Homeless memorial day, considering outreach, understanding the marginalized

Mary Beth Harrington, CVA

I suspect you are aware that this week is Chanukah as well as Christmas week, however, you may not know that tomorrow, December 21^st, is Homeless Persons Memorial Day. The National Consumer Advisory Board, the National Coalition for the Homeless, National Alliance to End Homelessness, and the National Health Care for the Homeless Council chose this day as it is also the first day of winter and the longest night of the year. On this day, we are encouraged to remember those who have died and strengthen our resolve that no person should die for lack of housing. Learn more at HPMD Advocacy Agenda.

The homeless closer to home.

While I am not aware of any events being organized locally to commemorate this day, there are several ways to support our unhoused neighbors. As you run your last-minute errands, take a moment to notice the person holding a sign on the corner, huddled in a doorway, or trying to stay warm with a candle from the dollar store with just a plastic tarp to shield them from the cold, rain, and snow. It’s your choice; you can choose to follow Mr. Scrooge, “They had better do it (die) and decrease the surplus population,” or you may choose to follow the words of Tiny Tim, “God bless us, everyone.” Should you choose to heed the words of Tiny Tim, the folks that support our local houseless population encourage you to hand out socks, hygiene items, or even a sandwich. My personal favorite is to give gift cards from a local dollar store. If you prefer a more anonymous approach, consider these local nonprofit organizations.

Trauma and violence

One of the most misunderstood challenges of homelessness is that there is not one solution; however, one thing is clear many of our homeless neighbors are running from violence and trauma. If not at home, then on the streets. Partners in Prevention Education (PiPE) partners with the houseless, street-dependent, and marginalized survivors to reduce harm, provide opportunities for them to heal from trauma, fight systemic oppression and build lasting connections for our community. PiPE’s acronym was chosen by some youth clients since the organization creates a pipeline to support survivors of violence to create a world where they can not only survive, but thrive. “The people we serve are brilliant and creative,” says Charlia Messinger, Executive Director for PiPE, “Most people don’t understand how close they are to homelessness. Place yourself in their place and build empathy. While some would blame the homeless for their struggles, the homeless have empathy for those who do not understand their situation.”

Essential services

As the landscape of houselessness locally continues to change, especially since the pandemic, there are more organizations to provide support. One newer organization is Olympia Mutual Aid Partners (OlyMap). OlyMap began in 2020 with “long-haired Dave” and some friends who wanted to get together to help their neighbors. OlyMap provides direct service, outreach, case management services, and support for the camp community and tiny house villages. According to Tye Gundel, one of the Co-Directors, the unsanctioned camps arise as many do not have any other place to go. “There is not enough room in the shelters and there is not enough affordable housing in our area.”

Lack of shelter and affordable housing

While there are currently not enough shelters, more are on the way. For over 30 years, Pear Blossom Place, a program of the Family Support Center of South Sound, has endeavored to provide shelter and permanent housing primarily to families with kids and survivors of domestic violence. “We work creatively and collaboratively to be available to whoever needs us,” says Natalie Sko, Deputy Director at the Family Support Center of South Sound. “Every family deserves an opportunity and a chance for a safe and stable environment. Just because you have been evicted in the past should not keep you from having a home. Domestic violence should not prevent you from healing, and a visit from CPS (Child Protective Service) does not make you a bad parent.” Pear Blossom Place provides families with what they need without judgment. “The future can be better than today; we want to give hope regardless of the barriers.”

Drug addiction

Drug addiction is certainly a barrier for our homeless community and one local organization is doing its part to keep our homeless neighbors safe and healthy is the Emma Goldman Youth and Homeless Outreach Project (Egyhop). According to Avery Savine, a Director on the Board, Egyhop began about 25 years ago as a street outreach and needle exchange, initially on bikes but has since converted to cars. While they do provide needle exchange for injection drug users, some of their clients need the needles for their hormone therapy or insulin to control their diabetes. “Needle exchange has been proven to work,” said Savine. “When you distribute clean needles, there are fewer side effects and HIV infections.” Savine is aware that many do not appreciate their needle exchange program. “Living on the street is hard, and drug use is a tactic to get through the day.” In addition to the needles exchange, Egyhop also provides Fentanyl test strips to check for Fentanyl in illegal drugs. They also provide cold weather clothes, tarps, tents, hygiene supplies and wound care kits. “We are not just extending charity, these people are members of our community, they are our friends and neighbors.”

As you gather your gifts for family and friends, I urge you to consider gifting one of these local organizations either monetarily, with a donation or by volunteering as they try to make life just a little better for those less fortunate in our community. As Mr. Scrooge eventually said, “I will honour Christmas in my heart and try to keep it all the year. I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future. The Spirits of all Three shall strive within me. I will not shut out the lessons that they teach!”

Soliciting your ideas

If you know of a nonprofit that is doing something great, celebrating a success, needs some outstanding volunteers, or hosting an event, let me know! This column (aside from a little education) celebrates nonprofits!

Mary Beth Harrington, CVA (Certified Volunteer Administrator) lives in Tumwater. She travels the country speaking at conferences and to individual organizations articulating issues facing nonprofits. Send your ideas to her at  MaryBeth@theJOLTnews.com