DIGNITY VILLAGE
Community Building & Enabling Change
Part Three Of The Question Series with Local Shelters:
"what are some of the most common questions you hear, and what is something you would like the community to know?"
Community Building & Enabling Change
Part Three Of The Question Series with Local Shelters:
"what are some of the most common questions you hear, and what is something you would like the community to know?"
THE BREAKDOWN:
Most Frequently Questions Come From the Community:
"How can I help?"
"What are things that I can donate?"
"Where can I donate food?"
"What are the age groups of people there?"
"Where can I drop off clothes and shoes?"
Frequent Questions From Impacted Individuals:
"When was it founded?"
"How new and used are the beds?"
"What is the maintenance of the beds? Have any blankets?"
"How often is everything washed?"
"What are the rules?"
"How do you get on the list to come in?"
"Where’s the bathroom and shower? Is there privacy ?"
"Can you bring in cigarettes and alcohol?"
Summary of Dignity Village:
Dignity Village focuses on creating a functioning community within the homeless population. Their goal is to build some sense of stability that can then be translated to people finding the courage to take action and build back their lives. They shared the from their own observations more men are prone to homelessness, except with the COVID-19 pandemic it seems that between men and women it is equally divided. Another key factor mentioned was that many people struggle with addiction and those who use illegal drugs are not welcomed. Another upsetting observation is that around 30-50% of people struggle with some kind of addiction majority of them being drug abuse. Something unique according to Dignity Village, is their approach to helping the houseless community promote small business environments where they are able to sell needed goods such as firewood, and handmade art etc..