South Kitsap Rotary, in partnership with the SK Fire and Rescue Cares Team, recently assisted a community member in need by cleaning up their property and preventing potential housing issues.

The Cares Team, designed to embed behavioral health and social services professionals within fire and police departments, identified a local struggling to meet neighborhood property requirements due to a lack of resources. When the team exhausted its assistance options, it reached out to SK Rotary.

“We saw a problem and wanted to solve it, so we reached out to some of our community partners,” said Jarrod Moran, SKF&R’s community support specialist.

On Feb. 8, Rotary members arrived with tools, rakes and gloves, removing debris and ensuring the property met neighborhood standards. The work was completed in less than two hours.

“We just wanted to make sure this individual wasn’t facing additional challenges that could have led to more serious consequences,” said Jody Collins, an SK Rotary member and SKF&R executive assistant. “Since our Rotary is very active in community cleanups, I brought the need to our board, and they approved the funding for a large trailer and debris removal.”

While the effort was not related to a formal eviction case, maintaining the property was necessary to comply with homeowners association regulations. “In neighborhoods with an HOA, there are strict guidelines,” Collins said. “If a homeowner isn’t able to meet those, it can sometimes escalate into bigger issues. We wanted to step in before it ever got to that point.”

Moran emphasized that partnerships are critical to the Cares Team’s success. “A big thing for us is building strong relationships with different community partners and people who can help solve problems,” he said. “This was our first time reaching out to Rotary, but they really stepped up…”

Financial limitations often pose challenges for the Cares Team, which does not have a dedicated budget for cleanup projects.

The Cares Team regularly collaborates with community organizations, including the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office and various local agencies, to assist residents in need. “We’re always working to strengthen our existing partnerships and build new ones,” Moran said. “We welcome anyone who wants to get involved in making a positive impact in the community.”