Press Releases

CLARE|MATRIX Offers Treatment to Homeless During COVID-19 Pandemic

CLARE|MATRIX, a nonprofit healthcare provider serving the recovery community in Southern California for 50 years, will continue to offer addiction treatment services to the homeless and all others at financial risk during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“These are especially challenging times for those about to begin or continuing in recovery. Isolation and anxiety are the enemy of persons who suffer with a substance use or behavioral health disorder. After serving the greater Los Angeles area for a half century, we simply could not close our doors to new patients, despite the obvious challenges,” said Lisa Steele, PhD, CEO of CLARE | MATRIX.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, new patients will first be evaluated in the outdoor tent outside our Admissions office located at 1002 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica. This triage-like tent is staffed by trained nurses, who can immediately assess whether patients exhibit symptoms associated with COVID-19 virus, and if necessary isolate and treat them in a separate facility adjacent to the Admissions Center. All staff in contact with incoming patients will wear protective safety gear and follow best practices for treating COVID-19 patients as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Research has shown that when a participant begins Substance Use Disorder (SUD) treatment and abstains from using alcohol or drugs, he or she can be especially prone to relapse as the body adapts to no longer having drugs in their system. Additionally, many in the homeless community have compromised immune systems, which might make them more susceptible to viral infection.

“CLARE|MATRIX’s mission is to serve those who cannot afford or otherwise obtain SUD or behavioral health treatment elsewhere, including the homeless community in Los Angeles – the largest in the country. Even in these times when our resources are stretched especially thin, we will not refuse services to anyone wanting to get sober, no matter what their circumstances,” said Dr. Steele.

About CLARE|MATRIX

For 50 years, CLARE | MATRIX has provided treatment, recovery and prevention services for alcoholism and substance abuse to individuals, families and the community. Headquartered in Santa Monica, CA, the nonprofit organization maintains 18 facilities in Los Angeles County, which provide programs run by a compassionate, committed, results-oriented team of counselors, therapists and administrators. A leader in evidence-based treatment practices, CLARE|MATRIX continues to break new ground in the areas of positive outcomes, outreach, research, training and community involvement. More: www.clarematrix.org