Lindsay the Intern: Good Bye

After 3 terms here at ShelterCare, it is sadly time for me to say goodbye. I have spent countless hours working alongside some of the most dedicated and passionate people I have encountered during my time here in Eugene. Not only staff, but consumers as well. Their spirit has inspired me to continue working in the human services field and attempt to remedy the inadequacies in our communities.

I believe I left off on the brink of starting my senior project. Though it was not always easy, creating and implementing this Life Skills Curriculum at the Uhlhorn Program for people with Acquired Brain Injuries (ABI), was one of the best and most rewarding experiences of my life. During my final presentation, my supervisor raised his hand to ask what part of the project I most enjoyed. It was really hard for me to say. Was it working with Uhlhorn’s staff; who truly care about and work for their consumers? Was it spreading awareness about the happenings at Uhlhorn? Or learning about the clients? All of these pieces were incredible learning experiences, but my favorite piece of this project was the moment in every class where one of the consumers would absolutely surprise me. Whether it was by their passion about a topic, their recollection of a story or lesson previously discussed, or their sheer will to survive and stay positive through unfavorable circumstances. Our minds are often clouded by the research and generalizations that we use to get funding and draft documents. I can tell you first hand that yes, memory loss is an issue with ABI survivors, but even the consumer most affected can remind you of something you forgot to mention. And yes, ABI survivors have issues with depression and isolation, but it’s hard to see those issues when they are sitting in front of you telling a story with a grin on their face. We are all multi-dimensional, even those of us who are quickly marginalized. I think this is one very important lesson I will carry with me in future endeavors.

I would like to thank all of those people at ShelterCare who gave me the opportunity to succeed. My confidence in my own abilities, and the good nature of people in this world, have sky rocketed. To all of those who are not sure how to make a difference or don’t feel that they can afford to, it all starts with a change of mindset. Tolerance should be like breathing, natural and ever present. We all have a story, a past, a time when we made a poor choice, or a time when we had no choice at all. Let us remember those times when we are around others so that compassion may be the first reserve in our mind rather than judgment.

A favorite quote: “ be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.” – Unknown

I am pretty sure I have said this before, but I will say it again: Keep on fighting the good fight!

Lindsay Walsh

Lindsay the Intern: Fall Term

After a long and much needed break from the grind of life as a working college student, I am back and ready to dive into the exciting happenings going on at ShelterCare. I am sure you have heard (if you haven’t I am not doing my job) about our latest and greatest event: Jack-O-Lanterns on 5^th. This event is truly inspiring because it is community-oriented, philanthropic, and fun. I have to say that I am personally extremely excited about this event because it combines two of my favorite things: Halloween and helping. If you typically cannot afford to support causes you are passionate about, this is the event for you. It only costs two dollars to enter a pumpkin into what is to be the biggest pumpkin display in Oregon! I hope to see you all at the 5^th street Public Market on October 24^th, for what is sure to be an amazing time.

Aside from my work with development, I am also working on my senior project at the Uhlhorn Program, ShelterCare’s program for people with Acquired Brain Injuries. My project consists of building and implementing a strengths-based life skills curriculum. This week, we started classes despite my overwhelming nerves. I have never taught anything and I was apprehensive about my abilities to lead a class. I think that the fact that I am teaching to people who are older than I am has added to that anxiety because I don’t want to condescend or offend any of my students. Thankfully most of my fears were put to rest after this week. Uhlhorn has such an amazing and helpful group of residents that I felt at ease when standing before them. Together we made our way through the confusing world of nutrition and learned to cook a healthy meal. It was a great experience and I look forward to future weeks and topics to be covered.

I am glad to be back and will keep you all posted on the progress of my class and ShelterCares cool events!

Lindsay the Intern: Week Eight

(Lindsay is leaving us temporarily for some much deserved R and R with her family. She leaves with lots of things to look forward to upon her return.)

Sadly, this will be my last blog entry for a while as I am off to visit family for a few weeks. I am happy to say that everything seems to be falling into place for both the life skills class I will be teaching at Uhlhorn, and the events going on here in Development.

The more time I spend milling over the possibilities for the class, the more excited I get. I am trying not to get my hopes up too high because I have never done anything like this, but I can't help but see the potential for success. I now have a tentative curriculum schedule, which covers an array of topics over an 8 week time period. The topics include, but are not limited to, sexual health and safety, cultural awareness, nutrition, and interviewing. Even if the residents take away nothing from the lesson plan, at least they will have a chance to socialize and enjoy themselves. I cannot wait to share more once the class actually begins!

Also, as you know, we had our first trail run last weekend. It was a beautiful August morning as the runners gathered at the start. Myself and a few other volunteers waited at the other end with snacks and water. About 80 runners and walkers traversed the course as we patiently waited to hear how it went. The feedback was great as the runners flooded in for some nourishment. Of course, like with any event, not everything went perfectly and we learned some lessons that will help us in future years. Overall it was a great success and I cannot wait to see what the rest of the new events have to offer.

Well, that is all for now. I hope everyone enjoys the rest of summer! See you in September!

ShelterCare's Summit Challenge-A Brief Recap

It was a perfect morning on Mt. Pisgah. The sun was shining, but the air was cool and crisp-exactly the way one who is about to embark on a run/walk up a very large hill would prefer. Volunteers and staff  in blue t-shirts began to arrive as early as 6:30 to set up necessary elements like registration tables, and to take their places at various points throughout the course to ensure that participants knew the correct paths to take. Food was laid out, water was hauled uphill, and first aid stations were assembled as eager participants began to show up for the fun.

The race began at 8:30, with walkers starting just a bit later. The mood was high and people were excited to begin. Participants wound their way to the summit, some at high speeds, others at a much more leisured pace. In any case, everyone finished and spirits were high. Congratulations and thanks to all who took a role in this exciting new event, and we hope to see you all again next year!

CD

Morning Reading: Is It A Crime to be Poor?

Here's a good op-ed by Barbara Ehrenreich on the criminalization of poverty.

Lindsay the Intern: (What Week is it Anyway?)

(This week our Intern mulls over all of the fun little details event planners get to deal with as we are three days out from our First Annual Summit Challenge. Pink flags, port-o-potties, and first aid-oh my!)

It seems that every great event starts as a grandiose idea.  “Wow, wouldn’t it be cool if we had a trail run fundraiser?” Of course when you think of such a large, seemingly simple, concept as a group of people walking or running up and down a mountain, the details and tedious planning elude even the most meticulous person.

I have learned that nothing is ever as simple or as neat as it seems. We started out milling over location ideas and permit applications; now it is pink flag placements, ticket boxes and trash bags. The development team has been working tirelessly to make sure every piece is in place for the big event. Maybe I am more of a big picture thinker, but I never even imagined having to worry about some of the things we are finding ourselves debating. Seeing this event through to the end has given me great perspective on what it takes to pull something off in a big way.

Among other things I have also discovered the value of teamwork and diversity amongst team members. Nobody is perfect at everything, having a variety of skills and abilities within a team can prove to be extremely helpful when planning such a huge event. Although each of the members has their own unique qualities, they all possess courage and creativity. It takes a brave person to build something from scratch without knowing the outcome ahead of time. Where there is the possibility of failure, one must be able to stay positive and persevere. The development team has done just that in their new ventures. Also, with limited time and budget concerns, the ability to think outside the box has served them well.

As a wise development member once said “The difference is in the details.”  I am confident that the Trail Run will be a success because no detail has been left uncovered thanks to the efforts of many awesome people. The event will take place this Saturday August 8^th at Mt. Pisgah, check our website for details! Hope to see you all out there!

Study Finds Majority of Americans With Depression Go Untreated

Check it out:

http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1913312,00.html

Lindsay the Intern: Week Six

(This week, our Intern reflects upon how what she has learned about helping people has helped her to help herself.)

A large reason why I find human services so appealing is the fact that it brings different groups people together. For the most part, human service workers stand up for the vulnerable and under-represented, supplementing their abilities with resources and guiding those in need towards independence. Human service workers are advocates for many groups of people.

Throughout my professional and educational development, I have realized that perhaps the reason I am so drawn to advocating for others is because I have a really hard time advocating for myself. If the issue endangers my basic needs or rights, I can stand up for myself, but I often roll over on the smaller matters, afraid of what my peers and superiors might think if I held my ground against them. It is a quality that some might appreciate in the midst of debate and decisiveness, but the more I hold inside and shrug off, the more pent up frustration I feel bubbling inside me. This behavior brought me to a breaking point where I realized, “What good am I to a client if all of my focus and energy is spent on turning over past events and reveling in my lack of presence? How can I stand up for someone if I cannot even muster the professionalism to constructively state my opinion?”

I always thought that my education would help me to better stand up for those in need, but I now see that the lessons I am learning are helping me to figure out how to better stand up for myself. I know that if I want to properly advocate and provide for others, I need to be at peace with myself. The only way I can do that is to compassionately give my opinions and ideas, even if it is not what others want to hear. Along with this is the ability to accept what others think or feel about an issue without getting defensive. It is an equally difficult learning experience to allow others to take the lead, and admit that maybe I was wrong, or didn’t consider everything when making a decision.

By signing up for this career path, I am indefinitely accepting that fact that I will have to work with different people, from all different places and backgrounds. Learning when to stand up for my beliefs and ideas, and when to go along with others who have positive contributions is truly a challenge, but a lesson that will pay off considerably in all aspects of life.

Teaser Number Two-This Time it's a Poem!

So, last week we experimented with prose to hint at our upcoming fall event, and today, we're taking a (weak) stab at poetry. Can you guess the event yet?

On this afternoon I approach a host
Of bulbous, faceless golden orbs
As they rest against the horizon
An orange fire in gilded autumn fields
I guide the most beautiful one away
Planning my carving the way home
  
As the skies darken, I am up to my elbows in a mess
Oh orb, I transform the from the inside out
Discarding all that lies within
To reveal the truth contained without
A truth it seems is up to me
And so with care and time your image I reveal
  
I call to thee the orb named Jack
To see him glow from internal light
 I sit and watch as that orb begins to blink
But next glimmer, I swear I saw him wink
For this my attempt to make things better
For those of them held captive in the cold

More will follow. Stay tuned.

Did You Know?

According to a recent Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey of American adults, 70% think that the number homeless families in the country will increase, while a mere 7% think the numbers will go down. 19% believe there will be no change. (Apparently, the remaining 4% must not have had any opinion on the matter). 

83% of people in the survey consider homelessness to be "at least a somewhat serious problem" in the U.S. 

According to HUD's 2008 Annual Homeless Report to Congress (released July 9, 2009), the number of homeless families in the US rose by 9% (the rate of homeless families in rural areas jumped a whopping 56%). The point-in-time estimated increase of homeless families in the state of Oregon rose by 17.4%. (According to this report, Oregon also rates among the 3 states with the highest estimates of homeless persons proportionate to the state's total population-1 in every 200 people.) 51% of the children in homeless families are under the age of 6. Another 34% are between the ages of 6 and 12.

With the national unemployment rate currently hovering at 9.5%, and the state of Oregon's at 12.2%, it seems unlikely that the number of homeless families will decrease anytime soon if all other variables remain constant. 

To read up on the results of the Rasmussen Report, follow the link.

To read the HUD report, follow this one.

CD

Lindsay the Intern: Week Five

This week has been a struggle for me. Not because I am doing something I don’t want to do, and not because there have been any particularly difficult challenges in my wake. This week has been hard because I have had time to reflect and I have come to the realization that I am pretty much, by all accounts, an adult. When did this happen?

I drink coffee every morning. Instead of worrying about the weekend while skipping off to school, I contemplate bills while driving to the office. Sure, I spend time socializing and acting upon what is left of my immaturity, but I cant help but feel a little to close to the top of the hill for my age. It got me thinking, do I accept this? Does everyone reach a point in there lives when they look around and find themselves trapped in routine? I would assume so. I would also assume that there are far more difficult realities to come to terms with.

When I feel as though I am in a rut, all it takes is a little perspective to appreciate the things I have and the comfort and safety that embellishes my routine. My project proposal has given me the opportunity to research the population I will be working with this fall. People with acquired brain injuries each have a unique story to tell. I have found that it is hard to generalize just exactly what an acquired brain injury entails. However, one thing that every person goes through when they acquire a brain injury is a drastic change in routine and reality. For many, tasks that were once done without thought now require assistance and aid. That once comfortable and somewhat mundane routine becomes a distant goal to reach. I imagine it’s a lot like sliding back down the proverbial hill, losing tools from your belt and things from your pockets and turning around to climb back up only to find the hill is now made of ice.

When I think about getting to this point in my life, I realize that it would be incredibly difficult to live it all over again without the knowledge I have gained throughout. My reflection has given me new insight into the real struggle that people with acquired brain injuries must face, while renewing my sense of purpose and giving me a more accurate perception of my own growth. No one should feel badly for questioning their place in life, but it is always good to take it a step further and think of the positive aspects and remember that everyone struggles in one capacity or another.

Links

Objects In Cyberspace:

Attention aspiring film makers: Nike and The Homeless World Cup are offering a $50,000 fund to produce a short film (5 minutes, no more than 10 minutes) capturing the Spirit, Unity, Victory of the Milan 2009 Homeless World Cup, which will be held 6-13 September 2009. For more information on the Homeless World Cup, check out this link.

The Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts hosted a very successful brain injury awareness walk/run. The 2nd annual Walk for Wishes Begun attracted hundreds of participants and helped raise awareness for an all-too-common issue. Along the same lines, ShelterCare will soon be hosting its 1st annual Summit Challenge run/walk. If you haven't already done so, please check out www.sheltercareevents.com.

Here is what Dear Abby has to say about a woman who is haunted by her initial reaction to the discovery an old friend is now homeless.

A Seattle suburb was found by the state Supreme Court to have violated the state constitution by using a temporary ban on development to block a church's effort to set up a tent city for the homeless.

CD

Story Time: A Teaser About Another Upcoming Event

Yesterday, our Intern Lindsay announced our Summit Challenge trail run/walk. This event will be quite exciting, but do keep in mind that the Development Department at ShelterCare is in the process of cooking up other events for a later date. The first event is not quite ready to be revealed to the public, but we are positively bursting with anticipation in the back office of Administration. Therefore, we decided it would be fun to slowly reveal the event through a short series of short teaser stories. Here is the first installment. Enjoy!

It is a dark autumn evening in the market square. The air is crisp and chilled with the hint of winter, which has not yet captured the town in its icy grip. The fragrant smell of rich cuisine delights the nose and the spirit is warmed by the inviting glow of charming shops.
  
 Scores of people dressed warm and cozy mill about the street. An elderly couple clasps mittened hands, while nearby a young father in a red woolen hat laughs as he restrains his boy from charging ahead too quickly. Four teenagers in parkas and grey hooded pullovers animatedly discuss the past week’s dramas at school. At all different points in life and experience, yet united in this night’s destination at least, the crowd makes it way to the plaza ahead, which basks in the glow of a thousand tiny points of light. The elderly man turns to his wife and whispers playfully, “Ah yes, tonight will be one for the ages.” 

CD

Lindsay the Intern: Week Four-Announcing ShelterCare's 1st Annual Summit Challenge

(This summer, Lindsay has been helping the Development Dept. at ShelterCare with the planning of some exciting new events intended to replace our fundraising auction. The first of these events is ShelterCare's Summit Challenge, which will take place on Saturday, August 8, at 8:30 am. Please read Lindsay's entry and see below for where to obtain more information about this exciting new event.)

I have been thinking a lot about the qualities it takes to do human service work over my first few weeks back. Perseverance, strength, endurance, discipline, dedication, and humility all come to mind. These traits can also be found among the clients at ShelterCare who have shown courage in committing to turn their lives in a positive direction.

Lately, I have been helping to develop a new fundraising event for ShelterCare. We are pleased to announce our first Annual Summit Challenge. It will be a seven kilometer run traversing the beautiful mount Pisgah. As you may know, the themes of past fundraising events have fit nicely with the overall mission of ShelterCare. Although I thought a run would be fun, it was hard for me to draw that same enticing parallel that had impressed me in the past. However, the more I thought about it, the more it made sense. The same qualities that exist within staff and clients of ShelterCare exist within runners and walkers. In essence, runners must train, show discipline and dedication, admit their faults, and be realistic while pushing through the most brutal of obstacles. The same goes for the slower yet steady activity of walking. Like those at ShelterCare, walkers gain steady footing and move towards a goal with vigor and commitment. The pace is not important; it is the ability to strive for something better that links us all together.

The success of ShelterCare would not be possible if it weren’t for clients and staff tirelessly working for themselves and others. This run is a way of asking the community to join that effort and take time to relate to the energy and passion it takes to fight homelessness in Eugene.

For more information and to register, please visit www.sheltercareevents.com.

10 "Meanest" Cities for Homeless People

The National Coalition for the Homeless released a report today called Homes Not Handcuffs: The Criminalization of Homelessness in U.S. Cities. Among other things, this report contains the top 10 "meanest" cities for homeless people to live. Here they are:

 

10. Berkeley, CA

 9.   Brandenton, FL

8.  Honolulu, HI

7.   San Francisco, CA

6.   Kalamazoo, MI

5.   Gainesville, FL

4.   Atlanta, GA

3.   Orlando, FL

2.   St. Petersburg, FL

1.   Los Angeles, CA

So, how did these cities make the meanie list? Well, the organization looked specifically at the criminalization of homelessness. The number of laws against aspects of homelessness, actual enforcement of the laws, and severity of punishment for breaking said laws were all examined. Also considered was recent and/or pending legislation against homelessness (indicating a new or continued hostility towards the homeless as opposed to laws passed decades ago and more or less forgotten about). The political climate towards the homeless within the city was taken into account as well.

To view the report in its entirety (including the "meanest" cities breakdown and detailed explanation, which begins on page 33), go here.

CD

Lindsay the Intern: Week Three

In class, we have been discussing how to propose our senior projects in a way that would compel our superiors to support and join in our efforts.  The idea of teaching a life skills class to any population seems necessary. We could all brush up on some aspect of life. For some, learning to do taxes might be a skill worth developing. For others, the proper flossing techniques may have eluded them in the past. Defining life skills is an important piece when arguing for its validity, however, it is such a broad concept that it has become difficult to explain.

            Recently, I had the opportunity to present the idea for the class to the residents. I stoop up, puffed my chest out, and put on a “you’re all going to love me” smile. “Hi, my name is Lindsay and I will be teaching a Life Skills class here this fall”. Without hesitation, or pity, a women jutted, “oh yeah, and what are life skills?”  My intelligent well thought out response? “Like nutrition…”

            Clearly, I was not prepared for the question to be asked, not by a resident, not by anyone really. For the sake of sanity, I decided that life skills should be defined in terms of the population being addressed. People with brain injuries must be similar right? They probably all need to learn the same things. Wrong. In fact, the only thing linking people with brain injuries together is the fact that they have brain injuries. That is it. So how then, can I break down the massive category of life skills in order to appropriately capture the Uhlhorn residents? The answer is really pretty simple; ask them! Life skills are simply tools and rules needed to live independently and successfully in the world. After that, the definition extends to what the people in question want to know. The next phase of my project will be to gather information from the residents so that I can create a curriculum of life skills that fits their needs and moves them towards independence.

Lindsay the Intern Week Two

I have never been a very patient person; my family can attest to this (In fact, I am sure they would love to share some stories at my expense). This quality has affected my life in both positive and negative ways. In the absence of patience, I would consider myself a go-getter. Because I cannot stand waiting around for things to happen, I make them happen. Some might call it ambition, but I know my nature is simply the result of waiting-induced anxiety. Despite the negative connotations of lacking patience, I have found it to be the reason for many of my achievements. Getting into the Family and Human Services program was the result not wanting to delay starting on my career path. I knew the gist of what I wanted to do, and not many programs give you the opportunity to spend the majority of your time in the field. So naturally I had to be a part of it. But as life goes, once you jump one hurdle, you soon find yourself approaching another.

  Even though I have my final internship tied down, and my senior project drawn to a point, I can’t help but view the task of teaching life skills to people with traumatic brain injuries as another huge hurdle to leap. I can already feel that anxiety, that itch to dig in. I feel like a runner hunched at the line waiting for the gun blast to signal the full-on sprint that is the end of my undergraduate career. However, I am learning now that before I can start the race, I need to learn to run.

          The majority of this project should be spent on preparation and practice. In order for the residents to have a meaningful experience where they are truly gaining knowledge, I have to base the class on their needs and interests, not my assumptions. I need to know my audience, how to approach them, and what they expect of me. There is no quick simple means to an end in this situation. For a moment, my lack of patience got the best of me. I was ready to start the class before taking the steps needed to make it worthwhile.

  I have always considered practice and preparation to be an integral part of any process but could not find the patience to take the necessary time. Now that people’s lives and independence are at stake, it is time to change my ways and focus. Not on my need for immediate gratification, but rather on the long term effects and impact I can make if I truly pace myself.

Lindsay the Intern Is Back!

(We are delighted and honored that our Intern Lindsay, from the winter term, has elected to return to ShelterCare for her senior year internship. Welcome back Lindsay!)

After some time away, I am grateful to announce that I will be interning with ShelterCare for two more terms.

 Over the past year, I have navigated the human service world, infiltrating different agencies and growing both personally and professionally within their unique environments. As a Family and Human Services senior, my goal is to step back into my old interning shoes and use my newly acquired skills and knowledge to satisfy a need of one of my past agencies. I never thought I would say this, but unfortunately all three of my past experiences were fulfilling and positive. The decision to go with ShelterCare was one of thought and debate, but ultimately I knew I would be happiest here.

 My original inclination was to help plan a fundraising event as I worked closely with the development staff during my last stint as intern. My only hesitation in this endeavor was the lack of opportunity to work directly with the clients of ShelterCare’s many programs. The prospect of planning a fundraiser while somehow including clients from 11 different programs, many of which have their own lives and priorities (surely my senior project ranking last on the list), seemed insurmountable. However, all was not lost. Because of my strong preference to work with clients, I was presented with the challenging opportunity to teach a life skills class at Uhlhorn, ShelterCare's program serving people with Acquired Brain Injuries. I excitedly accepted, not quite sure how I would pull it off.

 Now, here I am, starting my journey once again. Throughout this experience I will have to answer many questions about my own integrity and leadership abilities, as well as derive concrete activities, concepts, and information in order to aid in the client’s quest for independence. I know I will have support from many angles, but it’s really on me. I will be posting about my experiences weekly, hopefully giving an accurate portrayal of the clients’ hardships and achievements, while shedding light on the invaluable work of human service workers.

Monday Morning Special Link

"Those with mental illness are far more likely to be victimized by others than they are to be the perpetrators of crimes. When they do commit infractions, it’s usually because they aren’t getting the support they need."

-A quote from a wonderful op-ed discussing the need for community support for group homes for the mentally ill written by long-time friend of ShelterCare, Gary Cornelius. 

Garden Place: A Staff Member's Perspective

ShelterCare's Garden Place program is housed in an unassuming but well-kept remodeled duplex in a quiet neighborhood in Eugene. Inside, it is a bustling place. A couple of residents relax on mismatched yet comfortable and welcoming armchairs. Kitchen staff prepare the midday meal, which staff and residents take together. Pictures of smiling people riding horseback, dressed in Halloween costumes, and taking part in community activities adorn the walls, along with more general portraits. It really feels like home.

And it really is home, to 12 ShelterCare residents with psychiatric disabilities. They live here, working with staff and each other, to achieve the goal of more personal independence. Jose Soto is one of several members of the dedicated Garden Place team. His small, yet inviting office is revealing. Objects such as a fishing reel (for client outings, since many like to fish), and a small collection of painting supplies (for the recently painted therapy room) indicate that Jose is someone who plays many roles. I had the opportunity to speak with Jose about some of his experiences at Garden Place.

CD-"What is your role at Garden Place?"

JS-"My title is Resident Services Coordinator. My role here is really pretty varied, out of necessity. Soon after I took the position, we experienced significant turnover at the senior staff levels, and it was necessary to adapt quickly to that. Some of the things I do include staff training and scheduling, ensuring we have appropriate transportation for consumers to get to appointments, and helping locate volunteer opportunities for consumers. There are a lot of miscellaneous tasks that appear constantly. It definitely requires flexibility and creativity."

CD-"What are some of the challenges of working in the field of mental health?"

JS-"A lot of people's understanding of mental health is full of stigma. People may think of folks locked up in facilities that simply warehouse them, straitjackets, and so forth. So these stigmas go back 50 years or so, even though how we (in the field) approach mental health has really undergone revolutionary changes. In the past decade alone, there have been tremendous advancements in the field. It is very hard to overcome these stigma, and it is unlikely that they will completely go away any time soon. 

CD-"What are some examples of how the mental health field has changed?"

JS-"There are many ways. Well, for one, we no longer simply warehouse people in group homes. We also work with the consumers to develop individualized treatment programs. Consumers now take an active role in their own healing process. It's much more empowering."

CD-"Are there any things that you feel you've learned in your experience with the agency and at Garden Place in particular?"

JS-"Sure. One thing is that I was initially a bit nervous about a job with ShelterCare. I admit, I was affected by some of the stigmatizing messages surrounding mental health. I quickly realized that they weren't really any different from people I'd worked with in the past (in other nonprofit roles). A lot of them were simply people who'd experienced significant trauma in their lives and needed some support to address their issues.

 My experience has been very rewarding. I work in the field I work in because I want to help. I enjoy knowing I'm helping and it's gratifying to know I'm making a  difference-maybe not in a huge way, but it does have an effect. And that, to me is significant."

Thank you Jose, and all Garden Place staff for the difference you make for some of the most vulnerable members of our community. I am sure they would agree that it is indeed significant.

-CD

Friday Links

"When you're homeless, the only thing you have are endless days"- a quote from an article about a homeless Minneapolis teenager. Homeless youth are an all-too-common phenomenon in our society, but at least this story has a happy ending. 

Here's a story about a program called Homeless-To-Work, up in Washington County, Oregon. The story also discusses the county's 10 year plan to end homelessness. 

Here's an update on the "Homes for Heroes" bill, introduced by US Senator Charles Schumer last week, which could give $200 million to veterans groups, non-profits and communities to expand and find affordable housing for homeless veterans.

ShelterCare's 6th and Final HouseWarming Auction A Huge Success

Thanks to the generous support of all those who attended, we raised enough funds to support:

-our shelters for families with children

-all the families who stay in them

-our amazing Children's Program

-our Transitional Housing Program

For over two months. That is simply incredible.

While the 2009 auction was indeed our last event of its kind for at least awhile, it was by no means ShelterCare's last event. We have a few fabulous, upcoming events in the planning process and we cannot wait to reveal them, once we have finalized the important details. So, stay tuned!

We're Back After Long Hiatus

It has really been too long, but we're back to blogging. 

Did You Know?

-Dual Diagnosis refers to co-occurring mental illness and drug and/or alcohol dependency. It is more common than many people realize, with 37% of alcohol abusers and 53% of drug abusers also having at least one serious mental illness (source: Journal of American Medical Disorders). In order to recover fully, a person with dual diagnosis needs treatment for both problems. 

-Some of  ShelterCare's Mental Health Program consumers have a dual diagnosis. ShelterCare clinical staff work with each person to determine a course of treatment that is appropriate for his or her specific and unique needs. After both issues have been addressed, and a course of treatment has had time to be effective, many of our dual diagnosis consumers progress to new levels of independence and productivity. The majority remain clean. 

ShelterCare Board Member's Op Ed

Check out the wonderful op-ed in the Register Guard written by ShelterCare board member Ed Necker. 

Thursday's Ready-For-The-Weekend Link List

-A new study indicates that an intervention that provides housing for people who are homeless with alcohol dependency without requiring abstinence from alcohol was associated with reduced health care costs and a decrease in the use of alcohol. 

-Today, Navy Admiral, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff addressed a lunchtime audience on the topic of some of the problems faced by many combat veterans returning home, among them homelessness. He stressed that these problems will not go away anytime soon, and that things need to be done to help veterans readjust to civilian life. 

-Homeless tent cities keep springing up in communities around the country. 

-Close to home: On any given night in Washington state, 9,000 children do not have a safe place to stay. 

Did You Know?

-A survey of 23 US cities found that 17.4% of homeless adults with children were employed. 13% of single adults and unaccompanied youth were also found to be employed (US Conference of Mayors 2007). As difficult as it is for the ones who are fortunate enough to have a job, for those without, climbing out of homelessness is virtually impossible without some form of assistance. How does one even go about the process of applying for a job without a permanent address or a reliable phone number? 

-At ShelterCare, many of our consumers work or volunteer throughout the community. We provide our consumers with job skills training to increase their chances of landing a satisfying job. For someone who was formerly homeless, a job can bring about a tremendous sense of accomplishment and purpose. 

Thursday's Ready-For-The-Weekend Link List

-A makeshift tent city populated by Sacramento's homeless will be shut down within a month. In order to accommodate the 125 residents of the tent city , California Governor Arnold Schwartzenegger has ordered that the state facility known as the Cal-Expo at the state fairgrounds be used to serve them for three months. For more information on the Hoovervilles of our era, check out this article in the New York Times.

-Right or Wrong?-cnn.com has a story about the controversial site pimpthisbum.com. The site, the brainchild of father/son duo Kevin and Sean Dolan has raised $50,000 in donations and pledges for a homeless man from Houston named Timothy Edwards. Edwards, upon the Dolan's request, simply added the url to the cardboard sign he normally used while panhandling to attract visitors to the site. Many responded by flocking to the site. Many advocates for the homeless are questioning the usage of such a controversial url address, but the Dolans defend their choice on the grounds that a nicer, more sincere sounding alternative (say, helpthehomeless.com) would never have attracted so many visitors. 

The tragic death of actress Natasha Richardson last week has raised awareness about traumatic brain injury. This website has information about how to identify symptoms in young children. 

The Huffington Post has a piece by Maria Foscarinis called "Invest to End Homelessness."

Did You Know?

A question we are frequently asked at ShelterCare is: "Why are people homeless?" While the answer(s) to this question are quite diverse in nature (every person's story is unique), there are several common factors that can lead to a person becoming homeless. Many of these factors are related to the larger issue of poverty. Often, a person experiences a number of these factors, and they eventually lead to the experience of homelessness. The following are some of the most common factors. 

-Declining employment opportunities/and or stagnating and declining real wages. When a person is forced to live paycheck to paycheck, all it takes is an unexpected expense to get behind on the bills. 

-Job loss. Job losses happen, even if a person is a model employee. As the economy worsens, more people are experiencing job losses. If a new job cannot be found, and a person's savings dry up, homelessness can be the result.

-Lack of affordable housing. A general rule of budgeting is that you should not spend more than a third of your income on housing (rent or mortgage). Affordable housing for low-income people and housing assistance programs come nowhere near meeting the demand. Therefore, many low income families and individuals are putting half or more of their income towards housing. Once again, it is often nothing more than an unexpected expense that puts people on the brink of homelessness. 

-Lack of education/employable job skills. Many people simply don't have realistic access to higher education. Student loans and grants are growing scarcer. Even community college costs have become prohibitive for many people in the lower income brackets, and many elect to enter the workforce as soon as they are able to do so. Many jobs available to people with a high school diploma or less are low paying jobs without benefits or much chance for advancement.  

-Mental illness. A significant percentage of people experiencing homelessness are also experiencing mental illness. Many of these individuals have been unable to obtain access to supportive housing and other treatment that they may need and find themselves homeless. 

-Disability. When a person is unable to work due to disability, it can lead to financial difficulties similar to those experienced by low-income individuals. Unexpected expenses can derail even the most carefully planned budgets.

-Healthcare costs. The cost of healthcare has skyrocketed over the past several years. Many employers have cut healthcare benefits to employees as a means to cut costs, leaving employees to find their own source. For many people, the costs of private insurance are simply too high for their income and they simply go without. Therefore, an unexpected medical expense can be catastrophic, particularly for people without much of a financial safety net to begin with.

There are, of course, many other factors that can lead to a person becoming homeless. The above are simply some of the ones that are seen again and again. 

ShelterCare's 6th Annual HouseWarming Auction Is Sunday, May 3

This exciting event will be held on Sunday, May 3, at the Fairgrounds in Eugene (i.e. the Lane County Events Center). We will be creating a village of "shops" filled with fun and unique items and experience packages that are up for bid. A silent auction will be followed with a sit down dinner and an oral auction. This event is an excellent way to help the homeless, get some amazing deals, and have a fabulous time with friends. 

There are numerous ways to get involved. There are tables (with seating for 8) available to sponsor if you, your company or group is interested. Individual tickets are also available. Donations large and small are, of course always appreciated. The event can also always use volunteers to help us make the event a success. 

If you are interested in being a part of what is sure to be a memorable experience, please contact the ShelterCare Development Office at 541-686-1262 or cdevore@sheltercare.org.

Nice Opinion Piece in the Register Guard

Check out this great editorial piece in today's Register Guard.

New Hotline for Lane County's Unemployed

The call center, sponsored by Lane Workforce Partnership opened yesterday. It is basically a one-stop source that helps answer questions many unemployed residents have, such as how to obtain services for which they are eligible, and advice regarding future steps they might choose to take. Here is a Register Guard article discussing this most welcome resource in more detail. 

Thursday's Ready-For-The-Weekend Link List

-The tragic death of actress Natasha Richardson after what was described by many as a minor fall on a beginners' ski slope this week shows us that we need to be vigilant when it comes to a head injury. Even those that seem like nothing initially. 

-Michael V. Kaplan over on the Brain Injury Blog has a must-read post on the myths of traumatic brain injury.

-Here's a short story about one veteran's experience with a service-related brain injury.

-Dottie Ardell, the mother of a son with a brain injury will hold her 4th annual Brain Injury Awareness Day this Saturday in Butler, PA.

Did You Know?

-During a press conference on March 4, 2009, Brig. General Loree Sutton estimated that up to 360,000 veterans of the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan may have sustained traumatic brain injuries during service. 

-Many of these brain injuries are what is known as Blast-Induced Neurotraumas (BINT) from modern explosive devices. These injuries can occur despite little damage to the external skull. 

-For an interesting description of BINT, please see this article from the Johns Hopkins University.

Lindsay the Intern: Final Musings

(This Friday, our Intern is moving on to the next page on her journey through school. We will miss her dearly. This is her final post of the term.)

This last week, I had the opportunity to accompany Carla to the Uhlhorn Program. For those of you who do not know, Uhlhorn was established to provide semi-independent living for people who have acquired traumatic brain injuries. While there, we had the chance to interview one of the residents. 

She was able to shatter many stereotypes I had within a matter of minutes.

Coming from an uninformed point of view, I had always assumed that if your brain was damaged beyond repair, so was your personality and everything that made you, you. Well, that is simply not the case. In fact, she had more personality than many I know. Her vibrant and articulate ways of describing her own situation enlightened me. Which brings me to another stereotype I had: people with traumatic brain injuries are not self-aware. This could not be more false in her case. She could recall herself before, during and after the trauma. Her insight into her own abilities and growth were quite amazing. She did emphasize that every brain injury is unique and brings its own changes in varying degrees. 

While at Uhlhorn, I also learned that it is the only program of its kind in Oregon. This bothers me because it has proven to be so successful in Eugene. Why wouldn't other area adopt a successful program in order to better serve vulnerable populations? Like I have said before, I was unaware of traumatic brain injury as a risk for homelessness. I was also unaware of Uhlhorn until my internship at ShelterCare. I know I have stressed this repeatedly, but getting the word out is half the battle.

Sadly, this will be my last blog entry for awhile. I plan on going forward on my career path and looking for ways to incorporate my new knowledge into future jobs and internships, but I also plan on taking opportunities to stop and educate people along the way. Whether they have a misconception of homelessness, or they are homeless and need information, I will do my best to lead them on the right path. I always try to put myself in other peoples' shoes. Now I know what it is like to be uninformed and will do my best to be patient and unbiased. I don't know what it is like to be homeless, but I have new insight that will help me be more compassionate to those who are. I hope my blog has given you some of that knowledge and insight for your own use.  

Did You Know?

-This week we are continuing on with Brain Injury Awareness Month. A brain injury can be mild, moderate or severe. In the case of ShelterCare's consumers affected by brain injuries, the injuries tend towards the severe end of the spectrum. Mild brain injuries are much more common and are most often referred to as concussions. The effects of concussions are generally not permanent. However, repeated concussions experienced over time, or receiving a subsequent blow to the head before a concussion has a chance to fully heal, can result in devastating permanent damage to the brain. 

-As a mild brain injury, a concussion is often hard to detect, unlike a banged up knee or broken hand. It is essentially an injury you cannot see. Since the brain is so very complex, every brain injury is different, and some can be extremely subtle. There are some common symptoms however. These include confusion and temporary amnesia. Sometimes, a person may "black out". A person may experience a headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, or slurred speech. Sometimes there is a delayed onset of symptoms that can occur days or weeks after the initial injury. Delayed symptoms can be dramatic mood changes or cognitive and sleep disturbances. 

-While most concussions resolve themselves in time, it is important that they are addressed so that they don't become more serious. If you or those close to you experience the symptoms of a concussion, it is best to take the time to be evaluated and rest up before embarking in activities that are at elevated risk for further head trauma.

Thursday's Ready-For-The-Weekend Link List

In the spirit of Brain Injury Awareness Month, here are some brain injury-related links to peruse.

-As many as 360,000 Iraq and Afghanistan veterans may have suffered brain injuries. Of these, 45,000-90,000 veterans' injuries have persistent symptoms that warrant specialized care. 

-Here's some good employment news in an otherwise dim job market: 22 new employees will be hired in Carthage, NY.  The new employees will staff a 24 hour facility for rehabilitation services for people with brain injuries. 

-Brian Scalabrine of the Boston Celtics is out indefinitely due to a second concussion experienced in a recent game. A concussion is a mild brain injury. Although most heal on their own, experiencing a subsequent concussion while the first is still healing can result in more permanent damage. 

Here is an inspiring story about the recovery progress of Rudy Sotomayor (a star amongst makeup artists) from a brain injury he sustained in a 2007 after a car hit him in a crosswalk. 

Lindsay the Intern: Week Eight Musings

(This week, our Intern reflects on the sad place many people in this country are currently in, and discusses why it's a good thing to be a Eugenian.)

Recently, ShelterCare mentioned an Oprah segment in a blog entry. I am not going to go into detail as I am sure all the information is sitting below my entry, but I have to say that it was quite interesting and saddening to actually see the effects of these harsh economic times. People who used to have stable jobs and homes are being forced into tent towns all over the country. Until watching this segment, I had not felt truly affected by nation's crisis. Perhaps it is the fact that I am in the college bubble, where my loans are looming in the distant future instead of banging down my door. Or maybe it is simply that I am lucky to have a job and a family willing to support me. Either way, I have somehow managed to escape the fall out, for now anyway. I am thankful for that, but many people have not been so fortunate. Aside from the tent towns popping up everywhere, there are now people taking "survival jobs" just to stay afloat. Once successful realtors are trading in their business cards for brooms and picking up minimum wage checks. It is not such a bad thing that people are being forced to live more simply and rethink their extravagances, but it is scary that those who already live simply are now living unsafely.

If these hard times have knocked you off your feet, you must know that all is not lost. This Friday, at the Lane County Events Center, Project Homeless Connect is setting up shop. Here you will find resources, amenities, and luxuries to help ease the minds of those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. I have to say, the more I discover about Eugene and Lane County in general, the more I want to stay. I have not been to a city where people care more about the well being of their fellow citizens. Before I moved here, I couldn't name one human services organization in my hometown. I may be severely uninformed, but I had lived there for eleven years. It really makes me wonder. Anyway, cheers Eugene, keep up the good work!

Did You Know?

-March is  Brain Injury Awareness Month. 

-Each year, 1.4 million Americans sustain a traumatic brain injury each year. Of these, 1.1 million are treated and released from ERs, 235,00o are hospitalized, and 50,000 die from their injuries. (Source: Centers for Disease Control). 

-Brain injury can be caused by any number of traumatic incidents that affect a person's brain. Some causes include airway obstruction, electric shock, direct trauma to the head (e.g. sports injuries or bicycle accidents), heart attack, stroke, and toxic exposures. No two brain injuries are exactly alike.

-Wear your helmet: something as simple as proper use of a bicycle helmet can reduce the risk of brain injury by as much as 88%. (Source: Palo Alto Medical Foundation)

Armory Serves As Emergency Cold Shelter

Well the efforts of advocates for the homeless community in Eugene/Springfield have paid off. The Lane County Board of Commissioners voted last week and decided that the county-owned armory at 2515 MLK Boulevard in Eugene will now serve as the emergency shelter for the homeless in Eugene and Springfield during bouts of extreme weather as often as needed until March 31. The armory has been dubbed the Thomas Egan Warming Center. Egan was the homeless military veteran who tragically froze to death during the spell of extreme cold the area experienced this past December. 

Here's a link to a Register Guard article discussing this topic. This is great news!

Thursday's Ready-For-The-Weekend Link List

Image: freedigitalphotos.net

Alright, so we didn't manage to do a link entry last week (things got a little hectic around here), so we have a couple more links than usual this week.

The news in Lane County regarding the skyrocketing homeless count is not good, as was previously mentioned on this blog (here's the link to the Register Guard article again, in case you missed it). We are not alone in the challenges we are facing however, as this is a problem in many locales.

-The down economy and recent major closings have left many residents of the state of Idaho homeless and many shelters in the state are nervous about how they will cope with the increase of people in need.

-The state of Minnesota is generally a place that doesn't see many homeless in the bitter cold winter month, but that is not the case this year, as the numbers are on the rise.

-In better news, a much needed day center with counseling services for the homeless is set to open in Fort Collins, Colorado. 

-The Economic Stimulus and the Homeless: the recently passed stimulus includes an allocation of $1.5 billion dollars for services for the homeless and homelessness prevention. Shannon Moriarty has an interesting take on the good and bad aspects of all of the various breakdowns of the money over at change.org. 

-Foot and ankle doctors attending a conference in Washington D.C. will be donating thousands of pairs of socks to the area's homeless population. 

-Right Guard recently teamed up with the Salvation Army to hold a fantasy basketball camp for kids living in shelters in Phoenix. How cool is that? 

-Oprah recently profiled homeless folks in her "Faces of the Recession Series". Here is a link to a reporter's experience in a tent city in Sacramento. 

There, that is a lot of links folks. Happy reading!

Lindsay the Intern: Week Seven Musings

Of all of the valuable facts and startling statistics I have learned while at ShelterCare, I am still astonished by the correlation between traumatic brain injury and homelessness. It makes perfect sense when you think about it. Losing certain functions of the brain would cause a dramatic shift in one's ability to survive independently. So why the, when I rattle off this information in conversation, is it so surprising to everyone? I guess the reason it never crossed my mind is because a brain injury can look like a mental illness on the surface. Maybe some of the people we see on the streets aren't really "lazy" or "crazy" (as someone who doesn't read my blog entries might say), maybe they were just like you or me, working in an office, studying for a big test when BAM! Life dealt cards they weren't gambling on. I imagine no one places bets on cards like that. 

I have never know someone to suffer such a tragedy, but I have read an amazing book chronicling a woman's account of her husband's traumatic brain injury. If you ever have time for  a quick, eye opening, well-written read, you should check out Where is the Mango Princess? by Cathy Crimmins. Upon reading, you will see that the effects of brain injury extend far beyond the individual. 

The one missing link for me, especially after reading this book about how a family supported a man with a traumatic brain injury, is where does that support go for those on the streets? I suppose it depends on the stage of life when the brain injury is acquired and the willingness of your loved ones to shelter and support you. Either way, if there is nowhere to turn, there is still ShelterCare. They currently have two programs (Uhlhorn and RiverKourt) that cater specifically to those with acquired brain injuries. Whether there is a possibility of rehabilitation and independence, or a need for long-term supportive environment, there is a place to stay. I wonder if there are any other agencies out there that meet this need. Feel free to teach me something!

Results of the One Night Homeless Count for Lane County

-The numbers for the one night homeless count for Lane County were just released and the results are not encouraging. The count, conducted by Lane County Human Services Commission and its partner nonprofits (and an army of volunteers) took place on the night of January 28. Staff and volunteers tallied the number of both sheltered and unsheltered homeless, taking the search past shelters to area parks, food pantries, day centers, and under bridges. The final result was a staggering number-2,673- of homeless residents counted. This astounding number is up 27% from last year's count. This is clearly a community problem that will require a community solution.    

**UPDATE-Here is a link to a Register Guard article discussing this topic.

Did You Know?

-Mental disorders are common in the United States. An estimated 1 in 4 Americans aged 18 or older suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year. Even though mental disorders are widespread in the population, the main burden of illness is concentrated in a much smaller proportion. About 1 in 17 American adults suffer from a serious mental illness. In fact, mental disorders are the leading cause of disability in the United States for Americans aged 15-44 years.

(Source-National Institute of Mental Health)      

  

-Chronic homelessness is long-term or repeated homelessness

 of a person with a disability. Many chronically homeless people have a serious mental illness that they attempt to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol. Most traditional shelters for this population require sobriety before a person can receive shelter. Recently, a revolutionary model known as the "Housing First" model was introduced. Housing First recognizes that it is nearly impossible for a chronically homeless individual will a mental illness to conquer addiction on their own and that by providing basic needs first, a person's chances of overcoming addiction and moving on to a successful life increase tremendously.

-In 2006, ShelterCare launched its innovative The Inside Program (TIP). TIP is based on the Housing First model and provides apartments and extensive case management to the chronically homeless in the Eugene/Springfield community. TIP currently serves up to 28 people at a time, and enjoys a tremendous level of success. 

ShelterCare staff member plays cards with a client

Lindsay the Intern: Week Six Musings

As I have mentioned previously, interning at ShelterCare has given me a heightened sense of awareness. I now ponder every homeless person I see. Where did they come from? How did they get here? What is their story and what would change their circumstances? Recently, I have noticed the tattered army green jackets and the "homeless veteran" signs. The more homeless veterans I notice, the more it makes me seethe. These brave men and women, who bravely stood on the front lines to protect us are now begging for scraps on the side of the road. The unjust epidemic of homeless veterans has got me thinking-those stickers are nice, but do we (or does the government) really "support our troops"?

Well here is a conversation starter for you: "On any given day, as  many as 250,000 veterans (male and female) are living on the streets or in shelters, and perhaps twice as many experience homelessness at some point during the course of a year" (U.S. Department of Veterans' Affairs). Pardon my slang, but that is whack. I do not know much about what is promised upon signing up, but I have seen a few Army commercials in my day, and I know that the Army Reserves guarantees you a college education and job skills. Those who actually serve must be awarded these same benefits. Now that I think of it, the problem isn't the opportunities our veterans receive after serving. Instead, it is the lack of preparation and accommodation given to our vets that hinders their ability to take advantage of said opportunities. 

I have had the opportunity, through the FHS program, to learn a few things about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). It is most certainly a mental illness that affects one's ability to function normally in society. It is also a huge concern among veterans. 300,000 veterans have been diagnosed with PTSD or major depression since returning from Iraq and Afghanistan and it is documented that only half have sought treatment (U.S. Department of Veterans' Affairs). That is absolutely alarming. Notice the close correlation between the amount of homeless veterans and those with a mental illness. Coincidence? I think not.

Unfortunately, despite those well-meaning promises of education and pride, mental illness can rob veterans of the ability to sit in a classroom and gain the skills necessary to support themselves. Veterans are also forced to leave behind an extremely regimented lifestyle. They no longer have meticulous orders to follow and must relearn the simplest of tasks.

In my opinion, there needs to be an intensive treatment plan for all veterans who attempt to re-enter civilian society. ShelterCare provides individually based treatment, as do many programs, but the government should take responsibility for this nationally crippling problem. At the very least, a large chunk of change should be distributed between those agencies that attempt to rehabilitate war-torn veterans.

I am not really sure what we can provide other than compassion, gratitude and understanding. Spread awareness and seek answers for those who cannot care for themselves. The veteran population contributes greatly to the homeless population; if we can find a way to help them, then we are that much closer to ending homeless.