MICAH Trusted Partners - Ally Supportive Services

Ally Supportive Services is partnered with MICAH and the Trusted Messenger Program, since September 2021, to serve as trusted messengers to provide up-to-date and accurate information on and about COVID-19, testing, vaccinations, and resources - targeting individuals that are unsheltered, in emergency shelter, formally long term homeless, and all community partners and individuals that collaborate with Ally in serving the unsheltered and previously homeless in Dakota County. 

Ally is also partnered with the Minnesota Department of Health, and contracted nurses and organizations, to provide over 225 vaccinations during free community clinics in Dakota County that Ally initiated and hosted.

Ally focuses on utilizing motivational interviewing, meeting people where they are at, being trusted messengers, listeners, and advocates. Monetary incentives have proven to be very successful, along with advocacy, motivational interviewing, and assistance with transportation. Ally's vaccine event turn-outs are proven to be a result of the success of word of mouth and the skills of trusted messengers, with few social media blasts or flyers. 

Ally will be partnered in multiple clinics throughout the summer with incentives of $100 for any dose as long as funding allows.