I can’t believe it, but it’s been two years since I started my job working at One Collective. Over these last two years, some of the incredible things that have happened are:
11 people are currently housed and off the streets
At the end 2022/beginning of 2023 the city set aside $940,000 to be put towards a solution to more effectively address homelessness because of our draft proposal they saw
Relationships and collaboration between organizations and caseworkers have grown
17 organizations participate in collaborative casework meetings
The friendships and relationships with my friends who experience homelessness have grown deeper and more Touch Barriers have been broken (see my newsletter The Touch Barrier)
The City of Elgin and other partners have been open to our ideas
Our proposal for an overnight winter shelter to be open every night from December through the end of March was approved
On Wednesday night, the Elgin City Council voted unanimously in favor of One Collective Elgin helping facilitate a winter shelter that will be open every night of the winter from December through March. Having the shelter open every night will help us better care for the people who are experiencing homelessness in our community. It also means that the opportunity to volunteer is more consistent. Together, we can help reduce homelessness in Elgin.
My role will be as the primary coordinator and facilitator for the shelter; overseeing supplies, volunteers, volunteer scheduling, budget tracking…and anything and everything else.
That said, I’m working on recruiting volunteers!
Right now, I’m working on a more detailed volunteer form for that people can use to sign up. Each night will have two shifts—6:30 pm through 7:30 am the following morning. The structure right now is that there will be two shifts: 1st shift will be from 6:30 pm through 12:30 am and 2nd shift will be from 12:30 am to 7:30 am. I’m hoping to get 4 people/shift. The positions I’ll be looking for are: 1 Shift Leader per shift, 3 volunteers to help man the shifts, 1 day point-person to be the point of contact for day-of volunteers, 1 weekly coach to help oversee the week and volunteers.
The Shift Leaders, Day Point-People, and Weekly Coaches will make up a Core Team who will receive more extensive training. I’ll be looking for, at most, 50 people who would make up this team. The Core Team will be broken up into Weekly Squads and be placed on a rotation. Squad 1 would work a week, Squad 2 the following, and so on on a rotation so there is always at least one person on shift who receives extensive training.
Shift point-people
act as the main supervisor and point-person for their respective shift
first point of contact for volunteers of their shift
coordinate with the day point-person as needed
Always inform Weekly Coach and Shelter Director of any and all incidents
Day point-people
contact person in charge of filling in for any positions if a shift point-person can’t make it for their shift or if there isn’t enough volunteers for a shift
“on-call reinforcements”
help send reminders to the volunteers serving under their day
Coaches
responsible for the entire week of volunteers (56 spots–4 people/shift 2 shifts/night)
Help coordinate for the week and send reminders to day point-people
Coaches shouldn’t be at the shelter during their respective week
Coaches respond to critical situations
Coaches will follow-up with Shelter Director for any and all incidents that transpire
*Responsibilities are still being hammered out*
If you’re interested and able to help in this critical role, shoot me an email!
There’s a woman, who I will refer to as “Jane,” who has been at the breakfast since I first started. When I first began serving, Jane was very standoffish and reserved. She would come to the breakfast, sit at a table, eat her breakfast and leave. She didn’t really say hello or look at anyone. Needless to say, connecting took a long time. A few months ago, Jane was asked to help us serve food. Over these last few months, Jane’s whole demeanor has changed. She comes in smiling, enthusiastic and engaging. It’s been incredible to see such a huge change compared to a year ago.
One of the most incredible things happened recently. Jane came up to me and told me she has been sober for a year now. And then…
Jane gave me a hug.
I couldn’t believe it. She broke the “touch barrier.” I can’t quite describe what the feeling was like, but I can tell you this much. For her to do so, was HUGE.
Here’s why:
The touch barrier is all about how people set boundaries and personal space when it comes to physical contact. It’s influenced by individual preferences, cultural norms, and social expectations. Some people are more comfortable with touch, while others prefer more personal space.
When we think about how homelessness and the touch barrier intersect, a few things come to mind. First, it’s important to recognize that homelessness can greatly affect how someone feels about their personal space and boundaries. Unstable living conditions and being constantly surrounded by crowded shelters or public spaces can make it difficult to maintain the physical distance people want.
People experiencing homelessness are often more vulnerable to physical contact. The power dynamics and increased risk of exploitation or harm on the streets or in shelters can make them more cautious about being touched. This heightened sensitivity to personal space is a way for people to protect themselves.
Society’s perceptions and stereotypes about homelessness can also contribute to the touch barrier. People experiencing homelessness often face stigma and dehumanization, which can lead to social isolation and fewer positive social interactions. Some people hold negative attitudes and misconceptions, viewing those experiencing homelessness as undesirable or untouchable.
To address the touch barrier and support people experiencing homelessness, it’s crucial to promote empathy, understanding, and respectful interactions. Those working with individuals experiencing homelessness, such as service providers, volunteers, and community members, should be mindful of personal boundaries and respect individual preferences regarding touch. Creating safe spaces that foster dignity, trust, and a sense of autonomy can gradually break down the touch barrier and build positive connections.
Thank to everyone who has already purchased something off of the Amazon list! The items are making a HUGE difference!
For those who didn’t see the “Call to Action” email I sent out, there are several items that people who are experiencing homelessness need. I’ve created an Amazon list of supplies and I’ve marked some items with priorities.
With Prime Day going on, some of the items are on sale. If you haven’t already purchased something, now is the perfect time! And if you have sent something already and want to send more, please do!
The items will be shipped to me, so I can make sure they get into the right hands.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this!
