The City of Hood River has contracted with a licensed clinical social worker to provide direct outreach to individuals experiencing homelessness.  Alisa Fowler was lead program coordinator for Gorge Outreach, which began in the early days of the pandemic to provide temporary housing to the houseless community through hotel vouchers.  Working in the Mid-Columbia region since 2017, Fowler has two decades of professional, educational and volunteer experience as a therapist and service provider, specializing in mental health and housing.  Following the success of the initial Gorge Outreach program, the City is using grant funds to continue providing the service part-time.  Fowler says in the first six weeks of the City’s program, 33 individuals have been contacted by referral or street outreach. Ten households are actively engaged in housing placement and case management services.  Hood River County residents experiencing homelessness and community partners seeking basic needs and housing assistance can contact Gorge Outreach by leaving a message or text at 971-238-4438 or emailing gorgeoutreach@gmail.com.