My Soapbox on Homelessness...read at your own risk

There are not that many things I'm passionate about outside of God/church, and my husband/family. But since I started working with the Salvation Army H.O.P.E. Village program May 11, 2009, I've found myself growing more and more passionate about helping those in need. It was one thing to serve as a short-term missionary in Venezuela. But this is completely different. It's ministry that is literally in my backyard. And yours too for that matter. No matter where you live.

Today I was helping with Chesapeake's Project Homeless Connect. Norfolk has them too and it's basically a one day, one-stop event, when those who are homeless can come in and get everything from a hot meal to housing resources, food stamp cards, childcare info, legal aid info, medical and dental screenings, haircuts, toiletry kits, clothing, bus passes....pretty much all the basic needs are met. As I spoke with potential clients and other local service providers, I realized just how excited I get when I share about our program. But I've also noticed over the last several months how worked up I get over certain things, one being housing.

The goal of our program is for clients to achieve affordable housing once they leave. In our opinion affordable housing involves finding an apt. or home to rent and if that means taking advantage of grant money the city has to help with the first month's rent, then that's okay. What we don't like to promote is section 8 or public housing. I know for some, that may be the only option. but I can get on quite the high horse about that, so for now I'll refrain. then there's permanent supportive housing...TERRIBLE! This option just seems to continue the cycle of homelessness and lack of effort on the client's part. That type of housing just seems to perpetuate a cycle of depending on others in such a way that you never learn how to handle life on your own. Some agencies in the area think we're ridiculous for not pushing our clients in that direction. It's almost as if we're being asked "how dare you push your clients into surviving on their own?" Is wanting more for my clients bad? Is telling them that success in housing is within their reach (while also teaching them the skills they need and that it takes work on their part to make it happen) so bad? I think not. I think we're doing just the right thing in teaching our clients, and in turn their children, what responsibility and hard work looks like. And that is what makes my job worthwhile. I know not every client will choose this path, but at least I can proudly say I work for a program that is, as our logo says, "growing great neighbors."

And I'm also extremely thankful to be working in Norfolk because the city recognizes homeless as a problem and has many services available to meet the needs of it's homeless residents. Some cities barely acknowledge homelessness, much less have services. But that's yet another soapbox.

I know this is long, but really quick, I'd like to share the good things HOPE Village has going on...
NO rent and NO utility costs for the 2 years a person is in the program; they have to attend our weekly workshops and weekly case management instead. Not a bad trade-off. Clients have to save 30% per paycheck and work towards paying off debt- so when they leave they'll have more money, less debt. We have an education coordinator, employment coordinator, children's services coordinator, and a substance abuse counselor on staff. We're pretty comprehensive with our services and refer our for things we're not able to do. Plus the houses are fully furnished, right down to forks and spoons and enough cleaning supplies to get someone started. We have weekly workshops ranging from self-defense and self-esteem to housing, finances, cooking, health/nutrition, and parenting. It's one awesome program!