My project began with my empathy and sadness for people without a home. My home is my sanctuary, it provides me with the stability and comfort that allows me to address my life goals. I could not imagine how someone could live happily without having this basic need met. Growing up, my father regularly took me along with him to volunteer serving food to homeless people. All of my interactions during these visits were friendly. My heart ached for these people who were often ignored or victimized on the streets. I was unaware of who comprised the majority of the homeless population in the local area, and what services were available to them. I wanted to find an important unmet need that I could help to fulfill. To do that, I began my research and interviews in the community.

Statement of Need

While conducting the literature review, I choose articles covering different aspects of homeless people’s needs, as well as statistical information, to help me narrow my focus to a feasible project. There was one common theme that struck me in my research - the rise in the number of homeless families, (specifically single mothers with children). In fact, the US Conference of Mayors survey released in 1997 asserted that almost 90 percent of the cities which were queried were forced to turn away families because of lack of services. It also stated that homeless families was the largest growing group of homeless (Nifong, 1997; Butler, 1993). Homeless families have a variety of needs that need to be met in order to secure a stable residence (Chambers, 1999; Freeman, 1994).Armed with this information I prepared my interview questions for members of the community. I knew I could not plan an effective project until I was educated on the services and opinions in the local area. 

I interviewed administrators, direct service providers, and homeless people, in the Chico area. What I found contradicted what I had found in my research. Homeless males actually comprise the majority of homeless people in Chico, rather than single mothers with children. One director of a free meal program for the homeless stated, “There are lots of programs for homeless mothers with children, it is the men who fall through the cracks.” I also became educated on the many services available to people without a home that I had no idea about. That included: breakfast and dinner, a place to sleep on winter nights, a place where one can shower, use the phone or address, and to be linked with a social worker and/or counselor. The unmet needs were mainly on a macro level, and could not be sufficiently addressed during the span of the school year. They were lack of affordable housing and lack of alcohol and drug rehabilitation centers. 

Description of the Intervention

I decided to concentrate on a reasonable objective, helping the local shelter partnership raise funds for implementing their many programs and services. This included fundraising for the new year round shelter, which needs an additional $65,000.00 for construction. My intervention included raising funds for the Annual Candlelight Vigil for the homeless event which is a memorial for the homeless individuals who had died or been victimized while living on the streets. 

It was hard to arouse business support for the event because many business owners, as well as people in the community, have the “not in my backyard” attitude. There has also been much resistance to the construction of the new year-round shelter, which was reflected in the several denials for support that I received. One of the businesses who had committed to help, backed out a portion of their support at the last minute, which added stress to the situation. Fortunately, through ambition and networking, I was able to contribute to the success of the event.

The speakers the evening of the event spoke powerfully about the plight of homeless people, remembering those who we have lost, and the construction of the new shelter. There were also American Indian prayer songs and music. After the success of that event, the director of the partnership asked me if I would be able to assist with further fundraising activities for the new year-round shelter. 

It was decided by the board of the partnership that the strategy to raise funds would be a wine and cheese tasting event, which would be by invitation only. The details of the event have not been finely tuned yet, due to the director’s preoccupation with other more urgent problems within the shelter. However, I am committed to ensuring the success of this endeavor, and will work hard to help organize, advertise, and gather funds for it. The gathering of men’s, women’s and children’s clothing and toys began by word of mouth. I advocated for the shelter and for homeless people to many people that I came in contact with, while working on the Candlelight Vigil. There were many people who wanted to help, but they could not afford a financial contribution. They choose to help by cleaning out their closets. The end result was eleven large bags of clothing that was either new or in very good condition, as well as two bags of children toys, which I delivered in February, 2002.

Evaluation of the Intervention

When reflecting on what has happened as a result of my time and effort, I am pleased. It was discouraging at first when I was being turned down by so many people, but I would not give up. When everything fell into place, the effort proved to be worth it. I had contributed something meaningful, and my rewards were the lessons learned through the experience. This included the respect of people in the community, and the knowledge that any one person can make a significant difference.

Reflections on the Project

My work on this project is far from over. The next endeavor will be the fundraising for the new shelter. I will continue to work on it, as needed, until I move from the area. I am proud of the success of my efforts so far, and look forward to the day when people without a home in Chico have a safe, warm place to sleep every night of the year. 

References

Butler, S. (1993). Listening to middle-aged homeless women talk about their lives. Journal of Women & Social Work, 8(4)188-400.

Chambers, S. (1999). How any person on the street can help a street person. Humanist, 59(1) 21-27.

Freeman, E. (1994). Linda and her brother: The short and long term impact of homelessness. Social Work in Education, 16(1) 3-7.

The National Coalition for the Homeless. (2001). How you can help end homelessness. Retrieved on September 23, 2001 from http://www.nationalhomeless.org/help.html

Nifong, C. (1997). Ranks of homeless include more families. Christian Science Monitor, 90(14) 14.

Interviews (Conducted in September, 2001 )

Administrator of a free meal program.
Substance abuse counselor for transitional housing.
Member of the homeless task force board of directors.
Administrator/direct service provider for a transitional housing facility.
Shelter program director and member of the task force on homelessness. 
Direct service provider at a free meal program.
Homeless male.
Homeless female.

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