December 2002

 

Letter From the Executive Director

 

Greetings from everyone at the Homeless Action Committee!  We want to thank all of our supporters and wish you the very best for the holidays and the coming year!

 

As we begin this holiday season, homelessness is on the rise in historic proportions.  To address this rising need, HAC is working in coalition with local churches, human service providers, and religious organizations to open an emergency overflow shelter which HAC will operate.  This shelter will take some of our most vulnerable people off the cold winter streets and provide them with a warm place to stay. 

 

HAC’s permanent housing program continues to assist people who had been chronically homeless and living on the streets for years.  Most tenants have improved their lives, improved their medical and mental health and have been reunited with family.  It is gratifying to see on a daily basis what this housing means to our tenants.

 

HAC’s Outreach Van continues to operate full-time, Monday through Friday from 2-10pm.  We are awaiting word from HUD for the continuation of funding for this program, as well as an expansion to operate on weekends and to hire a full-time case manager.

 

We are in the early stages of an Urgent Appeal campaign to raise enough funding to hire a full-time Program Manager.  Plans are underway to expand HAC’s base of supporters and to request funding from foundations and corporations.  In addition, our largest fundraiser of the year – HAC’s Sleep-a-thon in Townsend Park will be on Friday, February 21, 2003.  We may be joined this year by members of the Capital Leadership Class of 2003 of the Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce who have shown an interest in helping HAC. 

On behalf of the Homeless Action Committee’s tenants, staff, and Board Of Directors, we wish each of you a joyful and healthy holiday season and a beautiful new year.  Let there be peace on earth.!

  ~Donna DeMaria

 

!!! PLEASE HELP HAC DURING THIS HOLIDAY SEASON !!!  At this holiday time, please consider helping HAC with a generous donation.  Any donation – large or small – will help HAC purchase holiday gifts for our tenants, help us hire a full-time Program Manager, help with our holiday meals and help our Outreach Van, permanent housing program and emergency shelter continue to serve people in need.  Please consider giving a holiday donation in honor of a family member or friend and HAC will send your loved one notification of your gift. Can you help us out with a generous contribution?  Perhaps you can consider becoming a monthly sustainer.  Thanks to approximately 10 regular monthly sustainers, we now have a regular income each month that we can count on!  Please consider joining our month sustainer program! Thank you!

 

 

HAC WEB SITE

HAC is excited to announce that we have a new website!   Visit the site on the web at www.homelessaction.com. 

 

URGENT APPEAL by the HAC Board of Directors

 

            Your help is urgently needed to develop the resources HAC requires as a growing organization.  HAC started in 1989 as a small activist organization with a tiny budget of $5000/year.  HAC has grown into a housing and service provider with staff and an annual budget of $300,000.  However, the organizational structure has not kept pace with these changes.  HAC’s staff consists of shiftworkers in the SRO, the Outreach Van staff and the Executive Director.  Most other organizations of this size operating these types of programs have an Assistant Director, an Office Manager, a Program Manager, and perhaps even a Development Director.  Unfortunately, HAC’s Executive Director and a small group of office volunteers have been shouldering the burden of all of these positions, handling far more responsibility than most.

 

            HAC has had an interim Program Manager- David Wells – since May.  David has done an extraordinary job.  He works full-time elsewhere though, and has cutback on his hours with HAC.  David has done the manager’s job while also working shifts in the SRO.  The Program Manager position needs to be its own separate job.  At the same time that David is cutting back, HAC’s Executive Director needs to also cutback on hours due to increased health problems.

            We need the help of our supporters to continue HAC's mission of helping people who are homeless.  We urgently need to hire a Program Manager quickly!  In order to do so, we will need a large sum of money by mid-April.  HAC will use the McEneny/Canestrari money to pay half of the Program Manager’s salary to supervise the shelter.  HAC needs to raise the other half of the salary for this individual to supervise the SRO.  By mid-April, when the shelter closes, the goal is to have enough money for the Program Manager to continue on full-time supervising the SRO.  Enough funding has to be raised in order to do so.

 

Here are ways HAC supporters can help:

·         By recommending the names of other individuals whom we could approach for donations.  We need to expand our base of supporters.

·         Professional grant writing to help us secure funding from private or public sources.

·         By volunteering in the office weekly/bi-weekly/monthly.

·         Join the Urgent Appeal Task Force to help strategize ways for HAC to raise this money.

 

If you would like to help, please call the office at 426-0554 or complete enclosed coupon.

 IN MEMORY

 

At this time, we would like to remember three homeless individuals who died during the last quarter.  Robert Johnson, lived on the streets and drowned in Washington Park Lake in October.  You may have heard about this drowning in the media.  However, no follow-up was provided.  He was never publicly identified, nor was it ever mentioned that he had been homeless.  He had family, whom we were unable to locate to inform them of his death.

 

Another homeless individual who was well known throughout the community – Michael Earl – died on November 11^th.  Michael’s family wrote in his obituary,  “Affectionately known as ‘Michael the Archangel’ throughout the Albany area, he roamed the Capital District’s streets and highways for close to 40 years.  His eccentric behavior and panhandling, along with visits to family, friends and acquaintances covering seemingly endless miles has left a lasting impression…”   Michael died from an overdose of inhalants while staying at a local motel.  Michael stayed at HAC’s shelter on Quail Street almost nightly when it was open.

 

About 100 people attended Michael’s funeral, including family and friends, local police, Judge Keegan fellow street people and people from HAC.  In a touching tribute, his family and friends placed quarters and dollar bills in his hands, displayed the Times Union article which commemorated his life, and pictures of him at his wedding, family events, and those from when he worked at a flower shop in the Concourse.

 

John Corey, lived around 40 N. Pearl Street (on that street) for about 1½ years.  Our Outreach Van had daily contact with him, attempting to get him shelter.  John had dementia and spoke about his home on Underridge Drive in North Albany.  Unfortunately no such address existed but HAC Outreach workers fully believed this address existed somewhere.  Numerous internet searches were done, but we could not find it.  John slept outside in the dead of winter, always believing it was 90 degrees outside.  Our Outreach Van was instrumental in getting John off the streets into our shelter last winter, where he felt comfortable.  After it closed, HAC allowed John to stay in a room while we went to court with Adult Protective to initiate guardianship proceedings.  He was unable to care for himself and was eventually placed in a nursing home, where he died shortly thereafter of lung cancer that had spread to his brain.  We regret that we were never able to find his family that he spoke about so often.

 

 

We will always remember you Robert, Michael and John.

 

 

A TRIBUTE TO A LOVED ONE

            A tenant at HAC’s SRO, Harley A., lost his wife one year ago, whom he loved dearly and speaks about often.  As a tribute to her, Harley wrote this “In Memory” piece, which first appeared in the Ravena News Herald.

           

 

To My Lady Judy

 

Death is so limited                         It cannot cripple love                         It cannot shatter hope                         It cannot corrode faith                         It cannot destroy peace                         It cannot kill friendship                         It cannot silence courage                         It cannot invade the soul                         It cannot steal eternal life                  I      It cannot conquer the spirit

My heart beats with your memory.  My love for you feels amazing. Your strength forever a part of my life. No day is complete without you. For the special gift of your life that you shared with me, I will always thank you. I will forever sing the song of your life.             Love you, Butch

                                   

 
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

There are many ways you can get involved in HAC and in helping people who are homeless. 

We need people to:

 

 -Volunteer in the Emergency Shelter: 6-11pm- all or part of  a shift, 7 days per week, weekly or bi-weekly

-Work on the Outreach Van: M-F: 2-5p, 5-7p, or 7-10p;  weekly commitment is needed

 -Office volunteers: M-F 9-5p; weekly or bi-weekly is needed.

  2-3 hrs.  Computer skills necessary, answering phones, etc.

 -Volunteer in the SRO: Evenings, to socialize with tenants,  organize the clothing room, etc.

 -Pick up food monthly at the Food Bank, go grocery shopping  weekly

 -Buy Christmas presents for tenants (socks, thermal tops &  bottoms, flannel shirts, gloves, underwear: all men’s)

 

If you can help with these tasks, please fill out the enclosed coupon  or call the office at 426-0554

 EMERGENCY SHELTER

 

HAC is working with a coalition of churches and human service providers to open a low-demand emergency overflow winter shelter.  Spearheaded by the Capital Area Council of Churches last winter when the trend began with the rise in homelessness, HAC will once again be the operator of this shelter.  The shelter will take up to 19 men who are homeless and who have no other options for shelter because other facilities are full or because of restrictive admission criteria such as intoxication.  The shelter is expected to open with the next two weeks and will hopefully be located in the basement of a local church.  Hours of operation will be from 7p-7a seven days per week until mid-April.

 

Many communities across the country are seeing a rapid rise in homelessness.  In Albany, according to Homeless and Traveler’s Aid (the intake and referral agency for most local shelters) statistics, the number of individuals seeking shelter is up 24% over last year.  This is on top of last year’s 24% overall increase in homelessness.  HATAS statistics include 80% of the homeless population and do not include people who are on the streets.  Factors for this rise in homelessness are assumed to be the economy; the lack of affordable housing; inadequate minimum wage; inadequate welfare allowance; and welfare reform.

 

Volunteers are needed for the shelter between 6-11pm (part or all of a shift) to provide a compassionate listening ear; interact with shelter guests; assist staff with meals, intakes, answering the phone and door, making referrals, and doing laundry. 

 

Thus far, 1/3 of the shelter budget has been raised from the local religious community.  Donations are still needed.  Thanks to a grant from NYS Assemblymembers Jack McEneny and Ronald Canestrari, the salary of a Program Manager for the shelter will be paid for out of this grant.

 

HAC would like to thank the following groups for their help in cleaning up and painting the space at the church: SUNY Circle K; SUNY Beta Alpha Psi Fraternity; Bethlehem Central High School Key Club; and the Reformed Presbyterian Methodist Youth Group.

 

Several Recognized for Achievements During Annual HAC Dinner by Sean Moran

 

            The Homeless Action Committee recognized the accomplishments of several of its supporters, volunteers, and tenants at HAC’s Third Annual Dinner & Silent Auction, held Friday, September 27th at the Schuyler Inn.  The well-attended event raised over $8,000 for HAC’s Outreach Van and SRO housing programs.

 

              Brother Michael Harlan, Director of The Franciscan Center for Service and Advocacy at Siena College, was recognized for the multidimensional support he has given to HAC over the years.  Brother Michael has supported HAC and its mission through attending several HAC Sleep-a-Thons, bringing Siena students and faculty with him.  He also nominated HAC to be the beneficiary of Siena College’s Charity Week in 2001, which raised over $4,000 for HAC’s programs.  Brother Michael has also performed eulogies and graveside services for Albany’s homeless and former homeless, providing them with a dignity in death many of them did not enjoy during their lives. 

 

            The often unsung efforts of HAC’s Bookkeeper Kae Senchyna were recognized as well.  With a background in accounting, Kae has been an invaluable asset since she began volunteering in the office in 1999.  From reconciling bank statements, entering payroll, to producing financial reports, Kae has kept HAC’s finances in order, not to mention saving the organization thousands of dollars in costs each year through her selflessness. 

 

            Heidi Wiedemann was honored for the many roles in which she has served HAC.  She became involved as a student intern in 1998.  Heidi then filled in as interim director of HAC in late 1998 when Donna had back surgery.  During this time, Heidi supervised operations of HAC’s shelter, while going to school full time, working a part-time job, and raising a daughter.  Following her tenure as interim director, Heidi joined the Board of Directors, serving as President from 2000 through 2002, recently stepping down from the board. 

 

            An integral part of HAC’s mission is performed by its Outreach Van, providing food, clothing, blankets, advocacy, and transportation to shelters, detoxes, and treatment programs to individuals living on the streets of Albany.  Without volunteers, the Outreach Van would not be able to carry out its mission.  Two van volunteers in particular, Darlene Wilson, and Ed Goosman, were recognized for their longevity and dedication.  Darlene has volunteered 5-10 hours each week since 1999, and has utilized her compassion and commitment to help those she encounters on the streets.  Ed Goosman, a van volunteer since 1998, volunteers on the van after working an overnight shift as a Cardiac Intensive Care Nurse .  Ed has always approached people on the streets in a non-judgemental manner.  HAC’s four other van volunteers – Justin Hartigan (now full-time Van Coordinator), Joe Hourigan, Leslie Phelan, and Ed LaChance – were thanked for their services as well.

 

            Perhaps the most moving part of the evening came when tenants of Our House were recognized for the dual accomplishments of achieving two or more years of tenancy, and having remained sober more than 50% of the time in 2001.  These achievements are significant, given the fact that most of the awardees have spent years, if not decades on the streets, and were often intoxicated on a daily basis.  Bob Bullard was recognized for remaining sober 92% of the time (337 days); he achieved his third year of tenancy the week following the dinner.  Another tenant was recognized for maintaining 100% sobriety during the 2 ¾ years he has lived at the SRO.  Four other tenants were recognized for achieving 50-80% of their time sober and achieving three years of tenancy.   A former SRO tenant, who now has 16 straight months of sobriety, was also recognized.

 

            HAC was honored to have author Christopher Ringwald as its guest speaker for the evening.  Author of The Soul of Recovery: Uncovering the Spiritual Dimensions in The Treatment of Addiction (Oxford University Press), Chris spoke on the topic of harm reduction, a central tenet of the HAC philosophy, which is the simple acknowledgement that some individuals may not respond to traditional substance abuse treatment methods, and that a low demand approach is a humane and often effective alternative to coercion and inducement.

 

            HAC would like to thank the following /organizations/businesses who advertised in HAC’s Program Booklet: Tri-Valley Plumbing & Heating; WeatherGuard Roofing; Equinox; Anchor Agency; Trustco Bank; Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood; United Tenants of Albany; Casey, Lubbe & Hosey, PC; and the Honest Weight Food Co-op. Special thanks to CSEA for printing the dinner invitations at no cost and to Newkirk Products who printed the Program Booklet at no cost.  In addition, thanks to the following Silent Auction donors:  Jean Paul Spa; Spectrum 7 Theatres; Walmart; Armory Center; Londonderry Café; Shades of Green; NYS Theater Institute; Delmonico’s Steakhouse; Hillboys Pizza Place; Firestone; South Street Framers & Gallery; Color me Mine; Clement Frame & Art Shop; Iris Gifts; Jillian’s; Capital Repertory Theatre; Ten Thousand Villages; Roberta’s Gift Shop; Jack’s Restaurant; Arlene Grady; Key Bank; Cathy Greco; Dr. Robert Shoss; Susan Trofinow; Coconuts; Sally’s Beauty Suppplies; Capital District YMCA; T.G.I. Fridays; Iva Zornow; Antoinette Alberti; Elissa Halloran; Classy Baskets; F.A.B. Pet Products; Lynn DeMaria; Fabulous Crafts; Microknowledge; Stephanie’s on the Park; Hidden Café; and El Loco Mexican Café.  In addition, we would like to thank the many volunteers who helped plan the dinner and made it a successful event!          

 

Employee Profile: David Wells

by Joseph Hourigan

           

David has worked as a part-time Program Assistant since July 2001 and HAC's Interim Program Manager since May of 2002.  David works full-time during the day in Commercial Real Estate but can be seen caring for and interacting with SRO tenants 4pm-12am.  David has had extensive experience in Administrative Management in not-for-profit organizations, before joining HAC.

 

David finds his work at HAC very rewarding.  He enjoys being able to listen, and bring moral support and perspective into the issues facing the tenants of the SRO.  The tenants have taken to David's calm and caring manner and he feels that this has greatly aided him in fostering a positive, wholesome, and tranquil environment during his hours at HAC. 

 

David has had to deal with many challenging issues at the SRO.  David cites conflict amongst tenants as the most challenging issue, but strongly notes that conflict is the exception at HAC not the rule!  In fact, David has learned a lot from the tenants.  David has seen loyalty and deep friendships exist between tenants, which have inspired him in his daily life to see the deep value in his human-relationships.  David believes in meeting people where they are and notes the beauty in accepting someone to the point that their layers of "self-protection" are removed.  After these layers are removed, true human dignity and beauty are seen.  David also feels that the tenants at the SRO are very grateful to him for his services and the services provided to them through HAC.  In fact, he feels that tenants are more appreciative then the majority of those he contacts away from HAC.

 

David's message to those reading this is that what happens at HAC is not flashy, but is effective and valuable.  The tenants at the SRO are not substantially different then anyone you encounter in your daily life, and it is very rewarding to him to work with them.

 

HAC feels extremely lucky to have David!  He has helped the organization in countless ways!

 

Tenant Profile - "Jeff" by Joseph Hourigan

 

"Jeff" (not his real name) has resided at HAC since it opened in 1999.  Jeff is 48 years old and a life-long resident of the Capital Region.  Jeff enjoys listening to contemporary jazz.  He can be seen reading his daily paper and enjoys watching educational television such as the Discovery and History Channels. 

 

A typical day for Jeff begins at 6am.  He enjoys being an early riser and has always been one.  He generally retires for the evening around 9:30pm.  His early rising has helped him to pick-up odd jobs from time to time.  Jeff also has had years of working in a warehouse, which has helped him to be a rather handy individual.  He feels that he has a good sense of humor. 

 

Jeff is very grateful for this housing, but does admit he that he misses the freedom the streets have to offer.  Given this he still is very happy to be where he is and is very thankful for all HAC has done for him.  His message to all of us is "try not to bother anyone, and treat others as you would want to be treated".  "Do not be abusive towards one another, instead help one another."  For those of us who know "Jeff" these are not just words that he says, but words that guide his everyday life! 

 

            Jeff was honored at the dinner for having three years of tenancy and 189 days sober in 2001 or 52% of the time.