"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.