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Located in Salinas’ Chinatown, Monterey County’s largest homeless encampment, is Closer Walk, a volunteer-run nonprofit that provides free resources including doctor’s check ups and legal advice.
The nonprofit was co-founded by David Balch at the start of the pandemic with his wife, after a full-time career in corporate law and a successful fight against cancer just a year before.
“You know, growing up, I always felt like I was a misfit and I became sort of king of the misfits. And for some reason, in my heart, there’s just a deep love for people who feel outside the system,” Balch said.
Right now, Balch’s team consists of 10 regular volunteers, including two therapists and two doctors, one of which is his wife, Christa Balch, a board certified Family Practice doctor and addiction specialist.
“So much of outreach is transactional. Here’s a jacket, thank you and you leave. But do we know their names? Do we know their stories, their pains?” David Balch said.
The Balchs hope to grow Closer Walk with a regular free legal clinic, addiction help and expanded medical services.