Joe's Solidarity Sleepout for Shalom
A nonprofit fundraiser supporting
Beacon, Inc.Please help as I sleep out for solidarity to keep a safe and stable place open for those in need.
$1,415
raised by 32 people
$1,000 goal
Technology to Connect
In addition to directly working those who need a home, I get to work on other projects. This week I was able to set up a computer station thanks to the generosity of the City of Bloomington and IU's ServeIT refurbishment program. Now Friend's Place guests have easier access to search for employment, find housing, and connect to other resources. With your help, you can help ensure those in need have access to the supports and resources we offer.
On April 26th, I will be sleeping outside in downtown Bloomington with other members of the community in solidarity to raise funds to help the continued operation of Friend's Place, a shelter for people experiencing homelessness. Please consider and help sponsor me as I work to help those most in need in our community.
Helping those that are experiencing homelessness isn't just a cause that I work for, it's a reality that I'm passionate about. I work with those that are in need of safe and stable shelter as a foundation to effect change in their life. Friend's Place is a housing-focused place that sees individuals from all walks of life that need help transitioning out of homelessness. The scope of people from the community in need is wide, ranging from those who have experienced trauma and lived difficult lives to those that are college educated and facing hard times. These are our neighbors, friends, brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers, grandparents. These are our the people of our community and our families that are the most vulnerable and need help moving forward.
I first began working with people experiencing homelessness while I was in college through volunteering at Shalom Community Center. This was shortly after Shalom took over operation of Friend's Place, and I saw how much the organization and the people did and the level of compassion the staff had for helping the community. I began working at Shalom right after graduating, starting with street outreach and working with at-risk individuals and families before I took on Friend's Place as program director.
The work is hard and emotionally challenging at times. I am often asked if I "like" my job, and that is a difficult question to answer. I do not "like" hearing the forced trauma that individuals have experienced. I do not "like" consoling someone who feels their substance use or mental health controls their life. I do not "like" seeing those that are desperate for hope and stability, for a life that most of us take for granted. However, I am passionate about being a part of what can help make those changes in people's lives. I am passionate about our shelter and the opportunity that it provides, helping those in our community realize more of their potential.
I know you all have your own causes and beliefs that you are passionate and care about. I ask that you lend a bit of your passion to help me keep a vital and necessary resource for those that are the most vulnerable. Please take the time to help give hope and stability to our community. Your gift will do a lot to help make changes in people's lives.