There is a great article over at "HomelessTales.com" addressing the challenges and barriers that sometimes keep homeless folks from receiving the benefits of shelters. Having had the opportunity to twice visit PLOW (Portland Learning Outreach and Worship) with teams of youth where we could learn firsthand about the issues facing homeless folks I can start to appreciate what is being said in this article.
Clearly it is a tough arena to examine and improve. With many of the organizations providing support on a voluntary basis from their own altruism, from their own budget, it just doesn't make sense to insist on a certain "quality of service". Certainly the customers they serve don't have circumstances that make serving them easy and the work can be thankless.
Since "something" is better than nothing (an incremental improvement but not a perfect situation). Organizations meeting the social needs of the homeless receive thanks, and the clients are not generally in a position where they necessarily feel safe suggesting improvements... With the needs of the homeless being so immediate, the idea of feeding someone is measurable and can be achieved. With limited resources, the idea of feeding less people to make the meal experience more humanized seems foolish.
Given the creativity and dedication of the staff I've encountered serving the homeless, I can't help but wonder if some kind of "Council of Best Practices" couldn't be established to provide a code of excellence in addressing the needs of the homeless. Like a Kaizen Practical framework for evaluating the quality of services provided to the homeless folks. Not some "far removed" academic bureaucratic regulatory agency imposing unrealistic standards on overworked volunteers who are already stretched thin... My 2 cents. If that concept interests you, please comment below.
Anyways back to me recommending you read the other article...
So head on over and check out: "Ten Reasons Homeless People Choose Homelessness".
Cheers!
Greg.
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