November 2006

PAMF and one of its physician groups, the Palo Alto Medical Clinic (PAMC), have committed to provide financial support and health care services to the not-for-profit Opportunity Center, a mixed-use facility that offers coordinated services and housing to the homeless and other at-risk individuals and families in the community. The Center opened in September next to PAMF's clinic in Palo Alto.

PAMF and PAMC will provide the services of a primary care physician for up to 17 clinic hours per week for the Center's residents, as well as provide $100,000 a year for three years to enable the Center to hire medical assistants and/or nursing support.

"The Opportunity Center meets a critical need in the local community by offering help and hope to at-risk
individuals and families," said Francis Marzoni, M.D., president of PAMF's Palo Alto Division. "We are in a unique position to offer our time, services and financial support to individuals who need them most."

The five-story building, which features two levels of underground parking, will comprise 89 units of permanent and transitional housing. A drop-in center on the ground floor will offer showers, laundry facilities, lockers, a clothes closet and services such as computer instruction. A second center with a separate entrance will provide services for women and children, such as health care and assistance in finding child care and housing.

For more information, visit www.opportunitycenter.org.