"The start to a better world is our belief that it is possible." --Katherine Shaw

I am one of several AmeriCorps members currently serving at the South Oakland Shelter (SOS) in Lathrup Village, Michigan. We serve in various capacities to support the SOS mission of ­­­­ providing temporary shelter and supportive programs to assist individuals in making the transition from homelessness to independent living.

My first month of service has been an exciting whirlwind. I have adjusted to the structure of our program and am becoming acquainted with the resources available in Oakland County. I have participated in a Community Resource Day, acting as a representative for the South Oakland Shelter. This event was greatly beneficial, as program participants and other community members were connected to resources in a central location, and I was able to explore other agencies and display our services.

Much of my time is spent conducting intakes, assisting clients with their transition to shelter, establishing goals, and connecting clients with community resources that may assist them in achieving those goals. I meet with clients regularly to discuss their needs and what can be done to address them, whether it may be a referral to another agency or a program provided by SOS.

While much frustration can stem from a lack of adequate resources or the difficulty of the job market, I have been finding great joy in the connection I am making with my clients and their pride in small successes. Providing support and encouragement for clients during their stay has been rewarding thus far and I cannot wait to see what this year of service has in store for me!

Best wishes in your service,

Katie

New year, new challenges.

My name is Melissa Grant and I'm the Program Director for Michigan's Campaign to End Homelessness AmeriCorps Program. While this blog is for the thoughts of my members and not my own, I felt compelled to talk a bit about the start of our new program year and some of the things we have in the works.

Our new members began officially on October 24th, save for Corey Saylor, who returned for a second year of service and started a bit earlier. I'm pleased to share that Corey will be serving as our LeaderCorps representative for the 2011-2012 year. If you'd like more information about LeaderCorps members and their greater role in National Service, check out their blog.

October is an incredibly frantic month for me as I plan orientation and try to balance the needs of my new members and site supervisors. Orientation also makes me nervous. I have to select what information is important enough to cram into two and a half days of intensive training and what can be reserved for later; I have to hold a good event in a decent venue while still being cognizant of our small budget; and I have to teach a group of strangers with radically different levels and styles of learning. Some years, orientation is a runaway success; other years, not so much.

I'm happy to say that this year's event was overall quite successful. This year's group of members is impressive in their level of intelligence and ability to dialog with me. I received some great ideas on how to tweak things for the future and also got some ideas on things I had never considered. Idea sharing, I think, is one of the unsung virtues of involvement in a National Service program such as ours. I have one way of doing things, one way of thinking, one way of interpreting; thanks to my members, our program can improve because we now have 20 different ways of thinking through things.


Now that orientation has drawn to a close and things are returning to a more manageable pace, there are a few other things of note coming up for our program. First, we're in the midst of re-competing for our federal funding this year. If you're not aware, AmeriCorps programs such as ours are federally funded; if we apply for competitive funding and receive it, we have guaranteed funding for three years. The program year that just began is the last year of our first three year cycle and so writing a new federal grant has been another task of mine this autumn. We should know toward the end of this month whether or not we've made the cut at the state level and will be invited to apply on the federal level for funding. I believe strongly in our program and the service our members provide, but I'm also a worrier and so I wonder about our prospects. As I've gotten older, I've learned to temper my irrational paranoia some and try to be cautiously optimistic when it comes to such things and so that will be my mantra until we find out next year whether or not we received the money. Deep breath and...ahh...cautious optimism.

We won't find out about funding until May 2012 so let us speak of more immediate things. The AmeriCorps Member Celebration hosted by MCSC will be happening at the Lansing Center on November 17th this year. The Member Celebration is a great one-day event for Michigan AC members, giving them the opportunity to network with members from other programs and attend professional development workshops. For whatever reason, our program has usually had a poor turnout at the event but this year we have a decently sized group going. I'm doubly pleased because this year, we'll finally have a picture in the slideshow! For those not in the know, MCSC has a slideshow that plays during the even featuring photos of members in action. Because of our program's nature and privacy concerns, our members can't exactly take action shots of their daily service. This year, I made sure to get a photo of everyone standing on the Capitol steps after our tour.

If you'd like to see the photo and won't be present at Member Celebration, head on over to our Facebook page and "like" us! One of my goals for this year is to greatly increase our social media presence (I refuse to Twitter though) and one of the ways we'll be doing this is through the Facebook page.

I believe I've prattled on enough and so would like to sign off by saying thank you to all of our program's supporters and the wonderful members that make our program possible. Here is to an excellent year of service!

A Year Of Service

My name is William and I've been serving the Lenawee Emergency and Affordable Housing Corporation for almost a year now. The mission of this non-profit is to end homelessness. It's a lofty goal but then again, most noble causes are.

Now that my service is coming to an end, I have a chance to sit back and reflect on all of the projects that I've assisted on and the number of people that my service organization has helped. It's mind boggling to see the amount of good that this agency has done. The number of people that they've helped is staggering. The people that receive services are grateful and most of them begin to look for a way to give back to the community that gave them the critical help that they needed so desperately. It almost feels like a pay-it-forward system. It truly is amazing to see how people interact and respond to these situations.

To me, homelessness is not a "challenge" as some might say. I believe homelessness is a problem. "Challenges" are something to overcome, problems are something that won't go away until there is a permanent fix. For the most part, if we lose a challenge, we just try again next time and if we decide that we don't want to try that challenge again and try a new one, it's no big deal. Most challenges don't have a lot of negative side effects. Problems on the other hand, aren't as easy to dismiss. If you have a problem and it isn't fixed, there is almost always negative repercussions. I look at it like this, a challenge is something like "I couldn't finish that 5K race, I'll try better next time!" and a problem is more like "If you don't change that circuit box, the building could burn down due to an electrical fire." That might be a little bit exaggerated but that's kinda how I feel about.

AmeriCorps is a great program to help address this problem. When I started I wasn't sure how well I would be able help combat such a tremendous foe or if I'd even be any help at all. The staff that orientated us at our first meeting really dug in and showed us what we could do to help. It seems so impossible in the beginning but as my service year started to get underway I was involved with the November Needs Drive and then in January, Project Homeless Connect. It didn't take much time to see that ANYONE could help if they were given a little direction and the facts behind the problem.

The experiences and knowledge that I've gained from my service have been outstanding and irreplaceable. I also have gained a new appreciation for everyone that works in human services. It takes a special kind of person that has a lot of heart and patience to do what they do. The determination and convection to the job that they have is unwavering. I salute all of them.

In the end, I would like to thank AmeriCorps and LEAHC for an unforgettable year of service and experiences. I am truly grateful for everything and wish the best to all that fight to end this problem. I'll remain as a volunteer for the organization that I was serving. I hope other AmeriCorps members do the same.

My name is William Willnow, I fight to end homelessness.

The Real World

The Real World: As my service year ends, I am able to reflect and look upon all that I have learned and accomplished. I think AmeriCorps provides its members with more than “service” experience to the community but also gives us working knowledge and expertise in the community that we are 'working for". Nowadays, getting into the work force takes more than a college degree. It is also very important to get working experience and develop good connections. I have always had a “heart for service” but the reality of the world told me that I needed more real world knowledge. AmeriCorps provided me with this knowledge and experience in addition to allowing me to provide services to a community "in need". I am thankful for being able to serve my community in a very “real” way while attaining life long experience. I am so thankful for being part of such an immeasurable force that has touched so many lives.

-Soyini-

"Life's most urgent question is: What are you doing for others?"

My name is Erin Connolly, I am currently finishing up my service with Goodwill Industries in Traverse City as a housing assistant in Housing Support Services. Goodwill Industries in Traverse, is comprised of a variety of programs ranging from the retail store, to a homeless shelter, to a paper studio, as well as this program that assists individuals in locating housing and becoming successful and self-sufficient in their own housing.

In my position I have been exposed to a variety of different experiences. My service began with assisting homeless "guests" at the Goodwill Inn, and community members in finding either temporary or permanent housing. This aspect of my service could be very frustrating and disheartening at times. The realities of working with these populations is that often there are not the resources available to help, or they do not have the resources themselves. As we all know, MSHDA HARP HCV's are currently frozen and in Traverse City, other housing vouchers and subsidized and low-income rentals are on waiting lists of up to a year. The housing market in Traverse City for market rate rentals is very expensive. On average a one bedroom apartment ranges from $595-700 dollars, for a family, these numbers can be anywhere from $675-1000 dollars depending on the size of the family. Many of those served by Goodwill, have little to no income, or it is very sporadic. One of the most frustrating and devastating aspects of my service has been having to explain to individuals and families that it could be over a year before they find something appropriate, and that there are very few temporary options. If someone has no income, it could be even longer. Many individuals expect that I will have a magic solution, however, without adequate funding for housing assistance, and with little to no growth in the job market, my hands are often tied, and it becomes an issue of brainstorming what is the best possible solution for the time being. Probably, one of the most difficult times of my service was in the late spring when the hotels began to raise to their summer rates, and families that had been staying there all winter came flooding into my office, most often with not enough resources to house their families. Initially, I found this very emotionally overwhelming. I have a champion poker face, that often does not give away how I feel but there were days, especially during this time that I went home fairly devastated by not being able to come up with any adequate solution. I have become better at being able to turn it off when I go home, but I think the empathy I feel for these individuals is one of the things that makes me well suited for this line of work. I have an unconditional positive regard for the people that I meet with, and always have the main goals of assisting them with what is best and right for them.

On a lighter and more positive note, there isn't a better feeling than when I am able to assist someone in locating a rental that is affordable for them. Often an individual has not had their own place in a long time if ever. In many of these cases, Housing Support Services at Goodwill assists them in being successful in their housing. The case management services provided here are often extensive, with contacts ranging from assisting to paperwork, to organizing their homes, to finding activities for their children, the possibilities are endless. HSS has contracts with two local subsidized apartment complexes. Within these complexes, case management services are provided as well as educational classes that an employee of Goodwill and I have developed to enhance the skills and experiences of residents at these complexes. We have held classes on nutrition, organization, stress management, routines, and have also had social gatherings, such as an ice cream social, a holiday party, and an upcoming cook out. Often the attendance is low, but those that attend on a regular basis report gaining valuable skills and often enjoying the time that they spend with their neighbors as well as Goodwill staff.

When people think of Traverse City, they often think of a wealthy lake side community. One that is associated with boating, wineries, golfing and the Cherry Festival. This aspect of the town is wonderful and thriving, however, there is a side that many overlook or don't see. There are estimated to be nearly 600 people in the Grand Traverse area on any given night. When people think of homelessness they don't think of low populated rural areas, they think of urban settings, but homelessness is a reality for many of those in our northern communities. They face the same hardships as those in cities however; there are few shelters and very harsh winters. Except for college, I have lived in Northern Michigan my entire life, and had no idea that there was anyone that was homeless in the area. I may have been naive, but it is also an issue that is not talked about and kept out of the public eye. I learn more everyday about the differences in the life experiences of individuals.

Oncorps says that I have 6.24 weeks left of my service. As of right now, I'm not sure what this fall holds for me, I won’t lie, I’m nervous. This is a pretty scary time to be unemployed in Michigan. However, I will be beginning my second year of graduate school, and am more sure than ever in my decision to pursue a Masters Degree in Social Work. This experience has been life changing and priceless. This year has changed and bettered me as a person. I have been exposed to so much that has opened my eyes to both the suffering and joys of those struggling with poverty and have become stronger because of it. In the past, I have struggled with searching for "meaning," and I have found not greater "meaning" for my life than doing my part in assisting others in difficult times in their lives. I am excited about what my future holds, but will miss this particular experience. I have developed relationships with both people at the agency as well as those that I work with on a regular basis. My two years of experience in the AmeriCorps have been wonderful and beneficial for myself as well as those I have had the pleasure of serving. I am so grateful to have had this opportunity and have been able to serve at Goodwill.




"Life's most urgent question is: What are you doing for others?"
Martin Luther King, Jr.

Sustainability?

Hi everyone!

My name is Sandra Holt, and I am a part-time member serving with Every Woman’s Place/Webster House Youth Services in Muskegon. I want to start out by saying that this year has been a real eye-opener! I decided to apply for this position after interning with this agency last summer. It has been a great way for me to develop in skills in other areas (previous experience was working with delinquent youth and adult victims of domestic violence/sexual assault) and help address this social injustice. I am very proud of the accomplishments I’ve made this year, and more importantly, the people that I’ve helped. It has solidified my notion that I want a career in the social work field, and I’ll be attending a social work graduate program in the fall.

At this agency, Tenant Based Rental Assistance helps assist homeless families and youth with long-term rental assistance. By providing funding for apartments, we hope to set up clients for successful, sustainable housing after the program phases out. While in theory, this program makes a lot of sense (and with some clients it definitely plays out well), I’ve noticed a lot of our clients haven’t been able to sustain housing once rental assistance was over. This is disheartening because we work hard to try and motivate them for their own benefit, but sometimes clients can’t find jobs or just aren’t interested in making the extra effort. This isn’t always the case… We have clients who flourish and really make strides during their time in programming. We  provide casework services and attempt to link them with other services in the community, but I guess I am wondering if any of you have had similar experiences with clients, essentially, falling apart and becoming homeless again? We try to teach them life skills and set them up for success by being a support system and resource guide, but it doesn’t always work out. Anyone have any thoughts or insight on this?

-Sandra Holt

Walking Wikipedia

Hi everyone! My name is Corey Saylor. I am serving my AmeriCorps service with the Macomb County Rotating Emergency Shelter Team (MCREST). Like most of you, I can't believe that our service is almost over for the year. I am happy that AmeriCorps survived the budget cuts and will proudly be serving another year starting in October. I hope that many of you will as well!

As I look back at the time I have served with AmeriCorps and MCREST I get overwhelmed by how much I have learned in such a short time. I feel like I am a walking Wikipedia for the agencies and their roles in Macomb County.

Serving the homeless cause has proven to be such a rewarding task. I have met so many beautiful people in the last nine months. I have been truly blessed. The perseverance of not only the clients but of the case managers that do everything they can for them is something I truly admire and strive for.

AmeriCorps has opened up so many doors for me. It has given me the opportunity to give my future career a test run. I am glad to say that my choice to become a social worker is a permanent one! AmeriCorps has also allowed me to network with those in Macomb County and at times those in Wayne and St. Clair County. Let us not forget that serving as an AmeriCorps member looks pretty wicked on a resume! I believe this will be very beneficial when I seek employment in the social work field.

Although I am very proud of my service and I look forward to next year, I fear that history will repeat itself. We were all on edge for a few months when the government was making budget cuts. We all know our service has a positive impact on the communities we live in. I am glad the government made the right decision to keep AmeriCorps going; for how long is the question. Also, I fear the snail like pace grants are accepted and approved at. MCREST has not had sufficient housing assistant funds since January 1st. How are we to end homelessness or prevent future homelessness without the tools necessary to do so?

During my service this year I have learned a few valuable lessons; do not back down, voice your opinion, and there is always, always a loop hole in the system. The most important lesson I have learned is education is the key. Every volunteer I have encountered at MCREST has a light bulb go off during their service and they get it. They understand that the people MCREST help truly have no one and no place to go. The clients I have encountered are unaware of all the resources available to them. Many believe DHS is the first and last stop. When I signed up for AmeriCorps I did not expect to become a teacher of the homeless epidemic, but I am glad I am able to do so. I encourage all of you to educate those you encounter about the agency you serve at, AmeriCorps and homelessness in general.

I wish you all a great summer and look forward to serving with you in the future.

Eye Opening Experience

Hi! My name is Chennelle Dismond and I am an Americorps Member serving at Metro Community Development in Flint, MI. I have been afforded the opportunity to serve in such an awesome organization addressing the housing needs of the community in a dynamic manner, surrounded by individuals who truly care about each and every client that walks through the door. The programs housed in this agency signify that “Partnering to Build Strong, Vibrant Communities” is not just the opening phrase in Metro’s Vision & Mission statement, but it is a sentiment that is woven into the very fabric of the agency and as a whole.
Before coming to serve at Metro as an Americorps Member, I had my own ideas about what homelessness looked like and what some of the causes could possibly be, however I never could have imagined many of the cases and/or causes that I have encountered over the past 7 months. Moms and their children living in cars, parks, or even abandoned buildings getting up going to school and work each day, not knowing where they would end up that night or how about the senior citizen taking care of a handicapped elderly sibling forced to decide on medication or paying the heat bill in the middle of a Michigan winter? Many of the faces of homelessness looked like me, to my amazement. To see an individual all made up, dressed in office attire, and revving to go; all the while sadness and wonderment locked behind their eyes and a cloak of pride to hide it all as the face of homelessness, left me in complete awe. I could have never imagined the many stories and faces of homelessness in our community and those abroad, that simply don't fit the bill of what homelessness used to be or what many still seem to think.
The upside to this is that there are agencies partnering and initiatives put in place to eradicate this seemingly growing epidemic. I am so very fortunate to have the opportunity to serve my fellow man and community in the capacity which I have. The services offered to every client that comes through our doors are not just tangible windows of opportunity, but also access to mental tools for success, by way of information. The consistent encouragement to attend every and any training and outreach that is pertinent to the success of the population we are working with is one of the many focuses of the agency where I am serving. Sometimes just the passing on of a little information can knock down barriers of most any size and/or origin. I have always been taught that "Knowledge is Power" and I know for a matter of fact that it truly is. Assisting clients in need of emergency services and linking them with the available community resources has been one of the most rewarding elements in my service. To see the sheer relief in a mother's face that her pending eviction has been thwarted and her babies' home is safe, or to receive a bear hug from an entire family because now they get to have heat in their home, or even to meet an expectant mom who's been couch surfing for over a year and be able to tell her that we can help get you into a home and also help you to stay there are just a the tip of the iceberg of rewarding experiences I can now claim in my life. These individuals and their circumstances, amongst many others I've met along the way, have not only "Opened My Eyes" in a new way to the world around me, but have begun to reshape my views on service, community, outreach and resources. I believe that because of my service as an Americorps Member serving in such an agency as Metro Community Development I am not only becoming a much better more informed person, but a far more effective and productive one in my community as well and for those reasons and this opportunity I am and shall always be grateful to Americorps and Metro Community Development.

A Taste of What Could Be...

We are not alone…However, I felt quite alone, as I was standing at the top of a ladder scraping lead based paint from the side of a house. My shoulders were getting tired. My feet were sore from standing on the ladder so long, and the rays of the sun were baking me in the biohazard suit I was wearing.

I needed a rest, and as I shifted on the ladder preparing to descend, the sights and sounds of my surroundings caused me to pause. Looking down to the ground, it is as if I noticed for the first time how many people there were working around me, not just on the house I was working on, but all up and down the street. Everyone was working so hard, sweaty and dirty. But I was surprised by the number of smiles I saw on peoples' faces and the sheer volume of laughter in the air.

The environment held a sense of familiarity, and as I reflected on it, I realized that what I was sensing was a carnival like atmosphere. What a contrast to the normal turn of events…hard work usually precipitating groans and complaints, yet what I was observing was the very opposite…hard work—service—bringing about joy. Why couldn’t this be the norm? Or could it?

Was this a taste of what could be?

How often are we told to dream big, only to be scorned for being unrealistic when we have dreamt? Similarly, how often are we told to be realistic, again, only to be scolded by others for not thinking big enough?

The question is, “Really, what is possible?” Is it possible to end homelessness and poverty? Is it possible to make the world a better place? Is it possible to truly make a difference?

When the beach is covered with starfish withering in the sun, do we return them to the ocean taking hope that we make a difference by even saving one, or do we throw our arms up in despair at the mountain of need and suffering before us?

Simply, is the glass half-full or half-empty? Should we be hopeful, or should we be despairing? Why? What reasons/rational are there for being one or the other?

In this year’s Russ Mawby Signature Service project, held in Grand Rapids, MI, I had a taste of what could be. So often we share our utopian ideas, only to have them scoffed at as quixotic; however in working alongside other AmeriCorps, Habitat for Humanity, and community volunteers for a day and a half, I have seen a glimmer hope that perhaps our utopian impulses may not be totally unrealistic. I have been caused to imagine the possibilities of what could be.

Imagine…

Imagine a community, a culture, a nation, a world, where the majority of people cared about and for their neighbor. Imagine such a world where people and groups gave generously with their time and resources, not under compulsion, but because of a free spirit of giving and a deep desire to make a difference. Imagine a world where the desire was not to amass material goods and wealth for one’s self and one’s own, but where there was a desire to improve the lives and station of all. Imagine such a world were people took responsibility, rather than only taking advantage of freedoms. While such a world would not be free from disaster, disease, or death, wouldn't such a world be much more imbued with peace, hope, joy, and laughter?

Might there be a way to attain a mixture, amalgamation, synthesis of what is and what could be, of the real and the ideal. Real people with real lives and problems of their own, taking time to help pursue the ideal in their neighborhoods, community, and ultimately in the world?

What would it take to catalyze such a shift in a culture that places so much importance on materialism and personal gain?

How can the glimmer of hope that we each see and experience in service be shared with and inspire others?

In the recent Signature Service Project, and throughout my AmeriCorps’ service, I have seen glimmers of hope. Sometimes I have had to look for these glimmers, sometimes I have been struck by them, but they have been there. And while I have often been tempted to throw my arms up in despair at the number of homeless in my community, and the number of problems facing the world, it has been these glimmers of hope that have not only brought me back to reality, but have helped me to see reality anew.

So, how do we live in light of the possible? What are we willing to do, think, consider, and perhaps sacrifice in order to see and realize what is truly possible? What would happen if we acted on our glimmers of hope?

New Beginnings

Hello Everyone! This is Kim P. writing to you from Community Housing Network. It was nice seeing many of you at our recent mid year training. My Americorps service will be ending a little bit sooner than expected because my husband and I will be moving to China! He received an offer from his company, so I am excited and nervous to start this new chapter of my life in China.

I feel very fortunate to be a part of Americorps. I had been trying to get into the non-profit world for about a year and was having no luck. Americorps helped me get my foot in the the door of the non-profit world. I would will totally recommend Americorps to others trying to enter the world of non-profit.

My time at Community Housing Network (CHN) has been great. I have learned a lot and met a lot of great people, both co-worker and clients.

I work in the Homeless Prevention and Rapid Rehousing Department (HPRP). I have taken calls to screen possible program participants. I have do the face to face intakes and manage these clients all the way through the housing process. When I first started at CHN, we had prevention funds to try and prevent people from being evicted. So I assisted the case managers a lot with intakes, paying utility bills, talked to landlords...anything you can think of. Eventually, our prevention funds were exhausted and we only had Rapid Rehousing funds left. We also lost a couple of case managers to other jobs, so I took on more responsibility by meeting clients at MATTS Salvation Army in Warren. I would give them information about our program, do intakes and help people get housed who were previously homeless. I was very excited the first time I housed a client. It felt really good to help someone all the way through the process from beginning to end.

I have participated in and Oakland County Project Homeless Connect, in a couple of Macomb Community Connection Day and in the Point in time Homeless Count for Oakland County. These experiences were really rewarding because that is really my favorite part of our work, interacting with clients.

Surprisingly, I also enjoyed learning how to use the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS). Because I know that is the system many other agencies use, because my end goal was to be able to use the knowledge I learned through my Americorps service year to obtain a permanent job at CHN or another agency. Obviously that will not be the case now that I will be moving to China, but I think the experience I have had through Americorps at CHN are skills that I can use in China as well. There are hurting people all over the world, so I hope to be able to make a difference in China as well and I think the skills I have learned these past few months are invaluable.

So long for now.

From Your Fellow Americorps member,

Kim P.

Housing Needed

My name is Laura and I am serving at the Community Action House in Holland. Most of my responsibilities are related to the Homeless Assistance Recovery Program (HARP). The HARP program is a housing voucher program for people who are homeless. In most cases, it is a permanent voucher and its recipients can live in housing of their choice. Almost every day, I spend time on the phone with people who are interested in getting on the HARP waiting list. Many of the people I speak with are in need of immediate housing and most consider themselves to be homeless. If they are not eligible for my program, I try to refer them elsewhere for services. I have noticed a number of populations that seem to be in need of housing services that do not exist.

One of the populations that is not eligible for the HARP program or any of the other housing programs in my area for homeless people are people that are living doubled up with family and friends. The programs are geared towards those with the greatest amount of need and people who have others to stay with are in less need than those who do not have that option. The definition of a homeless individual for my program is someone who lives in a shelter or transitional housing program for people who are homeless, or someone who is living in a place not meant for human habitation such as a vehicle. There are also rare circumstances where people who have received an eviction notice can fit the definition. It leaves the people who are living doubled up in a difficult situation. Many are desperate to leave their current setting but desire to not have to live in the homeless shelter. The shelters have plenty of occupants to provide services for and do not need people coming in who have other options of places to stay.

Another population that has difficulty becoming eligible for housing programs for people who are homeless is single fathers with children. There is only one place in my county that I am aware of where single fathers and children can go for emergency shelter. That place has very limited space and only accepts people who fall under certain criteria. Around Christmastime, we had numerous single fathers calling my organization in one week to ask about places to stay. I had one family come in on a Friday afternoon with absolutely no place to go. If they cannot live in a shelter with their children, it is rare that they will be able to qualify for transitional and permanent housing services for homeless individuals.

A third population that I have had contact with that has difficulty becoming eligible for housing assistance is people who cannot live in the mission. One woman I spoke with had children with disabilities that made it so they could not function in a living situation such as a homeless shelter. Other people have not lived in the area long enough, have had run ins with other people who stay in the shelter, have mental illnesses that prevent them from feeling comfortable in that environment, etc. The list goes on and on. Sometimes these people are eligible for the waiting lists for homeless housing services because, unfortunately, they have been forced to live in their vehicles or on the street.

It seems purposeless to focus on the populations that are not eligible for these services because there is not enough funding even for the people who are eligible. The HARP waiting list is long and budgets are tight. My county has very little to complain or worry about compared to more urban areas. However, when you look at this issue on an individual level, it matters greatly. People need to know that those in their situations are not forgotten. Even being able to fill out an application and being able to get a name on a waiting list can give someone some hope for the future. If there was more housing available, perhaps programs could be opened up to people in the situations I listed above. More families would be able to stay in tact and less people would be forced to live in places not meant for human habitation. The part of my placement that I enjoy the most is when I am able to spend time with the people who already have housing vouchers. Their housing brings consistency to a formerly hectic part of their lives. Shelter is something many people take for granted. Often community members just assume that everyone has a place to stay and that homelessness does not exist in smaller cities like mine. Through my service I have learned that that is definitely not the case and that there is still a great need for housing and for focus on housing issues.

Continuing to Help Those in Need

My name is Dana Lattany and I am a second year AmeriCorps member under Michigan’s Campaign to End Homelessness. The site I serve at is the South Oakland Shelter (SOS), a homeless shelter in Royal Oak, MI. I serve in the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Department (HPRP), which assists individuals and families who have fallen behind in their rent or utility payments, or if they are homeless the program helps them with moving into a new home by paying for the security deposit and partial rent. There are several departments in SOS that work together to help provide the best resources for the clients and these resources are not just available while the clients are in the program. Client can still receive assistance even after they have been re-housed or have timed-out of the program.

After clients are re-housed or have timed-out of the program, many are required if not highly encouraged to stay in touch with SOS to acquire more resources for themselves. The ultimate goal for the client is to be self-sufficient after receiving assistance from SOS. A variety of resources are available for those who still need assistance to achieve their self-sufficiency. For instance, when a client moves into their new home, the HPRP department will usually assist them with their rent for a few months. The client needs to use those months to save their money. During that time, the client may be required to attend financial literacy classes that show the client how to save and budget their income. These classes are important because they give the client long-term financial goals for themselves. Furthermore, if the client moves into affordable housing and has either Section 8 or Social Security Income, the client usually needs to get at least a part-time job to fully cover the rent and other expenses. If this is the situation, SOS staff or volunteers will help the client with their resume/cover letters and mock interviews to prepare the client for applying for employment.

In addition to helping the client with their finances and job seeking, SOS has a clothing closet of new or gently used clothes. The client can select clothing for everyday and professional use. There is clothing for all ages and if the client has a newborn child, the parent can pick-up diapers, baby formula, car seats, etc. There is also a food pantry where a client can obtain a week’s worth of food. For the donations that SOS receives, the agency uses the largest room available to store the items. However, the space can only accommodate necessary items. Because of limited space, SOS can’t accept a lot of furniture but when there is room, the client can have that furniture for their new home as well as any computers or electronics that were donated.

A few other classes that are offered to the clients are computer training, self-care & nutrition, youth mentoring, adult literacy, support groups, and career counseling classes. SOS implements all of these classes and more to help the client to live independently.

Fight Against Homelessness

My name is Laura and I am a part time Americorps Member serving at West Michigan Therapy in Muskegon Heights. West Michigan Therapy is a nonprofit agency that houses homeless individuals and families through its housing programs. In 2009, there were a reported 2,214 homeless persons in Muskegon County. Of the homeless persons, 710 of them were children. On any given day that year, there were 325 homeless individuals and children in the shelters in Muskegon County. In 2010, West Michigan Therapy's housing programs served 1,321 of the 2,214 homeless persons in Muskegon County which is over half of the homeless served by one agency! The stability of permanent housing with the care of supportive services has given our housing clients new hope and a sense of self-determination.

West Michigan Therapy has had a very positive effect on the community at large and is continuing to receive a high demand of need for housing assistance. However, right now there is a huge gap between State and Federal funding support West Michigan Therapy received to run its housing programs and provide these services in an effective manner, allowing our clients' continuing stability. Without funding support, West Michigan Therapy has created workshops and groups to help serve members in the community by providing them with useful information about resources and housing options in the county. I help facilitate the Housing Stability Workshop which goes over information about subsidized housing lists, food truck information, temp agency lists and information as well as many, many more resources.

Due to this gap in funding, West Michigan Therapy is holding a "Million Quarters Drive" fundraiser with the ultimate goal of raising a quarter of a million dollars to ensure that these housing programs are maintained and expanded to provide essential case management services to families that are homeless or to prevent them from becoming homeless. This fundraiser has many different parts that are working together to raise the money. West Michigan Therapy is participating in food night at some local restaurants, attempting to have high school students sell chocolate candy bars, and planning a sleep out event in the future with all of the high schools in Muskegon County. It mimics the life of a homeless individual with students sleeping in boxes and/or participating in activities that help them understand how difficult it is to be homeless. West Michigan Therapy is also selling years of its history, there are twenty-five, to local businesses that are willing to sponsor and help raise money for the fundraiser. With the help of community members and local students, West Michigan Therapy plans to reach its goal and continue to fight against homelessness.

Why Should We Protect National Service in Michigan?

Times are tough here in Michigan, but you don’t need me to tell you that. It might as well be painted in bright red lettering across our state.

You see it in the smallest of places—like the face of a child who has worn the same clothes to school for the last week, or the single mother having to put back food in the grocery store checkout lane.

You can see it in your neighborhood—one foreclosed house after another, shops quietly closing their doors for good.

You watched it on the news as the once thriving Michigan auto industry was brought to its knees in front of the world.

You can see the entire state of Michigan’s struggle physically when you head south on 75 to Detroit and see the skeleton of Michigan Central Train Depot. Michigan has a lot in common with this haunting old building—both have a vibrant past and beauty that are not apparent at first glance anymore.

But there is one thing that Michigan does not have in common with this building—Michigan is not abandoned.

While you read this there are Michigan residents serving in our communities, devoting their time to help and restore Michigan. They serve long hours, steadfastly and silently supporting Michigan residents who need it the most. They serve in nonprofits throughout Michigan, for very little pay, yet they make measurable positive differences in our state.

These people are AmeriCorps members.

AmeriCorps members tutor children in your schools. They work one-on-one with people who have, or are at-risk, of losing their housing. They do their best to keep foreclosures from happening, and they help secure affordable housing for those who don’t have it.

They help connect our state’s neediest families and individuals with services that can give them a hand up and out of poverty. In the last two months, AmeriCorps members in the Michigan Campaign to End Homeless have helped over 2,500 Michigan residents get connected with crucial services, by planning one-day community connect events. They have recruited over 100 volunteers and helped over 700 unemployed people at these events.

That’s right--this has all been accomplished since the turn of the new year!

From 2010 to 2011 they amassed even greater numbers by assisting or leading in the planning of numerous connect events statewide that served over 10,000 people. One third of these guests were unemployed, while many others were in a housing crisis or literally homeless.

And that's not even the tip of the iceberg. These numbers don't include the countless people members help individually every day at their service locations (You can read about that in their blogs!). It also doesn’t count what other programs in the state, as well as throughout the entire nation, have accomplished.

Michigan needs AmeriCorps members to fight poverty, help educate our children, and prevent homelessness. Especially in what might someday be considered Michigan’s darkest hour.

We know Michigan needs this program because we have lived through one of the greatest recessions of our country’s history, in one of the hardest hit states.

We have seen it. We have felt it. We will not give up.

Member serving in AmeriCorps will continue to improve our communities. We will continue to get measureable results. We will continue to help people who are in times of crisis.

But we have a crisis of our own. Congress wants to cut funding, and effectively eliminate AmeriCorps, as well as over 47,000 other people who serve the nation. They want to cut programs that have been acting as the backbone of our state and country—doing what nonprofits don’t have the time or resources to do. We can’t let them.

It will be a struggle to keep the funding, but we cannot and will not give up.

We will not abandon Michigan.

***This was written on my own time, as a private citizen***

Making A Difference

My name is LaSar'a Johnson. I am a full-time AmeriCorps Member with the Michigan's Campaign to End Homelessness Program. Currently, I am serving at Every Woman's Place/Webster House Youth Services, located in Muskegon, MI.
Every Woman's Place (EWP)/Webster House Youth Services (WHYS) is an agency that offers programs to battered men and women, homeless and at-risk of becoming homeless individuals, and runaway youth. Here at EWP/WHYS, I am serving as a Tenant Based Rental Assistant (TBRA). The TBRA Program helps to house homeless and at risk of being homeless families and youth in Muskegon, Newaygo and Oceana County.
During my term of service, I have had the pleasure of meeting great people, and was also able to participate in various activities. Many of the activities were very heart-warming. Some of these activities include carving pumpkins for Harvest Day, making Christmas cookies, and scrap-booking for Valentine's Day with the domestic violence survivor's children. The children had so much fun that they begged their parents to stay a bit longer. The sight of this touched my heart so much. I was happy that in the midst of such turmoil in these kids life, that for even one day, they were able to have fun.
Another occasion occurred while conducting casework to a young lady, who was an "unofficial" client. She was considered "unofficial" because our program had no additional finances to assist her with housing. As more time went by, the young lady had begun to get more and more disappointed. I attempted to keep her encouraged by congratulating her on her minor accomplishments and by also reinforcing positive attitudes, since she had had difficulty in positive reinforcement for herself. After about 3 months of active casework, the young lady shared with me that she had been interviewed and accepted for a job. During the conversation, I shared with the client that more money had opened up and that we would be able to assist her for approximately 2-3 months, if not longer. She was very excited at the fact that her luck was beginning to change; I was happy to be a part of her excitement.
One special occasion that sticks out as most meaningful to me occurred when I was given the opportunity to coordinate, along with another AmeriCorp Member, Oceana County's 1st Annual Project Homeless Connect. Myself, as well as the other AmeriCorp member had never conducted an event such as this one; however, it was an honor to be able to partake in history in Oceana's Continuum of Care 1st Annual Project Homeless Connect Food Drive. Through this event, we were able to provide 5,000lbs of food, via Feeding America in Western Michigan to 185 families, and were also able to donate 100 bags full of laundry detergent, bath soap, tissue paper, t-shirts, toothbrushes and toothpaste, and feminine hygiene products.
The Project Homeless Connect Food Drive turned out to be such a successful event. I was excited to be able to not only make history in Oceana County, but even more excited to see the expressions of gratitude on people's faces who were benefiting from out hard work and services we offered. Although it had begun to rain and get dark and chilly outside, myself, another AmeriCorp Member and the volunteers remained on site until every morsel of food had been given away. We were able to serve each and every person who had come out to participate.

My name is Michele Robinson and I am an Americorps member serving in Macomb County. I have enjoyed my time serving at the organization and I have witnessed a lot of incredible things take place during my service. I have seen clients come from a place where they feel that they have no hope to being proud of themselves and their accomplishments. I have been able to go out and be one on one with many of the people and families that we serve and I have been amazed at how resilient and hopeful they are. It has been a joy to serve not only our shelter clients but the community at large.

Our organization has taken part in quite a few activities in addition to our normal day to day activities. We have assisted families in need on both the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday. Our first annual Joy of a Toy assisted over 100 children who would not have received Christmas gifts otherwise. It was a pleasure to see the parents come in and shop for toys for their children and also be able to gift wrap the toys. Myself and many of the volunteers even assisted in some of the gift wrapping for the kids. I even had the opportunity to make up gift boxes for families who have moved into housing and in these boxes were toys for their children if they had any and other household items. I was renamed "the spirit of Christmas" for the Christmas season and I had a lot of fun being Santa.

My experience overall has been a fulfilling one and I have learned a lot about myself in addition to learning even more from the people that we serve daily. It has been a pleasure being at my agency and knowing that we are helping others and making a difference. Even on a day when I am not feeling the greatest, I have been thankful to have clients call just to say thank you. I have even had a client come into our agency and let us know that she has gone back to school full time and would like to become a social worker because she felt that our agency has influenced her so much and has been of great assistance. I am thankful for the people that we serve because they are a reminder of why we come to work each and every day.

Where is the time to make a difference?

My name is Michael Shank. For the last year and three months, I have been an AmeriCorps member with Michigan’s Campaign to End Homelessness AmeriCorps’ Program. During this time, I have served as a Homeless Prevention Assistant with the Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency. Here are my reflections…

(1) There is an overwhelming amount of need presenting to agencies and organizations with limited resources. Everyday, my voicemail fills up. I answer a call, only to hang-up and find that I have received three new calls. Always the calls are from people facing eviction and homelessness. Daily, I attempt to give I&R and to develop Crisis Plans for people facings dire situations. Daily, I process files and transfer them to already overloaded case managers, who are working with limited program openings and limited funds. There are never enough hours in the day, and always someone’s need goes unmet. The voicemail indicator light on my voicemail is flashing when I leave the office at night and when I return in the morning.

It is not only the agency I serve with that is experiencing such overwhelming amounts of need, but also many of the agencies that we are partnered with. What then can we do when the system is seemingly so overwhelmed? We need to coordinate better with the faith community. We need volunteers, though we do not have the space for them. We need better community awareness of the state of poverty and homelessness in our own community. We need more community members/organizations to step up and take responsibility for the needs of our own community and our own neighbors.

(2) While clients coming to my agency often present as homeless, at risk for homelessness, or facing eviction, generally these presenting needs are associated with more foundational needs such as lack of employment, lack of transportation, lack of affordable housing, and more often than not, the lack of community. While we have financial and case management services for homelessness and eviction needs, we are not able to provide employment, transportation, or community. Yet these needs are fundamental and interconnected. Without employment, there is usually no income to purchase or sustain transportation. Without transportation it is difficult to find and sustain employment. Similarly, without transportation it is difficult to find and sustain community, and without community, it is difficult to have a support network and safety net in order to pursue and sustain either transportation or employment. Without affordable housing, a person is in a continued state of crisis, whether acute, or chronic, when transportation, employment, and community will be in a continued state of jeopardy.

What are possible solutions? Possible solutions for the lack of transportation might be vehicle donations, public transportation, car pool initiatives, and more financial services for transportation needs. Possible solutions for lack of community might be the development of a community center(s), or better awareness of community centers already present, such as the Friendship Center for seniors and the Petoskey Club for special needs. Possible solutions for the lack of income and employment might be the development of a farmer’s markets, craft markets, small business entrepreneurship classes, living on less classes, and etc. What of the possible solutions for affordable housing? Do we need more income based housing, more housing vouchers, and etc? Yes, but how will we pay for these? Who will pay for them? Can the faith community, individuals, and organizations purchase housing to be used as low-income housing? Can people start opening up their spare bedrooms, basements, garage apartments, as low-income options? What of utilizing larger homes as shared homes or boarding houses? Have we explored all these options?

What is so overwhelming is knowing that there are possible solutions to fighting homelessness and poverty, and then looking at the stack of files on my desk, the number of calls that need returned, or the length of my to do list, and I ask in desperation, “Where is the time to make a difference?”

Homelessness in Detroit- My experience so far...

My time spent at Neighborhood Service Organization (NSO) in Detroit, has been interesting to say the least. I never know exactly what to except when I come in for a day at the office, and I think I like it that way.

I am a member of the AmeriCorps program Michigan Campaign to End Homelessness, and was placed in Detroit, the city that is without a doubt ground zero for the quest to end homelessness in the United States. While Detroit is in the process of revitalizing, it is also consumed by more problems than I can comprehend. Sometimes, hope is hard to find. When I have a bad day, it’s difficult to shake my mood. Driving through the streets of Detroit on your way home does very little to lift your spirits.

I was told when I started at my placement that there are 1,500 shelter beds for about 20,000 homeless in Detroit. That statistic still haunts me. At home, when I go outside to get the mail, or bring out of the trash, I can’t help but think of the tens of thousands of individuals that are enduring the bitter cold of a Michigan winter. I quickly go back into the warmth of my house. But many cannot.

I keep my sanity in this city and this placement, by interacting with people. My clients, my co-workers, my co-worker’s clients, my friends, the landlords that I keep in touch with- these people are what keep me sane.

I have learned over and over again while being here, that I am not here to save people. I am here to listen, to learn, and to give help. But the help that I give can only go so far. I give clients informed options about how to live their lives- I provide suggestions- I help them apply for health insurance- I listen to what stresses them- I help find places for them to live- but I do not save them. Ultimately, it is on them. It is their life to live, not mine.

I am learning how simultaneously frustrating, and rewarding, the field of social work can be. I’m learning that when I want something done, I need to stand up for myself and ask the question- go directly to the source, not hope someone will provide it for me. I’m learning to be more autonomous. Which I hope is a good thing.

I think for any human service field you work in, you are greeted by the same universal truth. People are people. Yes, the people that I work with are different than I am. Most have severe mental illnesses and disabilities. In some ways, there is an "us" and "them" mentality. But, they are people. And so they are also the same as me.

They don’t want to live on the streets anymore. They’re tired of being tired. They want a place to sleep and an apartment on their own. Most of them want to kick their habits. They don’t want to get hustled or mistreated by friends. They don’t want to hurt anymore. People, are people.

I often struggle with the difference that I am making here. I moved to Detroit with an incredibly idealistic mindset. I was here to change the world. Now I realize that changing the world takes time. And that it's less about the big things, and more about the smalll.

There are certain skills that I can offer that can help certain clients out, if only a little bit, or for a short amount of time. I can fill out health insurance benefit waivers for people who might have otherwise gone without. I can collect and sort donations from churches and soup kitchens. I can lead support groups that help clients transition from homelessness to housed live. I can get paperwork together so that clients can apply for furniture vouchers. I can call landlords and check out properties and expand the housing base that our organization has. I can capacity build, and create a binder of housing options, so that people can get into safe, decent housing more efficiently.

I find myself filling in the gaps of the organization that I work at. Sometimes that means grunt work. Recently I attended a Continuum of Care meeting and asked the program director where I could be of use. I spent the next five days making maps, so that thousands of volunteers could more effectively count the number of homeless individuals within Detroit city limits. This was not the most fun thing to do. But it was necessary. If I hadn’t done it, there would not have been decent maps for the volunteers to use when they went out to count. And without an accurate head count, our funding would not be reinstated. It’s the little things that count.

That is what I have learned about the social work field since being at my position. A lot of peole fall through the cracks, if there aren’t other people in place to catch them. Everything that you do is important to at least one person, which makes it important. Like I said, people are people.