Shop for good this January! When you shop at Kimberton Whole Foods in Collegeville … read
A Lifeline for Brian: Balancing Support and Boundaries
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.
Workforce Development
“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.
Code Blue Shelter Concludes Season, Thank you to Staff & Volunteers
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.
Plymouth Meeting Target Staff Tackles National Volunteer Week with Donation Drive for Norristown Hospitality Center
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.
Volunteer Appreciation Week!
The third week of April is observed as Volunteer Appreciation Week each year in the US. As I reflect on that, I am encouraged by the Hospitality Center’s journey from being a volunteer-led and managed organization to an anchor organization in town with a team of 8 staff. The lifeblood of our organization is still our volunteers who strongly support our mission and have propelled the Center to grow and flourish.Truly, we stand on the shoulders of many who compassionately responded to a need in the community and boldly stepped out to create a space for those the world does not want to see on their block, their neighborhood, their town, and their community.
When I asked one of our volunteers, her reasons for volunteering at the Center she said – “I feel like I am honoring God by helping people who are less fortunate than me”. While that may be true for her, we know that research has established a multitude of benefits of volunteering on mental, physical, and social health and well-being, particularly reduced mortality, and increased functioning, quality of life, pride, empowerment, motivation, social support, and sense of community.
Some aspects of our work here at the Center cannot run smoothly without our volunteers. They play an integral role in our operations like food pick up, sorting, organizing, and handing out mail, serving food, assisting with organizing and running events, donation sorting and Board governance to name a few.
Our staff and volunteers were at the Phillies game on April 15th. The Phillies won after an agonizing extra inning. The only thing that trumped the Phillies’ win was watching the game in person on a beautiful evening with 96 of our volunteers who came with their families and friends. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all of our volunteers who make a huge difference everyday here at the Center.
#VolunteerAppreciation #Community #MakingADifference
Breaking the Cycle: Accompanying Unhoused Individuals in the Legal System
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.
10-Day Campaign to Support the Norristown Hospitality Center
|
|
|
|
|
Gabby’s Story Comes Full Circle
Gabby’s Story Comes Full Circle
As our guests enter the Community Room at the Norristown Hospitality Center each weekday morning, they are greeted by Gabby, our front desk volunteer. Gabby greets everyone with a smile and a light in her eyes.
She directs our guests to sign into the Center, sign up for a shower, or sign up for social services. She ensures that our guests are connected with services in a timely manner and she really keeps the Center running efficiently.
Gabby was formerly homeless, and experienced multiple mental Health challenges. Our staff worked with Gabby and provided her with basic needs services, case management, and she completed Arize, our workforce development program. The Hospitality Center has a MOU with Maturity Works – a program that helps individuals who are 55+ years of age get back into the workforce. Gabby was placed as a staff at the Center through Maturity Works.
She is truly a success story because of her resilience and eternal hopefulness! She is empathetic to everyone who walks through our doors because she has a similar lived experience.
Gabby plans to continue her success and complete a training program to become a Certified Peer Specialist. It is her hope to help the most vulnerable people of the community and to help them regain their life and power. We are so thankful for the gifts and talents that Gabby brings to the Center!
Health & Wellness at the Hospitality Center
Health & Wellness at the Hospitality Center
Health outcomes have been known to improve since the Housing First approach was implemented. But those that remain unhoused, due to lack of affordable housing coupled with underfunded housing programs, still need their healthcare needs addressed. Unhoused individuals often face many barriers to accessing healthcare including high health care costs, lack of insurance, and lack of access to transportation. Often these barriers result in higher utilization of emergency services. In the last program year alone, the Center documented 19 calls to 911 due to medical emergencies.
The Hospitality Center has been at the forefront in understanding the needs of our clients and developing meaningful collaborations with other organizations to meet these needs. We have seen a significant increase in our Health and Wellness Programs being utilized by our clients.
Under our Health and Wellness Programs, the Center provides various preventative health programs onsite like our Monthly Health Clinic, bi-monthly HIV/STI Testing Clinics, weekly Mobile Recovery Clinic, a nutritious breakfast every weekday, medication co-pays, year-round referrals to Lenscrafters for eyeglasses, flu shots, and COVID vaccines. Most of these programs are offered in collaboration with other organizations.
While we believe that stable housing is still a key determinant of health, we need to give urgent attention to the the immediate health needs of our clients. The Center is a place where a non-traditional route to basic healthcare becomes accessible to those that need it and are not able to access it through traditional means. Our goal is to improve health outcomes for our clients. We are accomplishing that by leveraging strategic partnerships to bring these critical healthcare services to the people.
