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Virginia Supportive Housing Participates in NAMIWALKS Virginia

This week’s blog was written by Koury Wilson, one of VSH’s fall communications interns.

VSH NAMI Walks Team 2010

It was a beautiful day when the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Virginia held their annual fundraiser, NAMIWALKS Virginia.  The 5K event is orchestrated to raise awareness, educate the community, and bring together advocates as they celebrate hope and wellness.

NAMI is a national grassroots mental health advocacy organization which through their efforts, educational programs, and awareness works hard to improve the lives of adults and children with mental illness and their families.  It organizes NAMI Walk events in localities all across the nation to raise funds to support the organization so they can continue its mission.

The Richmond-based event was held the morning of Saturday, October 9 at Innsbrook in Glen Allen.  Participants had the option of walking the entire distance or as far as their legs could take them.  Virginia Commonwealth University’s Pep Band was stationed in the middle of the walk as participants strolled by with their dogs and their friends.

It was a record turnout for NAMIWALKS Virginia and many chose unique ways of expressing their advocacy including one group who walked the entire distance backwards to challenge the stigma of mental illness.

Kristin Yavorsky, VSH’s director of clinical services, has a personal connection with NAMI.  She has several family members with mental health disorders and while in grad school, interned for the organization and worked as a community organizer in a state office.  She along with other members of staff participated in the fundraising event.

“It’s an opportunity for people who care about [mental health issues] to come together,” said Yavorsky.

Alongside employees, several of VSH’s tenants, who reside in three housing locations, also attended.  Participation in community-wide events can be empowering and therapeutic for people who have formerly experienced homelessness.  It also allows clients who are experiencing mental illness to break out of isolation and meet new people.

“Getting the clients involved is in part what the day is about, says Yavorsky.  “It gives everyone a chance to support the cause and clients with mental health disorders have the opportunity to participate and interact.”

VCU social work grad student and VSH intern, Robin Gahan, thrives on the message NAMI is bringing to the community.

“My life has been touched by family, friends, and clients affected by mental illness. I have seen the personal struggles they experience and how those experiences are compounded by stigma,” she says.

All of the participants enjoyed the day and look forward to participating in future events as NAMI Virginia and VSH continue to improve the lives of those with mental health disorders.

Walking To End Homelessness

This week’s blog was written by Cristina Wood, one of VSH’s fall communications interns.

Every year, Fannie Mae’s Help the Homeless Program sponsors a walkathon in D.C. The goal is to register as many walkers as possible, and to use the proceeds to fund their fight to prevent homelessness. But how do people who are homeless feel about this?

A couple years ago, I participated in the walk. For two and half miles, a throng of people march from Independence Avenue towards the Tidal Basin, and the year I happened to participate, it was pouring down rain. I walked along the route with some of my friends amongst the massive crowd, upset that I was drenched from head to toe. But I quickly remembered the reason we were walking –the people who have to sit outside in this rain every day because they don’t have a place to call home.

As I was nearing the finish line on the National Mall and the rain was easing up, the group I was with came upon a strip of sidewalk where at least 10 homeless people were asking for change. I watched as walker after walker, dressed in their unmistakable fluorescent orange “Help the Homeless” t-shirts, walked past these peoples’ outstretched hands and ignored them. They acted like they didn’t even exist.

One man sitting on the sidewalk began to yell, “You’ll walk for me, but you can’t spare a quarter? I walk day in, day out, how is you walking going to change anything?” Mumbles and groans of agreement from some of the other people around him heightened in volume.

I was disheartened that this man singlehandedly discounted what all of us were trying to do in one fell swoop. He couldn’t see that we were helping him indirectly, and that the money we all raised to walk was going to provide more programs and services for him. But from his perspective, a horde of people promenading through D.C. does not put food in his stomach or a roof over his head tonight.

However, although many of us give money to people who are homeless out of compassion, it often has the opposite effect of perpetuating their homelessness. So what is the right response? Rather than giving money, why not offer a sandwich or a few encouraging words? Direct them to shelters or programs they can take advantage of. Many organizations like VSH dedicate their time to making services available to the people who are homeless, and panhandlers should be be made aware of these options instead of prolonging their time on the streets. Donating your time or money to organizations like VSH is much more beneficial and effective in the long run.

Nonetheless, homeless people are just like you and me. We must not act like they are eyesores in our city’s scenery nor should we dehumanize them by pretending like they are not even there. It is a commendable act to donate to charities or help organizations indirectly, but showing you care about the homeless as you walk past them on the sidewalk is a whole different level of compassion. It gives them hope, which may be just what they need to get through another day.

Did You Know…That the “face” of homelessness may be more recognizable than you expect?

What does the “face” of homelessness look like? We often envision desperate people down on their luck, on the sidewalk or the side of the road, holding strips of cardboard with messages begging for help. But housing crises can happen to anyone.

The faces of renowned celebrities are the faces we are least likely to associate with homelessness. For most of us, images of celebrity go hand-in-hand with images of success, fame, and fortune. So it’s difficult to imagine the likes of actress Halle Berry and comedian Jim Carrey once living out of their cars for months at a time.

Culinary expert Andrew Zimmern of “Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern” on the Travel Channel experienced homelessness for a year in the streets of lower Manhattan. In his 20s he developed a severe drug and alcohol addiction. “I lived in an abandoned building,” he said. “I was the guy you crossed the street to avoid if you walked by me in New York.”

In 1982 after receiving help in a Minnesota rehabilitation clinic, Zimmern got a second chance and turned his life around by finding a career in one thing he loved – food.  He became an executive chef in Minneapolis’ Café Un Deux Trois and eventually established himself as a television host and freelance writer.

British award-winning singer Sonique, real name Sonia Clarke, whose 2000 chart-topper “It Feels So Good” flooded American radio stations, experienced homelessness at the age of 16 after her mother left the United Kingdom to return to her native Trinidad.  “Like so many others who are homeless, I felt vulnerable, afraid and alone and my life was put on hold. I felt I was in a big hole,” she said.

By telling their stories, these individuals want to spread a message of hope. Yes, housing crises can happen to the best of us, regardless of our gifts and talents, and it often occurs because of circumstances beyond our control. But a second chance can, in many situations, not just get us back on our feet, but lift us to new and unexpected heights of self-fulfillment.

For many here in the Commonwealth, Virginia Supportive Housing is that second chance. By offering the necessary support – in the form of permanent housing and support services – VSH is able to give hope and help people to lead the productive lives they were meant to live.

When the pressure of life is too much to bear, VSH is here to help

“If I was ever to win the lottery, I’ll donate millions [to Virginia Supportive Housing (VSH)],” Steven Wilson said with a chuckle as he sat in the basement of the Daily Planet on his lunch break. Wilson has been working as a maintenance worker at the Daily Planet, a health services center for the homeless and underprivileged in Richmond, for two and a half years. But several years ago, Wilson never even thought he would become involved with VSH’s services.

Wilson’s struggle began in 2002 when he was sent to jail for close to six years for selling drugs. Upon his release, Wilson did not realize how dire of a state he was really in. He soon found that all of the money saved from his drug-selling days had been spent by family while he was incarcerated, and he was now in need of a place to stay more than ever.

At first, Wilson stayed with his 9-year-old daughter’s mother in Richmond, but their relationship was not a steady one. When she was upset with Wilson, she would kick him out of the house, leaving him with nowhere to go. Eventually she would take him back in, but this cycle was never-ending and detrimental to them both.

Knowing what he had to do to get his life back on track, Wilson found employment with the Daily Planet. But for three to four months during this time, Wilson was forced to spend the nights in his car or occasionally with his mom or other friends around Richmond.

“It was okay as long as I was at work,” Wilson said, as he recalls looking forward to the 5:30 a.m. wake up call which meant he could leave his car. “I found myself volunteering to work on weekends,” he continued, aware that more work meant more money and more time he was kept busy.

One day at work, Wilson overheard a conversation between Daily Planet staff discussing a VSH program and thought it sounded like something he could try. His interest was sparked further when a former co-worker encouraged him to apply, saying that he was a perfect candidate. Wilson took this advice, and it has been almost a year now since Wilson has been housed through VSH.

Wilson said VSH helped him in all aspects of life, from creating a list of goals to budgeting, cooking and car maintenance. “My mom still cooks for me, because I don’t know how to cook,” he laughed, but added that he buys all the food that she prepares for him.

Wilson said the biggest difference in his life since homelessness is the stability his home gives him.

“Without this program, I don’t know what I would’ve did,” he said. He has a place to bring his daughter and 19-year-old son currently attending Norfolk State University. There is no one yelling at him if he comes home too late, and he no longer has to worry about the little things. His home is just that – his.

In today’s economy, Wilson mentioned how a lot of people are living check to check, and many are on the brink of homelessness.

“People think [homeless people] put themselves in bad situations,” Wilson said. “Some of them do, but not everyone’s a bad person. Anything can make you homeless. In life, there’s pressure coming from all angles; it’s easy to make a wrong move. Anyone can.”

He said that everyone needs someone to talk to – to help you figure out what move to make next. “Sometimes you just need someone to say ‘everything’s alright,’” he said, and that is just what VSH did.

“Without y’all around, people are doomed,” Wilson said. He said on the streets, people are “forced to do things [they] don’t really want to do,” but with VSH’s support, one can establish a life away from those negative influences.

Aside from the sense of security that comes with having a roof over his head, Wilson knows the importance of financial stability as well. “[I] always save some money,” he said. “It’s hard when bills are shooting at you, but even if it’s just five dollars [from each check.]”

Wilson said he really appreciates the opportunity VSH gave him, and his currents plans are to “stay out of the streets, maintain [his] job and surround [himself] with positive people.”

The Renovation of Monroe Park

Are we really doing a disservice to people who are experiencing homelessness by renovating the park or are we making it a nice place for everyone to visit and use?

If you’ve walked through Monroe Park lately, I think you would agree with me that it is in sad shape and in bad need of a facelift.  After having walked through or by the park numerous times in the last few years, I’m ready for this makeover.  I now have a granddaughter who started her freshman year at VCU and I’ve told her to stay away from the park, especially at night.  Deteriorating and poorly lit places breed crime.

It seems to me the issue isn’t about whether the renovations should happen but whether the renovations will discourage people who are homeless from using the park and in some cases sleeping in the park.  Once the park is renovated, it should be a great place for anyone, regardless of their housing situation.  And, call me crazy, but I don’t think a park bench is a safe place for anyone to sleep.  People who are experiencing homelessness should be inside if at all possible – in housing, preferably permanent housing – but if this is not available, in an emergency shelter.  We have 1000 emergency and transitional beds in this community and we have The Healing Place for folks with substance abuse issues.

Currently there is also a lot of concern over the weekend happenings in the park, where many well-meaning people from various congregations and groups come to provide food, clothes and bedding to those in need.  This is not an organized effort (i.e., no one is in charge) and I have heard complaints that oftentimes trash and stuff that is not picked up by folks is simply left for the City to pick up.

So, is this the best way to feed people on the weekends?  For those of you who don’t know, Freedom House serves a meal on Saturdays at 3:30 and a brunch on Sundays until 2pm.  They will also give bag lunches on Sundays to folks who need them.  The meals are served at the Conrad Center, which is at 17th and O Street.  Meals are also served there during the week in the morning and evenings.  Lunches are served every day by the downtown churches.  So why do people feel compelled to bring food and other things to the folks who are experiencing homelessness who gather in Monroe Park? 

Are we as a community doing this because the folks who gather there need food, clothes or bedding? Or are we doing it because we need to feel like we are doing something to help?

I don’t mean to disparage anyone who has helped people experiencing homelessness in Monroe Park, but I know that Freedom House could use more volunteers to help serve meals. To find out more about opportunities with Freedom House, please contact Christy Ellis, Community Resource Director at 233-4064, est. 209.  VSH also has plenty of opportunities available and would welcome individual and group volunteers who have a passion for helping people in need.

We’ve worked very hard in this community to develop a system of helping people in crisis and I think it works fairly well most of the time.  It is accessible and treats people with respect and dignity.  I don’t think we need to continue to use the park as a place to sleep or as a feeding program on the weekends.  I think it should be a beautiful place where my granddaughter and anyone, including people who are experiencing homelessness, can enjoy all of the time.