VillageNews SUMMER 2011 |


5 St. Vincent de Paul Village How to Help the Homeless


• Be kind. It’s true: a little kindness goes a long way. Treat homeless people as you would want to be treated. Instead of ignoring or dismissing the homeless, try a kind word, even if it’s just “hello.”


Nearly one in four homeless San Diegans is


described as ‘chronic.’ PTECH, Regional Homeless Profile


Services abuse


include counseling,


substance harm


reduction practices, mental and physical health intervention, and ongoing education — all provided within a comprehensive system of


treatment that assists our


neighbors in need while saving lives in the process.


A variety of local organizations have collaborated under Project 25. Together, they form one of San Diego’s largest


homeless-


prevention efforts. The city’s jail system, HHSA, local hospitals and other resources will help defi ne frequent user costs,


while


Outreach Team, Army’s


the


San Diego Police Department’s Homeless Salvation


Outreach Team, Alpha the


Homeless Project,


Veterans Village of San Diego, and Volunteers of America — among other partners — will locate Project 25


25 participants more choice in housing options.


economic


In addition to its individual and benefi ts,


Project a handful de of frequent-user Vincent initiatives Paul 25


makes data collection a priority. Although


other have


taken place around the country, St.


Village


and its Project 25 partners are committed to detailed,


the accurate Center collection and Pt. Loma of information.


Organizations such as UCSD’s Medical


Nazarene University’s Fermanian Business and Economic Institute will provide outside assessment and


analysis


progress. Coupled


partner of with network Project an and 25’s


extensive its own


competent abilities, St. Vincent's is uniquely positioned to advocate Project


25. We are pleased to


clients. Permanent housing will be provided by the San Diego Housing


Commission, Affi rmed


Housing Group, 500 West Hotel, House of Joy, and other partners in what is


site” model that


called a “scattered offers


Project


provide this service not only for the needy, but for the community of which they are part. ■


Brandon Behr is program assistant for Project 25.


• Do not give money to panhandlers. The truth is that many panhandlers are not homeless, and most of the homeless don’t panhandle. People who ask for money may need help, but often money given to individuals on the street supports destructive habits, including alcohol and drug addiction.


• Give food and water. For food, most of the homeless rely on local dinning rooms like St. Vincent de Paul Village and Martha’s Village & Kitchen and whatever they can get from passersby or from rummaging through trash cans. Contact St. Vincent de Paul Village or Martha’s Village & Kitchen and ask what food items they need. Participate in charitable food drives by providing nonperishable groceries, such as canned goods.


• Donate money to homeless organizations. Monetary donations to the Villages are greatly appreciated. Contributions help to provide shelter, food and valuable services.


• Donate goods. New or gently used clothing, particularly new socks and undergarments, can be donated. The Villages also welcome everyday necessities such as hygiene products, toilet paper, towels, twin sheets, blankets, books, and toys for children.


• Spread the word. Educate friends, family and neighbors about homelessness, including the realities of homelessness and how to help those in need.


• Get involved. Volunteer your time, knowledge and professional skills. We thrive on the work of volunteers – from those who sign people in and serve meals to others that educate, treat and counsel the homeless.


Father Joe’s Villages and Home Again are partners in the fi ght against chronic homelessness. For more information, visit neighbor.org or www.homeagainsd.org. List courtesy of Home Again.


VOLUNTEERS MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Our volunteer opportunities include:


• eBay sales, research and packaging assistants


• Household donations sorters • Thrift store sales assistants • Building maintenance


assistants • Minister of music


• Fitness and wellness instructors


• Adult Education teachers (reading, math, language, GED preparation, etc.)


• Dentists, doctors, nurses • Minister of Interfaith Worship


One-time and ongoing volunteer opportunities are available. Walk-in volunteers are not accepted; volunteer orientation is required.


Please call our Volunteer Services Offi ce at (619) 645-6411


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