Although my stint at Project Hope/Proyecto Hope only numbers a mere 370 days, and my experience in the social work arena is somewhat limited, I've discovered one invaluable outreach tool.
Business Cards.
Little symbols of hope in a client's pocket.
Signs that point to someone out there in the world who does, in fact, care.
Here's a little story about these tiny pieces of cardboard that seem to make the world go 'round:
I often take Exit 23, Charles Street, on my commute back to Providence from the good 'ole Bucket. Without fail, there is always a man standing at the end of an exit equipped with a large sign that reads, "I'm a veteran and I need help." His counterparts can usually be spotted at a few other major intersections around the city, like the light on Service Road Seven near Crossroads. Or the off-ramp near Stop N Shop on Branch.
Sometimes I try to dig around for spare change. It's the least I can do. A few weeks ago, however, I concocted of a dream that blasted my spare pennies out of the water. I thought, "Hey, self, there are so many resources available to Vets in this state. These guys don't need to be homeless! AND they are not alone." The problem: "How could I ever convey these facts while whizzing by in a line of traffic? Two seconds simply is not enough time to reel off the resources."
SO, in light of these musings, I made a move one day after spotting a pile of crisp, white business cards perched on my passenger seat. Swiftly grabbing a dollar from my wallet, I wrapped the business card up like a money clad present and handed to the young man poised near the stop sign.
Who knows what he thought. However, I definitely saw him do a double take.
I havn't heard from him yet, but I'm hoping my rectangular gift left him curious.
Next time I think I'll scribble a little note.
Here's some links to visit if you'd like to learn about services for Veterans in RI:
I used to work at a homeless shelter in Chicago, and only got paid a small stipened. When I was asked for money on the streets I would say, "I can do you one better. I can give you a warm place to sleep tonight." And I would give them a business card to the shelter. Sadly I never saw anyone show up that I gave a card to, but it did save me some money.
ReplyDeleteI've distributed several cards on the streets at all hours of the day, but I havn't seen any of those faces yet either. Hangin' on a hope string.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment, Anony Mous.