Getting Started February 2012

Background Noah Laracy, age 38, born and raised in Connecticut Writer, run a small web company Applying to PsyD programs in Clinical psychology Worked on Obama campaign – only outreach experience Strong intellectual interest A sober person `

How I Got Involved Read about Common Ground in William Vollmann’s article on homelessness in Sacramento Read another article a week later in Good Magazine Volunteered at the Midnight Mission doing lunch service Wanted to do more – get more hands-on Met with Beth Sandor, then with Leslie and Richie

Training Understanding the housing first model Pasadena outreach – Three mornings, 4-6AM, led a team Attended session on motivational interviewing Richie – Americore Volunteer who had been on the job for 8 months. Worked closely with Richie for six weeks – taste of success

Safety Don’t carry money on me – therefore I don’t have to lie ID Card – Who am I? Credentials. Title – Outreach worker. Place to park – also your mobile office. Where do I go to the bathroom? Goals for the day Mindfulness Flu shot a good idea

What My Week Looks Like 10 Hours A Week 2 four hour sessions in the field Tuesday and Thursday mornings 8:30-12:30 1 hour of phone calls 1 hour for paperwork Consistent presence – like a doctor doing rounds

Case #1 – Linda

Living in the Union Mission Homeless for four years Some Mental Health Issues Highly motivated Opening due to death of resident Housed in three weeks

Case #2 – Earl

Case #2 - Earl Homeless since 1979 No birth certificate, refused to go to doctor Schizophrenic Moving in in two weeks Housed in six months

Challenges Dealing With Fear – My experience in Gladys Park Boundaries – Saying no when necessary. Rejection – Not everyone wants housing. Drunk/High clients – What to do? Entitlement – Complaints about housing, time, etc.

Lessons Learned Trust is number one Keep focus on housing first Quality not quantity Don’t overpromise Focus on what you can control Consistency over urgency Don’t give life advice

Volunteering Ideas 8-12 month commitment Need for training and support Teams are ideal – especially in the beginning 5-10 people housed Need for welcoming committee