By Charlene Welch, Council for the Homeless

Why is it important to approach people experiencing homelessness with empathy and respect? Because, being homeless is a form of trauma. Consider how we all want empathy and respect from others when dealing with a traumatic situation. People experiencing homelessness often live with a variety of personal challenges such as the sudden loss of a home, job, or relationships through death, abandonment, or other means. They face adjusting to conditions of life in a shelter, on the streets, in their car or tent. Within the larger society, people experiencing homelessness often are marginalized, isolated, discriminated against, and are vulnerable to be victims of a crime. This is particularly true, if you happen to be a person of color, non-English speaking and/or identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Transgender.

At CFTH, we strive to meet people where they are. This sometimes includes meeting people at their location if they are unable to come to our Housing Solutions Center in Vancouver. Staff regularly visit people in all parts of the county such as, the North County Food Bank, St. Anne’s Episcopal Church, the Gee Creek Rest stop, and the Clark County Jail. Sometimes it means connecting with someone outside where they are living, as happened with Dan about six months ago.

When I met him recently, he pointed out the living room window and said, “Do you see the tree line of the woods way out there? That is where I used to live. Every day I wake up, I can’t believe I have a home.” Dan became homeless while recovering from back surgery. He found a job but could not afford to rent on his own. He felt he had no choice, but to live in a tent in the woods near his job, so he could walk to work. “It was the most stressful time ever,” he recalled. “I tried to stay hidden, clean, dry, and kept only minimal food to avoid animals coming to my tent. I tried to work like nothing was wrong.” Eventually, Council for the Homeless staff were made aware of his camp and left a business card and toiletry kit. The card included a message, “I am at the North County Food Bank on Wednesdays. Please come see how we can help you. Signed, Amanda.”

It took a couple of weeks for Dan to go see Amanda. But when he did, the wheels turned quickly. He applied for apartments all over town but was being turned down. “Amanda and her coworkers helped me talk to landlords and eventually this one said ok, we will work with you.” Council for the Homeless Housing Relief Fund paid for his move-in costs and the landlord reduced the rental criteria. Dan also searched for a job with more pay. A new job came through and he has a steadier higher income. He enjoys making good coffee and being closer to his daughter’s family. Dan says he is grateful and even if he faces challenges down the road, “I have a home base where I can handle them from.” Happily, Dan has been in an apartment now for five months.

Meeting people where they are means being empathetic and acknowledge the circumstances and trauma they are experiencing.  To help move our community first to empathy and then to action, please attend the Poverty Immersion Event happening April 11, 2018 from 9am-1pm at St. Joseph Catholic Church. CLICK HERE for all the details and to register!