Norristown Hospitality Center

As the crisp autumn air begins to settle over Norristown, the need for the Norristown Hospitality Center’s Code Blue Emergency Cold Weather Shelter becomes increasingly urgent. Temperatures are set to plummet, and the threat of severe cold weather looms. For individuals experiencing homelessness, these conditions can be life-threatening.

The Code Blue Shelter serves as a lifeline, providing temporary shelter, warm meals, and essential services to those in need. When the air temperature or windchill drops to 32 degrees or lower, the shelter opens its doors at St. John’s Church (520 Church Street in Norristown), offering a safe and welcoming environment. Volunteers and staff work tirelessly to ensure the well-being of guests, providing a sense of security and comfort during the harsh winter months.

The shelter’s services are vital for preventing hypothermia and other health complications associated with exposure to extreme cold. By offering a warm place to sleep and essential necessities, the Code Blue Shelter helps to protect vulnerable individuals from the dangers of the elements and provides a pathway to stability and hope.

As the Norristown Hospitality Center prepares for the upcoming Code Blue season, we urgently need dedicated volunteers to join our team. The shelter’s success relies heavily on the generosity and compassion of our volunteers, who provide essential support to our guests.

Responsibilities:

• Check-in and Check-out: Greet guests upon arrival, verify their identity, and assist with the check-in process. Assist guests with check-out procedures at the end of their stay.
• Overnight Supervision: Provide overnight supervision and monitoring of the shelter environment to ensure the safety and well-being of all guests.
• Meal Service: Assist with meal preparation, serving, and cleanup.
• Guest Support: Offer emotional support, guidance, and resources to guests. Help connect guests with available services and resources, such as social services, healthcare, and job training provided during daytime hours at the Hospitality Center.
• Facility Upkeep: Assist with general upkeep of the shelter, including cleaning and organizing common areas.

Qualifications:

• Compassion and empathy: A genuine concern for the well-being of individuals experiencing homelessness.
• Reliability and punctuality: Ability to commit to regular volunteer shifts.
• Positive attitude: A willingness to work in a fast-paced and often challenging environment.
• Effective communication skills: Ability to interact with individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Basic first aid and CPR training: Preferred, but not required.

Benefits:

• Fulfilling work: The opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals in need.
• Valuable experience: Gain experience working with vulnerable populations and develop valuable skills.
• Community involvement: Be part of a supportive community that is committed to helping those experiencing homelessness.

Other Notes:

• All volunteers receive training and support.
• All volunteers will work along side a staff member. There are are least 2 staff members/volunteers assigned to each shift.
• The shelter only operates on nights when the county declares a Code Blue Emergency.
• The shelter may run any day of the week.

Shifts:

• Shift 1:Setup and Check-in – 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• Shift 2: Shelter monitor – 7:00 PM – 1:00 AM
• Shift 3: Shelter Monitor – 1:00 AM – 7:00 AM
• Shift 4: Cleanup and Breakdown – 5:30 AM – 7:00 AM

If you are interested in getting more information about volunteering at the Norristown Hospitality Center’s Code Blue Shelter, please contact:

Matt Kirsch.

[email protected]

610-277-1322.

Many of you Norristown Hospitality Center newsletter followers may remember me as Majuel Armstead. I began writing about my of journey of homelessness in Norristown, PA last year. After a spending sometime away from the drawing board, I was trying to think of a topic for this story. It came to me, after five years of living in Norristown and going from being homeless for 13 months, to finding a place to live, I became a completely different person because of my experience. And rightly so, anyone would be after the journey I survived. But not just the environmental experience of being homeless, but being exposed to the people who shared the same fate as myself. And most importantly, experiencing the continuous generosity and kindness of the souls who reached out to help me with personal resources, social services and spiritual enrichment voluntarily.

Before this event, I was living my life just like normal folk, living at home with family, working, catching the bus, going to church, socializing with friends, just living life. Never thinking about others who didn’t have a place to live or anyone to care about them. My tunnel vision told me everyone around me possessed all the comforts of home, until the unfortunate event of homelessness befell me. When I arrived at the women’s shelter in Norristown, I saw other women who shared the same fate as I. Each of us were from different cultures and backgrounds but shared the same story of homelessness. Yet there was a strength and drive within us that surged us forward in spite of our dilemmas. I was determined to look past my present state because I was taught to make the best every situation, knowing this was not going to be my future. I was going to do everything humanly possible to change this predicament. I thought this moment was just a stepping stone in time for me!

Each day my mind was constantly racing to find the answers to improve my situation. As soon as the library opened, I was there researching on the computer to find another housing option. I was also aware how patient and kind the social worker and Norristown Hospitality Center associates were with each passing day. No matter how extreme the clients conditions were, the associates remained calm to listen to their issues. I was taking that in and learning everyday from that. Their patience and kindness had a lasting effect on me…except I didn’t realize it then.

I continued to focus on myself and going to treatment to heal and purge the anxiety and stress I was struggling with. Going to the NHC helped but I knew the true answers to my healing and wellness lied within myself. So I began a regimen of weekly walking 9 miles per week. I walked from my home to Tae Kwon Do practice three days per week. It was so freeing. I lost 50 pounds. I felt so empowered knowing I decreased 4 dress sizes and the movement changed my attitude. I no longer thought about the past or being angry about

those who caused the event of homelessness in my life. So everyday I turned my attention on keeping busy. I realized that through helping other people I was helping myself. Helping to better my life. I enjoyed giving others information about programs that would improve their quality of life. It felt rewarding to me when they’d return to me and say, Miss Juel thank you so much for telling me to sign up for that program! It really helped me! And the joy I felt when I heard those words were really heartfelt.

I am going to continue to contribute to my community helping all those in need me because people need people! Now I understand why the leaders at The Norristown Hospitality Center work daily and tirelessly to help us and make us smile!

Statement from the Norristown Hospitality Center Regarding the Johnson vs. Grants Pass Supreme Court Ruling

The Norristown Hospitality Center is deeply saddened by the recent Supreme Court decision in Johnson vs. Grants Pass. This ruling effectively criminalizes homelessness, further marginalizing a vulnerable population already struggling to survive.

At the Norristown Hospitality Center, we see the devastating impact of homelessness every day. People experiencing homelessness face a multitude of challenges, including lack of access to shelter, food, and healthcare. The Johnson vs. Grants Pass decision only exacerbates these problems by making it even more difficult for people to find safe places to sleep.

We urge our community leaders and residents of Norristown to stand with us in opposing this decision. We need to work together to create solutions that address the root causes of homelessness, such as lack of affordable housing, mental health care, and addiction treatment services, not criminalize those who are struggling.

Together, let us work to build a more just and compassionate community for all.

Sincerely,
The Norristown Hospitality Center

#EndHomelessness #HousingForAll #HumanRights #DignityNotCriminalization

We’re excited to share the positive progress of Anthony, a guest at our center since May 2017.

Anthony is a regular guest at the Hospitality Center. Anthony is outgoing, helpful, joyful, and friendly. He often helps with tasks around the Center like taking out the trash when it is full or helping to move folding tables.

After facing challenges with homelessness, mental health, addiction, and incarceration, Anthony is now committed to making positive changes in his life. He was released from Montgomery County Correctional Facility in April 2024 and has 6 months of probation remaining. He is committed to making changes to break the cycle of homelessness and addiction.

Taking Charge of His Goals:

• Goal Setting: Anthony has been working with Amalthea Leland, a Certified Peer Specialist at the Hospitality Center. Together they set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) to achieve stability and well-being.
• Amalthea and Anthony then set up Action Steps:
• Birth certificate and Social Security card replacement initiated.
• Medical card and initial state ID obtained.
• Mental health services intake underway.
• Regular probation meetings and benefit reinstatement process started.
• Upcoming meetings with Critical Time Intervention (CTI) to explore additional support.
• Just yesterday, he opened a bank account with is newly issued identification!

Anthony continues to meet with Amalthea for frequent check-ins. When Anthony, who also receives his mail at the Center, received his state identification by mail, he exuded joy! He was so excited that another ‘action step’ was achieved.

Looking Ahead:

We are proud of Anthony’s determination and look forward to supporting him on his journey to a brighter future.

As I go about my day in my office, a familiar voice often rises above the others in our Community Room. It was Brian (not his real name), a 30-year-old African American man facing significant challenges. Brian has complex behavioral and medical needs, compounded by substance abuse. He is  simply not able to maintain stability despite being housed.

Our team has spent many hours over the years managing Brian’s behavior. He has been a topic of discussion at many of our staff meetings. Our Team is constantly trying to find ways to support him while enforcing appropriate boundaries. I believe, as does my team, that if not for the consistent support from the Center, (more specifically from one staff member that he works very well with), he would probably have had a fatal outcome.

Staying in constant contact with our organization where he receives regular support has literally been a lifeline for him. On occasion, we have had to call the police to remove him from our premises, to prevent him from being a danger to others. Brian is not an isolated case. There are several individuals we serve, who have similar needs.

On May 7th, I joined many other advocates from the Collaborative Advocacy Network, convened by the Bucks-Mont Collaborative to meet with legislators from Montgomery County to advocate for affordable housing and behavioral health access policies. While we look forward to policy changes in favor of the unsheltered individuals, their plight hangs in balance as we await the decision by the Supreme Court in the Johnson Vs Grants Pass case.

If you are not familiar with it yet, please go to https://johnsonvgrantspass.com/ to learn more about it.

I am anxious about what will happen if the Supreme court does not uphold the lower court’s decision on this case. We will see criminalization of unsheltered individuals at a more rapid rate than we see now. It will only push people deeper into homelessness and poverty. People, who are already marginalized, will face tickets and fines for sleeping and camping in public spaces.

The Center will be engaged in more advocacy in the days to come and I implore you to support our efforts to spread this message. As always I am deeply humbled to journey with you in our fight to end homelessness and poverty. Thank you for your support of our work.

“Welcome Aboard,” the workforce development event held last month at the Norristown Hospitality Center in partnership with PA CareerLink Montgomery County was an engaging and informative session aimed at empowering individuals to navigate their career journey effectively.

This event served as an orientation, offering attendees valuable insights into the array of services provided by CareerLink. Through interactive sessions, participants were informed about the various resources available to them, including job search assistance, skills training programs, and career counseling services. The “Welcome Aboard” event not only equipped attendees with the knowledge to access these vital resources but also fostered a supportive environment where individuals could feel empowered to take proactive steps towards achieving their career goals. By bringing together the expertise of CareerLink and the Hospitality Center’s commitment to workforce development, this event served as a catalyst for personal and professional growth within the community.

Thank you to Emmett Sanders from CareerLink and Heather Mingle, our Workforce Development Coordinator, for offering this program and helping our guests find self-sufficiency.

The Norristown Hospitality Center’s Code Blue Shelter has closed its doors for the season, marking a successful winter of providing critical support to those experiencing homelessness. As the harsh cold subsides, the community reflects on the shelter’s impact and the unwavering dedication of its staff and volunteers.

This season, the Code Blue Shelter served as a lifeline for many. On 83 nights, from November 2023 through the recent cold snaps, the shelter offered a warm haven when temperatures dipped below freezing. Its impact is undeniable: 210 different individuals found refuge and support within its walls.

The shelter’s success wouldn’t have been possible without the selfless commitment of its staff and volunteers. These unsung heroes dedicated countless hours, often staying awake throughout the night, to supervise guests and ensure a safe and comfortable environment. Up to 25 people sought shelter each night, and the staff and volunteers were there every step of the way.

“We are incredibly grateful to our staff and volunteers,” said Mike Kingsley, a manager for the Code Blue Shelter. “Their tireless efforts throughout the winter months were instrumental in providing a safe and warm space for those in need. Their compassion and dedication truly make a difference.”

The numbers speak for themselves:

• 210 Unique Guests Sheltered: This statistic highlights the broad reach of the Code Blue Shelter, offering support to a significant portion of Norristown’s homeless population.
• 83 Nights of Operation: This number underlines the continuous commitment to providing shelter throughout the entire winter season, regardless of the length of cold spells.
• Up to 25 Guests per Night: Most nights, the shelter reached capacity. This figure showcases the high demand for the shelter’s services, further emphasizing its critical role in the community.

While the Code Blue Shelter doors are closed for now, the fight against homelessness continues. Organizers are already planning for next season.

“The need for support doesn’t disappear with the spring weather,” Mike Kingsley added. “We encourage the community to stay connected and continue supporting organizations that work tirelessly to address homelessness in Norristown.”

The Code Blue Shelter’s story signifies the power of a community coming together during difficult times. As Norristown transitions into warmer months, a resounding thank you goes out to the staff and volunteers who made a real difference in the lives of those most vulnerable.

National Volunteer Week, celebrated annually in April, shines a light on the incredible impact volunteers have on our communities. This year, the team at the Plymouth Meeting Target embraced the spirit of giving by organizing a donation drive to support the Norristown Hospitality Center.

Throughout the week, team members rallied together, collecting essential items for those in need. The staff, generously organized breakfast essentials, toiletries, and a variety of other necessities. The overflowing shopping cart served as a heartwarming testament to the power of community spirit.

National Volunteer Week isn’t just about acknowledging existing volunteers; it’s a call to action. The Plymouth Meeting Target team exemplifies this perfectly. Their initiative not only provided crucial support to the Norristown Hospitality Center but also inspired others to consider volunteering their time or resources.

By dedicating their efforts to this cause, the Target team made a real difference in the lives of those served by the Norristown Hospitality Center. Their actions serve as a reminder that even small acts of volunteerism can have a significant impact, and that together, we can build stronger, more supportive communities.

 

From the Director’s Desk

Sunanda Charles

In the life of a person experiencing homelessness, there are a myriad of problems in a day, and encountering law enforcement while living on the streets is one of them. At the Center, we frequently work with guests who may have justice involvement, many of whom receive citations for quality-of-life offenses. In the spring of 2021, we began exploring ideas to assist people who had frequent justice involvement due to their unhoused status.

My research led me to the American Bar Association’s website – to their page dedicated to Homelessness and Poverty. I contacted them and was pleasantly surprised at their excitement to share information and provide support with setting up a Homeless Court.  It was an honor to meet Mr. Steve Binder, creator of the Homeless Court Program, who was ready to provide technical assistance to replicate the model in our community. Under this model, it was clear that “Local homeless service agencies—not law enforcement—are the gateway for participants.”

I immediately reached out to the then Magisterial District Judge Gregory Scott who wholeheartedly supported the idea and agreed to collaborate with us and other stakeholders. With a $15,000 grant from Health Spark Foundation, we began exploring the idea. In February 2022, when we were about to initiate a pilot of the program, Judge Scott resigned from his office to run for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in the 54th District. For us, it was a setback in terms of establishing the Homeless Court. We continued to work on this, and I had the opportunity to attend the American Bar Association’s National Homeless Court Summit for Homelessness in September of 2022 in Washington DC.

The Norristown Hospitality Center has consistently partnered with local, county, and even state police, public defenders, judges, and probation/parole to minimize or even end this cycle of recidivism over nuisance “crimes”. Public drunkenness, disorderly conduct, fighting, trespassing etc. should not end with jail time. Our part begins with being aware of recently filed charges, and warrants being issued. Clients are very often anxious about court proceedings and law enforcement interaction, which can lead to more inappropriate responses and stricter punishment. Our staff has been able intercede and advocate on behalf of our clients with police, courts, and adult supervision, to lessen the burden on our jails and courts, while easing the anxiety and recidivism caused by transience and poverty.

While we wait for this dream to become a reality, I am committed to find innovative ways to remove barriers for people experiencing homelessness. Thank you for your partnership in this vital work.