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Dear CRC,
Community Resource Center staff and volunteers are always working, behind and in-front-of the scenes to come along side of those who need extra support.
With summer in full swing, we are closing out this month with the first of three focused newsletters highlighting our primary areas of service: homelessness, hunger, and domestic violence.
This newsletter will take a deeper look at homelessness. What CRC is doing to provide support for those experiencing homelessness and for those in danger of it. And, what you can do.
As CRC volunteers, you have already indicated a desire to be part of a solution and a desire to show compassion to those who are struggling in our neighborhoods. We know this is a complex and sometimes emotionally charged issue. The information outlined below in no way covers everything, but will hopefully give you more insight, a new tool or two, and reinforce a culture of compassion with understanding that we strive for.
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Warmly,
Sara Rosenbaum, CVA
CRC Volunteer Manager
*Much of the following information was first presented in a training provided by CRC's Director of Social Services, Miranda Chavez in June 2022
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You may read articles by our CEO John Van Cleef, see social media posts, or even notice in this newsletter, that we do not use the term "homeless person." Instead, most people in our sector use the term "experiencing homelessness" or "unsheltered" to describe those we serve.
The terms may essentially mean the same thing, but while the first can feel like a permanent identifier, the others feel more like a temporary state.
It is important to see homelessness as a starting point en route to a better future, rather than a definitive end. This can affect how we interact with others and how we serve, which can be a crucial first step in supporting those who need compassion over judgment.
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Myths About Homelessness Addressed | |
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Myth #1:
"People want to be homeless."
This myth oversimplifies the reasons someone may "choose" to sleep outside or in rough circumstances instead of in a shelter. Some reasons might be:
- Fear of shelters.
- Not wanting to be a burden to others or embarrassed to accept help. Feeling shame about their situation.
- Fear that their pets or possessions will be stolen.
- They might not want to or be ready to address the trauma/illness/addiction that has led to their experiencing homelessness.
- There isn't enough housing and they think it is a lost cause.
Myth #2:
"If they would just get a job, then they wouldn't
be homeless."
Many people who are experiencing homelessness do have jobs, sometimes two or even three. The National Coalition for the Homeless estimates as many as 40%-60% of people experiencing homelessness nationwide are employed.
Myth #3:
"Don't give money to homeless people, they will
just buy drugs or alcohol."
They might...or they might use your gift to get food, a hotel room for a shower, a bus pass or clothing. As with most people, they will most likely prioritize what they feel they need most.
- If you are uncomfortable giving someone money, that's okay. Politely say, 'no thanks' or 'not today' and continue on your way.
- If you want to give, that is okay too.
- Donate to a homelessness focused organization.
- Tell them you volunteer for CRC and invite them to come on down. Give them an outreach card or directions (cards are at the front desk at 650 2nd Street).
- No matter what, always treat people with respect!
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How CRC is Addressing Homelessness | |
CRC provides:
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Case Management: Individualized support to assist participants toward security and stability.
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Stabilization Services: Benefits enrollment assistance, transportation and utilities assistance, employment readiness assistance, financial literacy training and budgeting.
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Homelessness Prevention and Intervention: Seasonal shelter and emergency housing assistance, Rapid Re-housing, deposit/rental assistance.
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Health and Well-Being Programs: Food assistance, CalFresh* and benefit enrollment.
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First Light Program: Allows those experiencing homelessness to grab a quick and healthy meal (pre-packaged) with fruit and toiletries (when available). This is volunteer run and is available M-F 9-10:30 am.
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Dual Diagnosis Clinician: CRC staff person (hired in June) who works with clients experiencing addictions and mental health challenges that make securing and maintaining housing difficult.
*Information taken from the 2022 Annual Report. Click below to read the entire report, filled with great information on the work that CRC does.
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"CRC believes that everyone deserves to be safe, healthy and housed and our programs align with those beliefs." Rebecca Nussbaum, Chief Program Officer | |
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Landlords:
If you have an available unit, give CRC participants first dibs! Renting to service connected tenants often provides an additional level of support you wouldn’t get with other tenants like:
- Rental, deposit and flexible funding
- Care coordination and support for your tenant
- Landlord support and mediation
Hire:
Let us know when you’re hiring. Partnering with a nonprofit to bring on new employees offers additional support for your new team member and your business:
- Employment coaching
- Interview and work clothing
- Transportation assistance
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Donate & Fundraise:
When you donate to CRC you make it possible for us to provide critical homelessness intervention and prevention services and respond to the needs of this community.
Volunteer:
Give the gift of time and bring a friend! Not only can non-profits use the help, but many can count your work hours towards grant matches.
Advocate:
Participate and engage at the local level on behalf of your unsheltered neighbors. Research local candidates and support politicians that reflect your values on homelessness and housing issues.
Share what you know with friends via social media or through conversations - it makes a difference!
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CRC Gets a Deep Cleaning on Saturday, July 22nd
Hope for San Diego deep cleaned our Food and Nutrition Center - Thank you!
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A Youth Group from a local LDS (Latter Day Saints) Church came out to clean and organize our Encinitas Resale Store. They had so much fun, they are already planning to come back another time! | |
Volunteers "Model" for Training Videos | |
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Shout out to volunteer Leslie Smith, who is putting together a series of short onboarding and training videos for our volunteer program! Earlier in July, she pulled together a group of volunteers to "model" the right and wrong ways to do things in our Food Pantry. Thank you to all for being such good sports! We hope to have the first two videos done by late 2023. *cigarette is a prop only | | | |
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Congratulations to CRC's Volunteer of the Month: James Zemel!
James has been volunteering with the Food Pantry's "First Light" program on Tuesdays and Thursdays since 2008. First Light is designed to provide clients with light, ready to eat items for those without access to cooking facilities. Clients can access this five times a week compared to the more limited access grocery shopping option.
Writes Food and Nutrition Manager Sloan Chau, "James is always playing “groovy” music (groovy is one of his go-to words when everything is running smoothly) and it really livens up the FNC and gets people perked up in the mornings. He really cares for our clients and some will even frequent Thursdays more often just to chat with him."
James shared "I'm grateful for the opportunity to interact with those currently in need, sharing food, kindness and love. I believe it makes their day and my day better."
Thank you James for making mornings brighter for CRC and those we serve!
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Are you a group of 5-15 looking for a way to partner in CRC's mission? There is currently a once-a-month Food Pantry and Resale Store group opportunity available on weekends. This may include deep cleaning, sorting, or stocking items. To learn more, contact the CRC Volunteer Manager.
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Learn More from the CRC Newsletter! | |
The volunteer newsletter primarily highlights the work that our volunteers are doing and provides training and updates that apply to the volunteering experience. The CRC newsletter focuses on client stories, CRC in the news, mission updates, and fundraising opportunities. If you would like to receive that newsletter, you can sign up for it here.
You can also check out the most current newsletter, full of great information, below!
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If you have a good story of volunteering, please share with me at volunteer@crcncc.org. I can include those stories in future newsletters as an encouragement to our team.
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Community Resource Center
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