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Dinah Kissiedu

Welcome To Our September Newsletter

Properties with Purpose.

We are thrilled to share the exciting news that we have earned a spot on Kaiser Permanente's and Behavioral Health Preferred Vendors List. We are deeply grateful for this recognition of our commitment to delivering exceptional services.

We extend a warm welcome to Sonya Martinez, who has recently joined our team as a dedicated translator, specializing in assisting our Spanish-speaking clients. Sonya's pivotal role will be to ensure effective communication for clients who may not be fluent in English, adding an invaluable layer of support to our services. In addition to her translation expertise, Sonya brings a wealth of knowledge as a bilingual Realtor with Keller Williams, demonstrating her expertise in the field. Her commitment to volunteering at various homeless shelters resonates deeply with our mission and highlights her passion for helping those in need. With a rich background of travel experiences, educational podcasts, a love for outdoor activities like hiking and paddleboarding, and an unwavering enthusiasm for salsa, Sonya is a valuable asset to our team. We are genuinely excited to welcome her on board and are confident that her presence will significantly enhance our ability to better understand and address our clients' unique needs.

 

Help Inn Folk had the honour of being invited as a guest to the National Coalition for the Homelessness Leadership Convention in Washington, D.C. We were truly delighted to participate in this event, especially considering that it marked NCH's first conference in two decades. The convention brought together a diverse array of attendees, including activists, housing providers, local leaders, lawmaker, individuals with lived experiences, federal agencies, and grassroots organizations. It provided us with a unique opportunity to raise our collective voice, share our experiences, and foster advocacy. Moreover, it allowed us to serve as a pillar of support for one another, reciprocating the care we continually extend to others in our mission. Throughout the event, I had the privilege of meeting incredibly inspiring individuals, each with remarkable stories and testimonies. Their resilience and determination left a profound impact on me, and I felt deeply honoured to have been a guest at this convention, sharing our common passion for making a positive difference in the lives of those we serve.

I'd like to thank Donald Whitehead Executive Director NCH & Megan Hustings Deputy Director team for putting together such an informative much needed event,


 

We were thrilled to deliver a presentation at The Gateway Centre for veterans. During this session, we had the privilege to introduce and discuss the Help Inn Folk Program with these distinguished veterans. It was an open and engaging dialogue where we delved into their experiences, touched upon topics like mental health, community connections, identified service gaps, and shared our potential solutions. Personally, I found it immensely gratifying to connect with these veterans, as it provided us with valuable insights into how we can best serve them. We are pleased to report that the event was a resounding success, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Andre Foster and his dedicated team for orchestrating this impactful gathering.

 
 

Over the past few months, Help Inn Folk has been collaborating closely with fellow shared living spaces that have sought our assistance in filling vacancies. This collaborative effort has led to the creation of a new role within our organization—placement coordinators. These dedicated professionals will play a pivotal role in ensuring that we can effectively meet the demands of our referral partners and swiftly place individuals seeking housing. This strategic approach allows us to optimize the utilization of available spaces, thereby expediting the process of transitioning people from the streets into safe and nurturing living environments where they can truly thrive.

 

A Mile In Their Shoes.. Real Stories

Mother & Son We recently facilitated the relocation of a mother and her son, with her son being on the autism spectrum nonverbal and her acting as his primary caregiver. She shared with us the challenging circumstances they had faced in their previous shelter—a place marked by relentless noise and overcrowding, which had a profound impact on her son's sensory sensitivities, leading to severe dysregulation. His loss of appetite was deeply concerning. However, after transitioning to one of our supportive home environments, their lives transformed remarkably in just a matter of days. Both mother and son finally enjoyed peaceful, restful sleep. Her son's appetite returned, and his calm demeanour was restored, radiating with a bright smile once more. The immense relief and happiness she expressed about our organization providing them with a safe and welcoming haven were truly heartwarming. They have now seamlessly integrated into our community of residents, savouring the joys of life anew. Stories like these are the reason I'm passionate about what I do; they fill me with an immense sense of joy.

 

Lost in a Dream

In the heart of a city, where neon lights gleam,

Lies a homeless child, lost in a dream.

Under the moon's gentle, silvery grace,

They wander alone in this unforgiving place.

No cozy bed to rest their small head,

Just cardboard and shadows, their makeshift bedspread.

With eyes full of hope, though the world seems so wild,

They cling to their innocence, this homeless child.

Their laughter, a memory, so distant and faint,

Yet a spark in their eyes, like a tiny saint.

Through hardships and struggles, their spirit runs free,

In a world full of darkness, a glimmer they'll be.

With dreams that soar higher than city skyscrapers,

They're warriors of life, resilient tapestry shapers.

Though society turns blind to their invisible plea,

They're heroes of courage, these children we see.

Invisible angels with wings made of grace,

Embracing their journey, each step they embrace.

May kindness and love, like a warm, soothing rain,

Shower down on this child, alleviate their pain.

For beneath the worn clothes and dirt-streaked cheek,

Lies a heart full of dreams, so tender and meek.

Let us open our hearts, extend hands reconciled,

And cherish the worth of each homeless child.


Homelessness takes an immense toll on children, casting a long shadow over their lives. The instability of not having a stable place to call home disrupts their sense of security and can lead to emotional distress and trauma. Frequent moves and overcrowded shelters often result in disrupted education, as children struggle to attend school consistently. This educational gap can have long-term consequences, limiting their future opportunities. Moreover, the daily hardships of life without a stable home can lead to physical and mental health issues, impacting their overall well-being. Homeless children face a higher risk of food insecurity, exposure to violence, and exploitation, further exacerbating their vulnerability. The experience of homelessness can leave lasting scars, challenging their self-esteem, mental health, and overall development, highlighting the urgency of addressing this crisis and providing these young individuals with the support and stability they need to thrive. Consult with a school counsellor /nurse / health care professional if your child shows behaviours of feeling withdrawn, feeling very sad,irritated, feeling homicidal or suicidal. Family Ties 678 460 0345 Child & Family Counselling 1800 CHILDREN Georgia Crisis & Access Line 800 715 4225 Divison Of Family & Children Services 404 657 3459 Human Trafficking Telephone Number 1 -888-373-7888 "Championing the cause of vulnerable children is our duty, for they are the future whose potential must be safeguarded." Sincerely Help Inn Folk Team

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