My introduction to the world of homeless support services came in early 2010 when I volunteered to help with that year’s Vulner ability Index Survey—a counting of people living on the streets.
I was assigned to assist on one of the “camp teams.” We went to areas I’d been many times—an innocent side street, a gas station, a fast food joint—then unexpectedly veered a few dozen feet into the woods and encoun tered a hidden world of people making their homes from tarps and tents. We asked the folks we saw to be interviewed and give per sonal information. In nearly every instance, they were gracious and welcoming.
It was a rich opportunity to learn from others. I was fortunate to have been assigned to vet eran social worker Mike Harmon and to share a car with him and Caroline Chambre Ham mock, both of whom freely offered their per spectives on how to best help and empower those on the streets.
At that time (I think this policy has changed) we were taking pictures of everyone who agreed to be photographed. I had a new camera for the purpose of filling the pages of the – forthcoming first issue of Speak Up, so I was the designated camera operator. One woman insisted that the photos never be shared or published—”My dad was someone important in Charlotte; he would be so ashamed if he knew what had happened to me,” she said, as tears streamed down her face.
One of the objectives for the data collected during that particular count was to secure funding for a “housing first” initiative in Char – – lotte. The effort was successful. For the last five years, Moore Place has provided critical housing to some of the region’s most vulnerable citizens.
Capturing data and crunching numbers is a thankless but tremendously valuable part of – the collective effort to see people move to – stable housing. If you are looking for a great way to help out, volunteering with a count survey is a good place to begin.