Today I had a new staff member join my team. It will be their job to work inside of a hospital emergency room and talk to clients who come in who are homeless, specifically those who are homeless with mental health or substance use issues. While the same person has worked gently with Medical systemsContinue reading “New Eyes, Welcome to Hell”
Category Archives: compassion
Check on Front Line Staff. We need love too.
When Solutions Sound Like Punishment
I am following conversations about how to reduce the number of homeless people living on the streets of Los Angeles. I have very patiently been reading without comment. I really want to see what ideas other people have. And now I really want to move to a mew planet call a bunch of mothers andContinue reading “When Solutions Sound Like Punishment”
The Union Rescue Mission Lives
Last year Darla went to the #SheDoes protest on Los Angeles’ City Hall Steps. She said it was scary and it must be sad to have no money when the bank buildings are your night light. I told her about my trip to @URM and meeting LaTonya and Sheila. This was her reaction. Right nowContinue reading “The Union Rescue Mission Lives”
Charity is Learned at Home
Education: what am I teaching my daughter in the non school hours. This is the 6th year I have worked in a charity gala…I’m not quite one of the “ladies who lunch”, I am one of the ladies who munch in the evenings in conference rooms around the valley – finding ways to share joysContinue reading “Charity is Learned at Home”
The Homeless Period
You have 2 pairs of pants and 2 pairs of undies. One of each is currently on your body and the spare is in your backpack. You will switch them out tomorrow when you will be near a public drinking fountain or bathroom where you can rinse them out using the shampoo in your hygeineContinue reading “The Homeless Period”
The Need For Dignity and Respect
“Expect Respect”. I used to have a handmade sign that said this in my old cubicle. From the security guard to me and up through the politicians in charge of designing, approving and finding programs designed to assist people in their poorest hours, you should experience respect. Dignity is important. People should feel like theyContinue reading “The Need For Dignity and Respect”
Deserving Poor vs Non Deserving Poor
by Don Garza I saw two videos in the past month in which the people speaking made a distinction between homeless people : we call them the deserving poor and the non deserving poor. Many people suffer with illnesses that can not be seen . Not only mental illness , but physical illness and theyContinue reading “Deserving Poor vs Non Deserving Poor”
First Post Grad Job – False Start
Okay, I am armed with a Master of Social Work degree and I am determined to do the most good with it. Job hunting is like dating. I swipe right and left and set up interviews to see if I can find a relationship where my specific history and skill-set is needed. As for me,Continue reading “First Post Grad Job – False Start”
Let’s Discuss Dignity
Meet Each Need with Dignity. What does that look like?