On July 13th we met at
the Lincoln Park Community Shelter. We arrived with many things to accomplish
in mind that day. The main reason for the gathering would be the trip the Graduates
were taking to Washington D.C. My reason too! Some planned to leave early the
following Sunday morning (July 21). Most by plane, and one by train. All bound
for Washington to give and gather information for the National Conference on
Ending Homelessness.
Once we arrived in D.C., there were
no plans so we registered into the conference and Erin treated us to a double-decker
bus ride around Washington. We saw the White House, the Capitol building, and
the Smithsonian. D.C. is beautiful. In
the evening, Erin forced us to consume a fantastic Chinese dinner. It was great.
Monday
morning John and I made it to the air and space museum and then lunch. We
gathered up and went to our classes. I chose two classes on Rapid Re-housing. With
the implementation of the HEARTH Act, it seems to be what is going to replace
today’s shelters. The presenters talked about how to start up Rapid Re-housing,
what works well and what does not, and other agency’s accomplishments in other
cities. In the evening we were lucky to see a documentary film on homelessness
by Mark Horvath (@Home). It brought tears to my eyes. A
great film for what’s wrong in this country and what can cure it.
Tuesday took me to a
domestic violence class and other classes on homelessness and how to help
yourself when you can. I got to take class on Moving on from Permanent
Supportive Housing: Creating Successful Exits. This class helps to move on with
what works for the individual to become more independent. That evening, Albert
and I made it over to the Smithsonian’s American History Museum, where we saw
Archie Bunker’s chair and a great exhibit on the American military involvement
in wars over our history.
On Wednesday some of our
group were able to go to Capitol Hill and meet with our congressmen and
senators to convey our interest in the issue of homelessness and our personal stories.
It was a touching and powerful moment.
We went home at about
5:30 that evening. It was a trip I won’t forget. And I thank you for letting me
represent Lincoln Park Community Shelter as a Graduate.
By:
Zyg
D
No comments:
Post a Comment