Journey of Hope takes over the SLO Public Market
The Transitions-Mental Health Association held its Journey of Hope Festival on Saturday, Sept. 26 at the San Luis Obispo Public Market. More than 20 organizations took part to share information about their history and resources.
The association, known as TMHA, holds the festival once a year to welcome new organizations and give them a chance for community outreach. Community members are also invited to learn about the mental health resources available on the Central Coast. Unless you're actively seeking help, you often don't hear about the free resources just down the street.
Booths lined the inside and outside of the market. Each organization handed out pamphlets and giveaways, such as stickers, candy, and free T-shirts and tote bags for all attendees. TMHA also offered free succulents and clay pots to attendees who completed a passport by visiting 10 booths. Volunteers at the succulent stand collected completed passports and let attendees pick out a plant and pot. A few tables were set up where people could paint the pots.
The festival also featured live music from local artists such as Cate Armstrong and the Sweet Spots. Several student speakers shared their mental health journeys and how school wellness centers supported their healing.
Gabe, a recent Atascadero High School graduate, spoke about struggling with suicidal ideation throughout school. The pressure of falling behind and keeping up with multiple classes and coursework took a toll on their mental health. Gabe said they visited the school's wellness center frequently, and it helped them the most. They said the counselors helped them learn to help themself.
TMHA offers more than 40 services, free to everyone regardless of age, through a bilingual staff that speaks English and Spanish. Whether someone needs help with housing, employment, family issues or clinical care, the association has a resource. It also runs a free, confidential hotline, open 24 hours a day, for anyone who feels they have no one to confide in. The number is 800-783-0607. California has its own crisis and suicide hotline, which is 988.
Among the booths we visited were the Promotores Collaborative, Lumina Alliance and the SLO Food Bank.
The Promotores Collaborative unit provides resources to the Latino community, including help applying for programs that reduce energy and gas bills. They also share information about free health care for people without insurance. Three clinics in San Luis Obispo offer free medical, vision and dental services, and a mobile health clinic parks in different areas for quick check-ups. Santa Maria has a Women's Mobile Health Unit. The vision clinic provides free eye exams and, if needed, free glasses.
Lumina Alliance supports people who have experienced sexual violence and intimate partner violence. Its crisis line, 805-545-8888, accepts calls and texts 24 hours a day. Lumina also offers therapy, emergency shelter and transitional housing. Its staff speaks English and Spanish, and interpreters are available for other languages. The organization welcomes anyone who has experienced violence from a partner, as well as people seeking guidance for someone who has.
The SLO Food Bank's sole goal is to end hunger in San Luis Obispo County. It works with multiple partners to keep its grocery stocked and accessible, and it checks every donated food item to ensure it meets nutritional standards. By working mainly with Central Coast agencies, the food bank builds a stronger community network. Visitors are never asked to provide proof of income at food distributions. They are asked to fill out a form before shopping so the food bank can learn about the community's living conditions and adjust its services.
Having multiple resources available can lessen loneliness and strengthen the community. Don't hesitate to ask for help when you need it, and if you know someone who is struggling, recommend that they contact TMHA or another organization that fits their situation.
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