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Tri-Valley State Senator Steve Glazer (D-Orinda) has proclaimed Lavonna Martin, director of Contra Costa County’s Health, Housing and Homeless Services Division, as the 2021 Senate District 7 Woman of the Year.
Martin is responsible for providing services to unhoused individuals which, in a statement, Glazer called “a rising crisis during the pandemic.” She also manages a homeless service delivery system that includes street outreach, respite and emergency shelters, as well as independent living programs for transition-age youth, and connecting community members with permanent supportive housing.
“Lavonna’s selfless leadership and passionate advocacy for those in need have been a lifeline to so many people who have suffered on the streets, especially during the pandemic,” Glazer said last week. “She is worthy of this award in every respect.”
Dedicated to working with the homeless since starting her career years ago at the Homeless Prenatal Program in San Francisco, Martin has worked for Contra Costa Health Services for the past 21 years. Beginning as deputy director of homeless services, Martin eventually became chief and then director of the Health, Housing and Homeless Services Division when it was formed in 2016.
During the pandemic, Martin and her team have secured more than 600 hotel rooms for unhoused residents at most risk of contracting COVID-19, with nearly 1702 families and individuals served to date. More than half (54%) have successfully transitioned to other housing or substance abuse treatment programs.
Martin also has overseen the mobilization of hand-washing stations and porta-potties for those living outside in the cities of Walnut Creek, Concord, Richmond, Antioch, and more. She and her Division CORE Team has also provided unhoused residents with food, hand sanitizer, face masks and solar battery chargers.
