About a month ago Cynthia Boyd called me to ask me about being interviewed for a piece on the economy. I said I thought I wasn't the best example for the subject, but Cynthia needed the story, being on deadline and all, and I have been needing and wanting, for a while now to get some publicity regarding my project. So, we muddled through, exchanged edits and what you see is the result.However, the subject being what it is, a direct follow up is warranted. Why? Well, my experience of society and the nature and brevity of the story, further explanation will fill in the details, lest anyone be misinformed, or mislead.
Unemployed in a weak economy: ‘I found myself in a shelter'
Stigma, Marginalized and Ignored
I'm not sure where to begin here. Clearly, no one wants to be identified as homeless. And, certainly not the double punch of "Unemployed" or "Jobless" and "Homeless." Each with it's own social stigma. I will be clear here, I rarely, if every refer to myself as homeless because of the stink left from the stigma.
Actually, more than that. I will boldly say that I am a Success! Even while in the shelter system. That's right, I said it. And, will gladly articulate and argue the fact of that matter. Anyone that disagrees with that either has completely different ideas of success, and/or does not care to begin to know my full story.
I don't know about you, but even explaining this much, I can feel the enormity and weight of this subject, let alone my vision of the whole project I'm working on.
And, by the way, this project is much more than a single website. It's actually 4 full projects, that includes Blogger sites, Facebook pages, Twitter Feeds and YouTube channels.
Standing up for what is right!
To be clear, this project has everything to do with Human Rights, and Social Justice, besides simply getting missing information online. And, I have continued to be committed to working on these projects, even after moments of question and doubt.
One of the first experiences I had, in the beginning, was one with a young man that was being harassed at Salvation Army. Not only by other guests/residents, but also by a staff member, about being gay. He contacted me through staff at the Catholic Charities Opportunity Center, Alex (Alexandra), that knew about the project work I was doing and was very impressed. The person that was harassed wanted to write a blog story to put the word out so others would not have to experience the same thing.
He originally contacted me through email. So, I forwarded that email on to a contact, who forwarded it on to Steve Horsfield, then Chief Operating Officer for Salvation Army. That afternoon I got a call from Steve stating that they knew Salvation Army's reputation wasn't very good on the street, and that they were working to change that. Instead of writing a blog story, I focused on what this young man needed. Not on changing all those people out there, so to speak. Since he was on good terms with Jade, the supervisor of the program where he was staying, I simply walked with him when he returned to the facility, to support him, help emphasize (Salvation Army) addressing this issue. Jade was aware of the circumstance, and very willing to address the issue. As a result of this experience, this young man, age about 21 yrs, knew what it was like to be genuinely supported while dealing with a very difficult situation, that had to do with his very identity. Because I knew what it's like in the shelter system, as well as 28 years of recovery from an alcoholic family system and sexual abuse at the age of 11, I was able to provide genuine help for this young man.This was also the start of building good connections with Steve and Jade at Salvation Army. Where Steve was so impressed by my project that he wrote a letter of recommendation, and donated money personally, as well as on behalf of Salvation Army. A huge thank you to both Steve and Jade.
Being Paid for Work
The biggest challenge for me personally, and the most important aspect for the projects' success is finding funding and financial support. A great deal of this project development is new to me. This whole environment of the helping community, the population that most needs help. Especially the money part. But, I've been successful in many other areas and times of my life, I've decided to take this on, and trust things will work out. Again, I fully believe this is all about doing the right thing.
I've spent a great deal of time, too, thinking about creative and responsible ways to put together the financial part. But, being creative, and coming up with good ideas only points in the right direction. The process involves many steps, and many people along the way. Long story short, my main philosophy is that the income and funding come from multiple sources, and types. Meaning, it has already included personal and organization donations. Not a lot, comparatively, yet gracious, none the less. The plan is to also include business sponsorships, as well as foundation grants when available.
