resulted in her being connected to ARMHS, a social worker with human services, and she still remains connected to professionals from drug court. He and the community team pushed forward with connecting to public housing, supported AF through the denial and the appeal process. Bill and team continued to persevere and arranged a full fledge care conference with AF, all the professionals working with her and our team.

Together we strategized navigation of the local homeless and housing services system, and his follow up and follow through of these strategies was immediate and mindful. AF care needs continue to increase since her accident, and she still remains engaged with her care team. She is still at the motel, however – her journey to housing stability is moving forward. Because of the humility of Bill and this care team to say – 'help us think through this', his and the team's continued connection with AF, the creative strategizing and follow through – AF is now on the section 8 waiting list and has connected with Winona HRA, she has submitted her application through SEMCAC for Coordinated Entry (this is the system that will rank her prioritization of housing needs) – right now she is considered 'sheltered homeless' because DOC is paying for her stay at a motel and she is certified disabled), she has connected with WeCare (housing stabilization services) and Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center/Hope for Homes program. AF will meet with the Housing Resource Specialist today.

Bill's support and supervision of AF is littered with successes, and it is also really really hard work. It involves systems, programs, language, and actions that are not typical paths to follow for corrections agents. Bill has always shown up ready to support, follow through, humble, and inquisitive. This is excellent.

Thanks for all you do, Bill.