Citrus Heights' Navigator
The Navigator is a program of the City Citrus Heights, the Citrus Heights Police Department and Community Health Works. Citrus Heights HART supports the Navigator with funding and resources. The Navigators job is to locate each individual member of our community that is currently experiencing homelessness. Once contact is made an initial intake is completed to assess the client and see which services the client needs and how she can assist them in getting off the street.
The Navigator acts as the main outreach specialists in the county's coordinated system and work to assess and provide connections to services for the homeless. To ensure that clients are given access to services designed explicitly for them, the Citrus Heights HART Navigator does most of her work in the field by engaging potential clients where they live.
The Navigator's initial interaction with a new client consists of a test designed to assess vulnerability to homelessness; after the test is given, they remain available as a resource to her clients and connects them with resources that range from detox programs, food stamp applications, Identification cards, and other essential documents and services to get them off the street and into a sustainable future.
Meet the Navigator
Gabriella Yost
Gabriella is a Sacramento native. She attended St. Francis HS and Sacramento State and recieved her degree in Early Childhood Development with minors in Philosophy and Counseling. She has always had a passion for children and family-life education.
"What better way to help our children than to educate those in their environment and home life?"
She finds the best part about her job is collaborating with the many different partnerships and volunteers. "It really does take a village."
Her favorite part of the job is working to overcome barriers with clients, no matter how small.
Asked about advice that Gabriella would share with the community:
"Please do not assume you know a person's life story based on their current chapter in life."
"Reporting "homeless activity" in the city helps get services to those in need."
"People can always learn more about what services and resources are available in the City of Citrus Heights."
Please visit the Navigator's Amazon Wish List to help with client needs.