My second week here at the Homeless Families Foundation was filled with new learning. Related to the transportation feasibility study, I was researching online mapping tools, safety requirements (related to child transportation), and ever-changing vehicle regulations (primarily related to 15 passenger vans). I was also reaching out to community resources/ potential partners… hopefully I’ll have more luck with follow-up calls this week!

But in addition to this, I was able to learn a lot more about HFF clients. I sat in on an intake meeting at the YWCA, which is the single point of entry for homeless families to begin to receive assistance. The family that I met looked just like any family you might meet around town… at a shopping mall, etc. They were very nice people, and I would never have guessed that they did not have a place to sleep at night. It was in this meeting that I learned more about some of the barriers that people can face while searching for housing as well as some of the factors that contribute to homelessness.

I also gained a great appreciation for our caseworkers. I was able to attend a weekly case review meeting, where challenges are discussed and services are coordinated. The caseworkers were describing some pretty dire situations… And I have so much respect and admiration for them and the important work that they do!

I also happened to be here at the office when a few different homeless families knocked on the door in search of assistance. I’m told that doesn’t happen very often, as there is no sign on the outside of our building. And the single point of entry is the YWCA. However, this was a very sad reminder of the challenges that people are facing right here in our community. A pregnant woman without shoes… A single man living on the street… A large family with no where to live due to bed bug infestation. Sadly, these are very real problems that are being faced by our neighbors here in Central Ohio.

In response to these community issues, I learned more about the good work that HFF is currently doing. I attended a meeting with area landlords, where landlords are encouraged to speak with local agencies and voice concerns on housing homeless families. And I attended an HFF board meeting.

But to finish the week, I decided to familiarize myself with the Franklinton area, since many of the children who attend the Dowd Education Center currently live nearby. Using a free online routing tool that I found, I drove a route that could potentially be used during the school year.

At several different times throughout the week, I was reminded just how vulnerable children are… And just how important the Dowd Education Center is to the children of our community.