Dear Community; As the imminent effects of climate change impact all of us across the globe in multiple ways, we know that the extreme floodings that we are experiencing here on the West Coast of this country are not an exception. That is why we would like you to hear the own reflections of our wonderful team members Karina Wallace (Community Programs Manager), Maja Evans (Community Programs Coordinator), and Elena Lecoq (our MSW Practicum Student | Resource Navigator here at Facing Homelessness) as they narrate how they turned the issue having our Window of Kindness closed due to the weather, into an outreaching opportunity in the encampments based on the surroundings of our building, where they were able to connect with new neighbors, share resources and spread the word about our services here at Facing Homelessness. Thank you very much, Karina, Maja, and Elena!!!
Elena Lecoq;
“Closing the window during the first week of the new year due to sewage issues was disappointing, but when Karina thought of doing an outreach event where many of our visitors are located, I was fully on board. It was special to meet folks right where they were instead of normally having folks coming to us. Many folks seemed surprised and excited when we arrived with pizza, sandwiches, water, soda, chips, and coats. Folks were smiling as they hurriedly called over their friends to come to grab some food from us. We were also able to connect with folks who have never heard of Facing Homelessness before and provide them with information about our Window of Kindness Program. I hope to see them visit our window in the future and get to do more outreach events.”
Maja Evans;
I was so grateful we were able to bring the Window of Kindness to our clients when we were unable to use our office last week due to plumbing issues. One of our regular clients was kind enough to escort us to their encampment and spread the word amongst their neighbors and friends that we had food and supplies to give away. I'm always so blown away by how kind and understanding our clients are; this past week was no exception. Doing this outreach event made me think about how much effort our clients put into coming to our Window of Kindness, and I hope we're able to do more events like this so our clients can have more opportunities to rest in their encampments while also still receiving the food and supplies they need!
Karina Wallace;
I am so grateful for my colleagues Maja and Elena who jumped on their feet when they heard that I was hoping to do an outreach day around the University District, where a lot of our clients live. We have all been so devastated by the flood in our building that has prevented us from seeing our clients all week, so the fact that we were able to achieve this and share with our clients the much-needed supplies we had was unforgettable and is something that we wish and hope to do more of in the near future!
University District | Karina, Maja, Elena and Clàudia
A QUIET THOUGHT - If you're moved by the goodness of this community, please visit https://facinghomelessness.org/donate/
and click on the 'donate' button and consider a "monthly recurring" donation of just $5 in support of the work. THANK YOU!
#JustSayHello #FacingHomelessness #Kindness #theblockproject
