Dreiser Gonzalez Diaz, PFP’s Post

This blog is a powerful reminder of the humanity behind the faces we often pass by and the complex reality of those experiencing homelessness. Let's look beyond the clichés and remember that we can make a difference not just by offering help, but by seeing, understanding, and advocating for real change. #Compassion #HomelessnessAwareness #SocialWork Read the full story and reflect on the many layers of understanding required to truly serve others. Beyond Cliche https://hubs.ly/Q02Y63v70

Sunday. That’s 1st December. When December hits, it’s almost like then Christmas becomes real for so many people and it’s not avoidable anymore. I wonder if we think the same way about homelessness. It’s Christmas, we have the help them! I wonder what it is, that urgency to help them not at Christmas time. Is it because it’s cold and they won’t have anywhere to bed down? Because Christmas is about family and they might not have anyone? Is it because it’s a time of coming together and they may not have a good network and may not be able to connect with anyone? It is because it’s a season to giving and therefore we should give to them too? It’s great. Help if you can. But why restrict it to just Christmas? All year round, people experiencing homelessness don’t have anywhere to bed down. All year round, they often don’t have family ties, or connections who can help them. All year round - they need people giving to them. The issues around homelessness could be solved, genuinely, if we were as open about helping them all year round and not just restrict it to a month of the year. It’s simply not enough time to solve it. Remember that the next time you think “how can I help?” Help all year round. Not just at Christmas. Open your heart all year round. That is the best gift you can give anyone living on the streets. #homelessness #help #london #poverty #christmas

If you close your eyes and think of someone experiencing homelessness, who do you think of? Many of us picture a single, 50-year-old man struggling with all sorts of issues. The reality is that we regularly see pregnant women, people over 70, people under 25, people with full-time jobs, couples, people who speak French, Spanish, Arabic & ASL, veterans, people who have been sober 20 years, people with cognitive disabilities & dementia, people with Masters degrees, employees of other non-profits and lots of families with children. Many can’t get the help they deeply desire and are placed on months-to-years-long lists for housing or shelter, with no other choice than to sleep outside. Everyone is someone’s family member and worthy of not being generalized or stigmatized. Sunrise has created the broadest multi-point access across Austin precisely because a myriad of causes for homelessness require a myriad of interconnected solutions. Tomorrow we start again. #homestartshere

I see a world where we are able to prevent homelessness. I see a world where children don’t have to hear the word eviction or shelter I see world that when someone looses their job they get help. Where unemployment isn’t a death sentence. Where we stop people from loosing their homes. We can do this. His may not be the world we live in today but we can make it the world we make happen. We have to be creative and we have to reinvent the wheel. We can’t just keep on scratching our heads at needing more apartments and beds. We have to create the action. We have to ported the housing families and youth have. S if we keep loosing units then we will allows be working from behind. We don’t all need just one thing or the other. We need to work together to create funding that is flexible. We need to work together one person at a time. One shirt at a time #clothing #housingstability #giving #innovation #empowerment #family #homelessness

Many people know, I recently joined the team at Central Iowa Shelter Services. Though I’ve worked with organizations serving those experiencing homelessness and have personal connections to this issue, reading “When We Walk By” by Kevin F. Adler has deepened my understanding and empathy even further. Adler masterfully illustrates the stories of individuals often overlooked, highlighting their resilience and humanity. This book reminds us that every person we encounter has a unique story and deserves our empathy and respect. It’s a powerful call to see beyond our assumptions and judgments, to extend compassion and dignity to everyone we meet. Here are my five key takeaways from the book: 1.Humanizing Homelessness: Every individual experiencing homelessness has a unique story and deserves to be seen and treated with dignity. 2.The Power of Connection: Small acts of kindness and connection can have a profound impact on someone’s life. 3.Challenging Assumptions: It’s crucial to challenge our preconceived notions and judgments about homelessness. 4.Community Strength: A strong, empathetic community can provide the support and resources needed to help individuals rebuild their lives. 5.Advocacy and Action: We all have a role to play in advocating for systemic changes and providing direct support to those in need. Through these pages, I’ve learned the importance of understanding diverse perspectives and the incredible impact of kindness. If you’re looking for a read that will challenge your worldview and inspire you to make a difference, I highly recommend picking up this book. It’s a beautiful testament to the strength of community and the transformative power of simply seeing and acknowledging each other as human beings. If anyone is interested in learning more about those experiencing homelessness in our community, feel free to DM me. #Empathy #Community #WhenWeWalkBy #KevinFAdler #MustRead #homelessness #centraliowa

Now it’s getting colder, it’s important we remember what we have. For many who might have to sleep rough - they are acutely aware not of what they have - but what they don’t. Shelter. Stability. Safety. Support. They lack resources. They often lack motivation as often they are disconnected from their families and friends. They disassociate. They can’t stay warm, and with the weather turning like this, it isn’t simply a case of putting on more layers. Being exposed to the elements so viscerally means they are susceptible to death. That’s a reality for many. Many in the homeless community die in their 40s. I’ve known many who have died significantly younger. They die alone, often because they become so isolated and alienated from society they intentionally hide themselves away. There are brief glimpses of hope. Sharing warmth with another. The follow through and often bravery of support services who act on behalf of those in need. The sense of humour; the last thing to go. Stop thinking about what you have. Try and think about what maybe someone else doesn’t. How can you support them? It doesn’t have to always be about money. It can be about remembering their face, checking in on them, saying hello, alerting local services to where they are to keep them safe and not so invisible. Relationship breakdowns are often the catalyst for homelessness. Why not try relationship building? Being a friend might give them the confidence to overcome those hurdles to finally climb out of homelessness - for good. And if they don’t? You’ve done nothing but just make a friend, who appreciates you checking in on them - more than you will ever know. #homelessness #help #londonpoverty

🌟 Supporting Homeless Families: A Compassionate Approach 🌟 In our communities, there are families and individuals experiencing homelessness who may not be ready to accept help. It can be challenging, but together we can make a difference! Here are some ways to engage compassionately and effectively: 🤝 Build Trust: Take the time to listen and connect. Show that you care without judgment. 📜 Share Resources: Provide information about local shelters, food services, and support programs in a gentle, non-intrusive way. 👐 Offer Practical Help: Sometimes, a little assistance with food, clothing, or transportation can open the door to further support. 👥 Peer Support: Encourage connections with others who have shared similar experiences. Peer relationships can foster trust and community. ⏳ Be Patient: Change takes time. Keep showing up, offering support, and respecting their choices. 💬 Tailor Your Approach: Understand that everyone’s journey is unique. Customize your support based on their specific needs and circumstances. 🌈 Empower Self-Determination: Encourage families to set their own goals. Empowerment can lead to motivation for change. 🏡 Advocate for Change: Let’s work together towards systemic solutions—affordable housing, accessible healthcare, and job opportunities for all. Together, we can create a compassionate community where everyone feels valued and supported. 💖✨ #EndHomelessness #CompassionInAction #SupportOurNeighbors #CommunityLove #Empowerment Feel free to share your thoughts or ways you’ve been able to help in the comments below! 👇💬

Office of Head Start Director Khari Garvin shares enrollment strategies and why all children and families experiencing #homelessness should have a “Home at Head Start.” We at SchoolHouse Connection agree that comprehensive Head Start services are what children and families need and deserve to thrive, especially those experiencing homelessness. 🎥 https://bit.ly/3wcrTOy 💥 He challenges all Head Start and Early Head Start programs to: 1️⃣ Prioritize children and families experiencing homelessness; 2️⃣ Work with community partners like homeless liaisons to provide enrollment referrals and supports. Rely on your parent leaders to help you find families who may be sharing housing due to financial or other hardships or emergencies; and 3️⃣ Help staff understand the McKinney-Vento definition of homelessness and how to engage in caring conversations with families without ever using the word “homeless."

For people on the streets AKA rough sleepers, homelessness can be extremely isolating, which quickly creates a feeling of exclusion from society. This is something to bear in mind during World Homeless Week, a time when small gestures can create big change. Don't know where to start? A simple encounter in your town centre can stir feelings of guilt and helplessness, but there’s so much we can do to make a difference. If you see someone experiencing homelessness, consider taking a moment to connect. A simple “How are you?” can break down barriers and help combat the feelings of exclusion and dehumanisation that many face. Approach with kindness and without judgment, and listen to what kind of help they might need. Instead of giving cash, think about offering warm drinks or clothing during the colder months, and essentials like water, sunscreen, or hats in the summer. Small items, such as books, mini shampoo and shower gel, packs of tissues, or even torches, can also bring comfort and dignity. If you’re concerned about someone’s wellbeing, please reach out to local services. A great resource is Streetlink [www.thestreetlink.org.uk] which connects individuals experiencing homelessness with timely support. Let’s empower ourselves and others to take action, because every small gesture counts. 💖 For more practical advice, check out our guide - https://lnkd.in/eSxC_C4n #WorldHomelessWeek #EndHomelessness #Homelessness #HowToHelpHomelessPeople

💖 Love, Resilience, and Homelessness: A Story of Strength in Later Years 🌟 When we think of homelessness, we often picture younger individuals or families. But what about older couples—those who’ve spent decades together—facing homelessness in their golden years? 👵👴 Take Robert and Eleanor’s story, for example. Married for 42 years and in their late 60s, they never imagined they’d lose their home. But life took an unexpected turn when medical bills for Eleanor’s Alzheimer’s care drained their retirement savings. With no safety net and limited support from their adult children, they found themselves living in a shelter. 🏠💔 The challenges were immense: - Loss of Privacy: After decades of having their own space, adapting to communal living was emotionally devastating. 😔 - Health Struggles: Managing Eleanor’s medical needs in a shelter environment was overwhelming. 🩺 - Relationship Strain: The stress of homelessness tested even their decades-long bond. 💔 But amidst the chaos, there was hope! 🌈 A senior-focused support program connected them to affordable housing, medical resources, and counseling services. Over time, they rebuilt their lives—finding stability while preserving the love that had carried them through so many years. 💪❤️ 💡 The Lesson? Homelessness doesn’t discriminate by age or circumstance. For older couples like Robert and Eleanor, it’s not just about finding shelter—it’s about preserving dignity, health, and the relationships that give life meaning. ✨ What Can We Do? - Advocate for shelters that cater to the unique needs of older adults, including privacy-friendly spaces and medical support. 🛏️🩺 - Push for affordable housing solutions that allow seniors to age with dignity. 🏡 - Promote access to counseling services that help couples navigate the emotional toll of homelessness together. 🤝 Let’s raise awareness for those navigating love and life on the streets—at any age! Together, we can create a community that supports not just individuals but also their relationships and dreams. 🌍💞 #SeniorHomelessness #Relationships #AgingWithDignity #AffordableHousing #LoveInAdversity #HealthEquity #SDOH #HomelessnessResponse #HealthyPeople2030 🙏🏾♥️👨🏾💼❤️🏠👨🏾🏫👨🏾💼🫶🏾🌎