Grassroots Movement: Are we present?

I have recently started working with a local non-profit organization, Midtown Assistance Center. MAC offers various services to the working poor as well as the homeless. Yesterday, I had the pleasure of attending my first HAG (Homeless Action Group) meeting; an organization designed to bring various service providers together on a monthly basis to collaborate and discuss different services, programs and special events to serve the working poor. Interestingly enough, the mayoral candidates for the upcoming election were there to address the ineffectiveness of the system that is known for misappropriation of funds, degradation and demeaning of the homeless and a lack of resources.

As my colleague and I listened to each candidate share their vision as to how they will fix what's been broken; we couldn't help but notice that one candidate continuously praised a shelter that is known for its deplorable conditions, poor client relations and management. In his defense, I must say that I was impressed by the fact that he let it be known that he is not well versed on the specific issues and would be open to sitting at a round table to discuss how we can find the best solutions. The one thing he continuously praised is their mission and the philosophy behind their vision. What would resonate more with me and the city of Atlanta are his personal encounters with the homeless who are pleased with the services provided by the shelter. Unfortunately, this is not the case.

The questions that I kept asking myself were: Are we present? Are we making our assessments based on information we read on a website or a handbook? Are we speaking with the homeless? Are we relating to the homeless? Are we reaching out to the homeless?

I would like to start initiatives where we allow the working poor and homeless to give feedback on the services provided. Most people may feel that the poor and homeless should be thankful for anything they are given, but anyone of us could lose our homes or jobs and be in the same position. Would we not want to be treated with dignity and respect despite the nature of our circumstances? I believe that the most effective way to repair the system is from the inside out by getting a broad look into the operations from the experiences of the clients served. From here, we can set new standards and goals in public interest training, cultivationg partnerships and alliances and fighting for the representation of the working poor and displaced.

It's important that we have faces, names and stories to represent the homeless of America so that we can understand that they are not all addicted to drugs, suffering from mental illnesses and too lazy to find a job. In many cases, they are people who work minimum wage jobs, but can't afford the costs for housing or people who have been displaced due to losing their jobs and homes in these turbulent times, and people who made poor decisions in their past but are looking to pull themselves up by their own bootstraps to make a living.


I invite you to get the inside scoop on Atlanta's homeless:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15Nryl_Bbqw


May we all be present in the grassroots movement of serving others....