January 2017
01/03 - 01/06
Tuesday - Gave someone a ride to drop off the necessary papers to secure a place to move to. We went to old St. Mary Church to get some clothes and diapers for my person’s cute little twin babies.
Neighborhood Allies was invited by the Mt. Airy community Board to speak at the next town meeting and discuss organizing a food and hygiene product drive. We continue to value our community partners: Paolo A Modern Jeweler and D&R Fleet Services.
Wednesday - Had a scheduled appointment to take someone to see about getting felonies expunged in order to help increase options for employment and housing. I was unable to contact them, but I will still be there to help him complete each and every task to reach his goals. I just worked on completing the e-based training for peer support services.
Thursday - Today was cool! Helped 3 people, including one to get a phone. Trying to get it was a hassle like always. While standing at the phone tent for 15 min, I saw two people walk up and two people get turned away. They only want an ID and something showing that your income qualifies for benefits! That can be hard for people to get, and would be a lot easier to acquire if they had phones... The cycle keeps spinning I guess.
The other people I helped were some teens that did not want to live at home anymore and one has stopped going to school. After talking to them, they realized the solution was simple. By gaining resources for the home to meet basic needs and positively occupying their time. A foam mat, a down comforter and a IKEA pillow (that was previously received from a donation) was given. The 14yr old had a huge smile when he felt how soft and comfy the pillow was!!
Friday - Gave a ride to the grocery store and helped two transitional-age youth go to inquire about the application process to gain subsidized housing. One of them was my "Ambassador in training." I gave her instruction to give another app to her other neighbor and help them all complete it together.
The Facebook group: The Good Samaritans of Cincinnati, has been a inspiration and helpful tool as I have been formulating Neighborhood Allies. I have connected to many people from there and have received a lot of offers to donate or volunteer to help. Today I utilized a offer and had someone post the area I was in and to see if anyone needed food or other things. It worked great. No one got connected or needed help right then.. but I gained an example of peoples innate desire to help others and how that can be utilized to improve inequalities and strengthen community.
Right now I see a reoccuring need for:
Hygiene items, toilet paper, feminine protection products
Diapers (any sizes)
Home cleaning supplies, laundry soap
Pest control (traps or poison for mice, roaches or bed bugs)
Space heaters
Blankets, pillows and foam mats(or other easily transported alternatives to a mattress)
Bus pass cards, gas cards
Jobs!!! (I have 6 people that want and need to work.)
Housing (Help paying a security deposit, apartments under $400 a month, help people to apply for subsidized housing)
Vehicle donations
Pledges to cover 1 or more months of car insurance
