Kathleen Vermillion works as a Nonprofit Administrator and Recovery Professional. In the following article, Kathleen Vermillion provides insights into the impactful work of homeless advocates, focusing on their efforts to support individuals in transitioning from homelessness to stability.
Advocacy is one of the most powerful ways to create change.
In the complex area of homelessness, advocates have supported, educated, and empowered countless lives through their tireless efforts.
According to the New York Times, there are currently 582,462 homeless individuals in the United States, and that number is expected to rise in the coming years. Gregg Colburn, the co-author of the book “Homelessness Is a Housing Problem” and professor at the University of Washington says “Housing has become a competition for a scarce resource, and when you have that the people who are most vulnerable are going to lose.”
Indeed, homelessness is a serious global issue. Kathleen Vermillion says that with such an alarming number of homeless individuals worldwide, advocates play a vital role in enforcing positive changes to these individuals’ lives through different aspects.
Kathleen Vermillion Explains More on What Homeless Advocates Do
In the fight against homelessness, advocacy is essential in creating impactful and systematic changes.
In the United States, among the most notable organizations dedicated to homelessness include the National Alliance to End Homelessness, the National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH), and the Coalition for the Homeless.
Homeless advocates, who usually represent a coalition or an organization, have a lot on their plate. They work tirelessly to raise awareness, address the root causes of homelessness, and create sustainable solutions.
Kathleen Vermillion says that it is also their goal to educate and promote understanding of the issue, as well as banish the stigmas associated with homelessness.
A big part of an advocate’s work involves working with various community sectors like the business sector, direct service providers, county or city officials, and members of Congress to develop and implement workable strategies that respond to homelessness. These include both intervention and prevention initiatives.
Kathleen Vermillion provides below a list of common initiatives of homeless advocates:
- Advancement of local, state, and federal programs and policies that will benefit the homeless
- Access to safe shelters and nutritious meals
- Access to medical and mental health services
- Access to social support programs
- Reintegration to society
- Job Training
Homeless advocates work to create a more supportive and inclusive environment for the displaced, ensuring that these people have access to the opportunities and resources they need to regain stability.
From Homeless to Hopeful – The Transition
One of the most important initiatives of homeless advocates is to provide support to an unhoused individual while he or she transitions to stability and independence.
It’s a complex and lengthy process that requires collaboration between the individual, the advocate, and service providers. Kathleen Vermillion notes that the process also varies for each person, as each individual’s journey is unique and may require different approaches.
How Advocates Help the Homeless Transition: A Step-By-Step Guide
- Advocates perform street and shelter visits or get referrals from social service agencies to identify homeless individuals.
- The advocate sits down with the individual to conduct assessments, determine the person’s circumstances, and set achievable goals.
- The worker then addresses the person’s immediate housing needs, providing access to safe temporary accommodations, emergency shelters, or transitional housing that can provide food, clothing, and other basic essentials.
- Kathleen Vermillion notes that if needed, the advocate will connect the individual to healthcare services which includes medical and dental needs. The worker can also provide access to mental health counseling as well as drug or substance abuse treatment programs.
- The advocate will also offer employment assistance through resume building, interview coaching, career counseling, and referrals to job training programs and potential employers.
- Once the homeless individual finds a job, the advocate will educate the individual on budgeting and financial literacy so they are able to manage their income effectively and save for future housing costs.
- The worker will also assist the individual in looking for affordable housing options, including access to subsidized housing and rental assistance programs.
- Finally, the advocate will encourage the individual to get involved in the local community to help build new social connections and support systems.
Kathleen Vermillion explains that the job of a homeless advocate doesn’t stop there – they will continue to provide ongoing support, making sure to evaluate the progress, address any setbacks, and adapt their services as needs change.
