Grants Pass, Oregon – The Mobile Integrative Navigation Team (MINT), a non-profit organization, is making strides in providing essential resources to individuals experiencing homelessness in the area. Founded in 2022, MINT began as a grassroots effort with a small group of dedicated volunteers, a wagon, and vaccines. In just two years, the organization has grown into a vital community resource offering a wide range of services, outreach initiatives, and now, a new shelter project.
MINT’s mission is to meet people where they are, addressing both immediate needs and long-term solutions. The organization offers medical care, care coordination, advocacy, and hospital follow-up for those who might otherwise fall through the cracks of the healthcare system. Additionally, MINT connects individuals to housing, social services, addiction treatment programs, and other critical resources.
Members of the MINT team include nurses, doctors, public health employees, parole and probation officers, case managers, peer support specialists, and social service specialists. This diverse group works collaboratively to ensure that individuals receive comprehensive care and support, focusing on both physical and mental well-being.
MINT’s volunteers are active in local parks and campsites where unhoused individuals live, providing services directly to them. The organization also uses a county-funded van to engage with individuals who might not otherwise access traditional services. This mobile approach allows MINT to build trust and provide immediate assistance, from medical care to referrals for housing and treatment programs.
“Our goal is to bridge the gap for people who are often overlooked,” said a MINT representative. “By meeting them where they are, we can offer practical solutions and hope for a better future.”
One of MINT’s most significant recent developments is its role in managing a new homeless shelter funded by the Grants Pass City Council. The project includes 15 prefabricated pallet houses designed to provide temporary housing, as well as a resource center equipped with internet access.
The shelter site aims to offer a dry and safe space for individuals to regroup and access resources. While the specifics of the funding allocation are still being finalized, the initiative represents a critical step forward in addressing the city’s homelessness crisis.
“We’re excited about this project because it’s more than just a shelter; it’s a pathway to stability,” said a MINT staff member. “With a roof over their heads and access to resources, people have a chance to focus on long-term solutions.”
MINT’s rapid growth from a small volunteer effort to a comprehensive support system highlights the urgent need for such services in Grants Pass. By addressing homelessness with a combination of care, outreach, and innovative shelter solutions, MINT is helping to reshape how the community approaches this complex issue.
As the organization continues to expand its services, community members and leaders alike are watching closely to see how MINT’s initiatives will impact the broader landscape of homelessness in Grants Pass.
With their blend of compassion and practicality, MINT is proving that small beginnings can lead to transformative change. For those experiencing homelessness, the calm after the storm may now be within reach.
