I have updated the Streetcard and currently working to translate into it into Spanish.  I passed out some of them at our booth during ComFest and gave some to the vendors.  I believe this Streetcard will help those at risk of being homeless receive more up-to-date services.  I will have this put onto the website later this week.

I have been determined to quickly form a social enterprise to employ homeless people, but I found out it’s more complicated than I thought. Firstly, Jamie, another fellow, gave me resources about a social enterprise in Chicago.  I talked with a case manager at Inspiration Corp that told me how their culinary arts program evolved from a police officer passing out sandwiches to a restaurant that employed the homeless.  Also, within the Coalition I read how Greenworks, a recycling program where homeless individuals collect and dispose of business’s recyclables, evolved from cold calling businesses and writing grants to a service that is delivered twice a week with 15 businesses.  From these two projects I know that the process can be long and tedious.  Therefore, it may be better to take it slow and tackle one issue at a time.

I am looking to start a lawn service/carpentry company within the Coalition to employ the homeless to fix/maintain the vacant buildings in Columbus.  There is a need in the community for this work because the city is having a hard time finding enough contractors to do the work.  I am currently in communication with Columbus Area, Inc. to have them donate lawn mowers for the start-up.  Also, I have been calling Ohio Department of Development and other companies that can help me write a business plan and apply for grants.  This has been a daunting task with many phone calls.  I will continue to network next week and collaborate with my colleagues to help lay the foundation for this new venture.

In addition to working on these two assignments I have noticed that there is a big push on getting these homeless individuals employed, but neglect on other aspects of their lives.  After working two weeks with some of the vendors I have built relationships with them.  I would like to see more social events for them.  Two vendors and I discussed having a bowling night and one vendor discussed organizing a homeless football league.  I have realized that the individuals are constantly hustling and try to make ends meet, but I can see that some are lonely and really want to have positive social opportunities.  The other intern is making volunteer positions and she is looking to form a social volunteer coordinator.