About time. A focused effort on getting people out of homelessness.
I'm sure that many more homeless did not even know of the event, or just didn't want to go. Some people that attended the event are not homeless, but are living in poverty and threatened with homelessness. I think from the attendance we can infer that the homeless population in Davidson County to be about 2000, at any one time. I myself would not have attended, if it were not for people from a church who came to where I was and offered a ride.
Things that were offered to the homeless at this event focused on improving homeless people's situation, so that they could be better prepared for leaving homelessness. And all the services were given free of charge - hair cuts, new shoes, medical check ups, eye and dental exams, foot care, assessing housing needs and providing some with housing opportunities, information about veterans benefits, assistance with getting legal I.D.s, job assistance, etc.
Perhaps the best thing to come from this was indication that so many homeless people truly wanted help getting out of homelessness. Kinda helps disprove the myth that homeless people want to be homeless.
These are the things homeless shelters should be providing, but are not.
newschannel5.com
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Project Homeless Connect
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Previous Posts
I volunteered yesterday with Room in the Inn to help at their foot care booth. I was moved - not only by the # of folks there who needed assistance and care - but also by the nursing students from Vandy and Motlow who washed feet, trimmed nails, and inspected feet for signs of larger problems. Also, as long as I've worked with RITI, I've primarily worked with homeless men & developed a bit on edge to help understand the plight. What I HAVEN'T been exposed to visually until yesterday was homeless children. Tears came to my eyes as I saw some toddlers and infants at Municipal yesterday.
ReplyDeleteI have heard a rumor that we will be doing it again in 6 months. San Fransisco does this every 2 months.
ReplyDeleteI drove a van all day Tuesday, picking up and dropping off. The people at my assigned pickup points didn't have a clue about this, yet they were designated. MDHA at Cheatham Place and the Mental Health COOP in metro center. I hope they get the message better next time and are prepared.
We need to get a printer involved to make signage for placement at various places, there was very little this go around.