by Sandra Clarkson, Executive Director, Calgary Drop-In Centre
Compassion. Empathy. Understanding. I’m not saying exercising these traits is all it takes – but putting them into practice for another can be the start of what sparks someone’s exit from homelessness. I’ve seen it. Many of you have too.
It takes community to build community and the community supporting people who are experiencing homelessness or near homelessness is no exception.
Everyone’s journey into homelessness or near-homelessness is unique to them, as are their paths to exit. We welcome any and all who need our help, with no barriers to accessing services. By meeting people where they are, we can focus on helping each person to create for themselves a new life full of connection, hope, happiness, friends, self-determination, and good health.
Community provides strength in numbers and strength in unity. Because we’re working toward a common goal, we leverage one another’s strengths, working much better than individual players, each trying to be all things to all people.
We know homelessness is fraught with complexities, and a one-size-fits-all solution, which unfortunately isn’t going to cut it. Different parts of the homelessness-serving continuum are needed by different people at various points of time and progress. Collaboration is the only way to be truly effective.
Exercise your compassion, empathy, and understanding for folks who may not look like you, act like you, or live like you. It’s in your power to use your gifts to make the world a better place for all.
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