HISTORY
In the early weeks of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, the RRT focused on convening lead agencies from across the social services sector in our bi-state region. Conversation groups were organized into clusters to identify and meet the needs of our most vulnerable residents and those most likely to be impacted by the disease. In addition to these conversations, we conducted research with a broader group of providers and stakeholders.
What we learned from over 130 organizations was that basic needs were the priority for all population subsets, having a cluster focused on basic needs was too broad, having a cluster based on population was too limiting, and we needed a way to refine the problem and specific opportunities for improvement.
Members of the RRT told us we needed to make a pivot, and we listened. Rather than organize by cluster, we would organize based on the immediate need to solve problems. This is accomplished through “Campaigns” executed by “Strike Teams.”
Campaigns: An area of emphasis with a distinct need addressing an element of immediate concern for a vulnerable population in the RRT footprint.
Strike Teams: With a project manager and flanked by social service agency staff, strike teams approach campaigns with tactical insights and leverage all resources at their disposal to identify and implement a solution.
National and international reports discussed impacts of the disease on vulnerable populations. Grounded in knowledge of the St. Louis regional issues in health disparities and access to care, three campaigns were launched in April 2020 by forming strike teams. Immediate steps taken by the strike teams included drilling deeply and immediately into:
- Naming the issue
- Assessing available resources
- Leveraging assets (including dollars)
- Activating a solution
Strike teams were formed to address the following core issues:
- Dedicated services for homebound older adults and persons with disabilities
- School food programs
- Health and shelter needs of unhoused individuals
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Coordination
- Vaccine Education
The campaigns focused on urgency, capacity, and impact. Project managers assigned to those campaigns led strike teams comprised of partners and stakeholders best suited to meet this emergent need. The RRT has continued to evolve its efforts as needs emerge to identify new campaigns.
TODAY
Our community campaigns are designed to address the most pressing problems facing our region head-on. Through collaboration with a network of nonprofits and individuals living in St. Louis, we are making a difference in the lives of those who need it most.
Below are current RRT Campaigns. Please click on each header to learn more.