From the "Don't Believe Everything You Read" Department...

Apparently I have, unbeknownst to me, figured out the solution to homelessness in Charlottesville. From "The Rant" section of this week's C-Ville Weekly:

Yes. My rant is about our mayor, who is also executive director [unintelligible] is going around offering the homeless people bus tickets to anywhere they want with the condition they don't come back to Charlottesville. I feel that this is a bunch of crap that he's doing and it needs to stop. If he's so high and mighty, trying to help the homeless, he needs to put more investment into trying to get them off the street than sending them away to other places.

The sad thing is that, while there's no truth to this rumor, a high-ranking City official actually did propose this course of action just a few years ago, as I mentioned in an earlier post on this blog. If ending homelessness were only that easy....

And now, if you'll excuse me, I've got to get back to outlawing plastic bags and subverting U.S. foreign policy.

CBS-19 Airs TV Story on New “Step Up” Program — Housing for the Homeless

CBS-19 TV aired a great story today on the new “Step Up” program that Region Ten initiated this summer, in partnership with PACEM and with financial support from the City’s Housing Fund. “Step Up” is a Housing First-type program through which 10-15 disabled, chronically homeless individuals (including several long-term PACEM guests) will be provided housing and support services in order to get them off the streets and help them climb the ladder to stability and self-sufficiency. Two former PACEM guests are featured in the CBS-19 story and it’s definitely worth a viewing:

http://www.charlottesvillenewsplex.tv/home/headlines/26862749.html

While no one expects Step Up or any Housing First initiative to have a 100% success rate, we know from many other communities that programs like this do make a big impact in the lives of the homeless and, in some cases, actually save communities money (given the significant amount of costly public services [jails, courtrooms, emergency rooms, shelters, detox facilities, etc.] that many chronically homeless individuals consume).

cross-posted to www.pacemshelter.org

Jayson Whitehead on Homelessness

See this week's C-Ville Weekly for a damn good cover story by Jayson Whitehead on homelessness in Charlottesville. The strength of Jayson's article lies in the fact that (1) he makes it clear that there's no easy solution to homelessness and (2) no one in the story (myself included) comes out untarnished (except maybe Holly Edwards, who is indeed a saint). But that's his point -- there's more we can ALL be doing to end homelessness in Charlottesville and as long as we continue to tolerate the homelessness that's in our midst, we are all, in some way...tarnished.

Just What the Homeless Need...A Home.

"SRO 101" -- Introducing a Proven, Permanent Solution to Homelessness

On Tuesday, May 27, from 4:00-5:30pm, representatives from Virginia Supportive Housing will lead an insightful and interactive presentation for the Charlottesville community on Single Room Occupancy (SRO) housing for the homeless -- a proven, permanent solution to homelessness that's taking hold in many cities across the country. The presentation will take place in the "CitySpace" meeting room at the Charlottesville Community Design Center on the Mall side of the Market Street Parking Garage.

Virginia Supportive Housing, a Richmond-based statewide nonprofit housing provider, recently agreed to work with the Thomas Jefferson Area Coalition for the Homeless (TJACH) and the Charlottesville community to develop and manage an SRO facility in Charlottesville. The May 27 presentation will give members of the public, community agencies, local officials, potential funders and area media a chance to learn more about the SRO concept and to hear about Virginia Supportive Housing's plans and timeline for opening an SRO in Charlottesville.

A Single Room Occupancy facility typically features several dozen efficiency apartments that are available at low cost to people who have been homeless, with on-site support services and security to help keep the SRO residents stable in their housing. In cities like Richmond, Norfolk, Roanoke, Fairfax and (soon) Virginia Beach, SROs have been successful in moving local residents -- many of whom are disabled and/or veterans -- off the streets and out of shelters and into permanent supportive housing. For more info. about SROs in general and Virginia Supportive Housing in particular, visit www.virginiasupportivehousing.com.

Do come.

PACEM Now Hiring Part-Time Development Coordinator

PACEM (People and Congregations Engaged in Ministry) is now hiring a part-time Development Coordinator to conduct donor outreach, develop fundraising campaigns, build and maintain our donor database, assist with grantwriting, and plan special events. The PACEM Development Coordinator will help create and execute a fund development strategy that engages with individual, congregational, business, civic, governmental and philanthropic donors to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of our cold-weather shelter program for the homeless and our year-round homeless support initiatives.

Seeking a hard-working self-starter who is unafraid to "make the ask" and has a heart for the mission of our organization. Pay is $24,000/year for a 20-hour/week position (no benefits).

To apply, send a cover letter and resume by Friday, June 6 to: Dave Norris, Executive Director, PACEM, P.O. Box 14, Charlottesville, VA 22902; or via e-mail at cvilledave@hotmail.com. PACEM is an equal opportunity employer. For more information about PACEM, please visit www.pacemshelter.org.

[editorial comment: I think I'm a pretty good boss and I know it's a good cause. If you've got the skills, give it some thought.]

Cville Mini Triathlon

Here’s your chance to get a great workout for a great cause.

Next Sunday, May 18, is the 2nd Annual Charlottesville Mini Triathlon, starting at 8:00am at Crow Pool. It’s a 150 yard swim, 5 mile road bike, and 1 mile run — “Perfect for families, first-timers, and anyone who is looking for a short challenge!” Ages 10 and up welcome.

As they did last year, the organizers have chosen PACEM as the beneficiary of all event proceeds. Pre-registration is $25, same-day registration is $35. For more info., go to www.cvilleminitri.com.

Hope to see you there!

[cross-posted to www.pacemshelter.org]

Introducing...Our New PACEM Blog/Website!

Thanks to Marijean Jaggers (perhaps better known in these parts as "STL Working Mom") and the other good folks at the Standing Partnership public relations firm, PACEM has a brand-spankin'-new, updated, all-in-one blog/website -- entitled, appropriately enough, "Cville Shelter." Same location as the old site (www.pacemshelter.org), but with more content, more visual appeal, and more interactive capabilities. Standing Partnership chose PACEM as one of its 2008 Community Partners and is donating $4,000 worth of site design, construction and maintenance services to the cause. I cannot thank them enough -- Marijean, you're a saint. And thanks as well to PACEM volunteer Chris Clarke for stepping up to keep our old site going the past couple of years. PACEM would not be what it is without the dedicated volunteers and community supporters who make it all happen.

Weekend Bits

* The PACEM celebration on Friday was a big success. Standing-room-only crowd, inspiring speakers, excellent media coverage, profitable silent auction, etc. Thanks to all who helped put it together. Only downside of the night is that I got outbid on Mackie Kudravetz's beautiful "A Nest for Every Egg" by a certain scoundrel who shall not be named (cough *Ed Bain* cough).

* Saturday I had the pleasure of attending the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Emily Couric Clinical Cancer Center at UVa. Like many folks in Charlottesville, I was a big admirer of Emily Couric's and firmly believe she would have become Virginia's first female Governor; this Center will be an apt legacy. Katie Couric was on hand for the occasion and she was kind enough to say hi and introduce me to her family.

* Saturday night, thanks to a feline friend of mine, I got to hang with Keith and Jen Morris (among some other cool folks) out on the Mall. I've been listening to their new album ("Songs from Candyapolis") a lot lately and it was great to make their acquaintance. Check them out this coming Saturday at Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar.

* Sunday opened with the "Run in the Name of Love" 5K race benefitting the Arc of the Piedmont. Good course, about 75 runners, I came in 37th and set a new personal record -- 8 mins. 43 secs./mile. Kevin Cox (who also set a personal record today, albeit much faster than mine) sold me on doing the "Run for Autism" 5K next Saturday to benefit another wonderful cause, the Virginia Institute of Autism. I'm becoming a regular runner now -- who knew?

* Sunday afternoon I was pleased to officiate at the annual Young Writers Competition awards ceremony at Second Street Gallery. What an incredibly talented pool of prose and poetry writers we have in our local high schools! Congratulations to honorees Anna Bninski, Melina Schoppa, Helen Alston, Joanne Moody, Indu Chelliah, Jo Blount, Sylvia Kates, and Erik Szaloki-Johnson. I was particularly proud to note that 6 of the 8 finalists in this year's region-wide competition are students at Charlottesville High School. Go Black Knights!

* Got lots of work done around the house this weekend. Needed it desperately. My poor yard, which is a perennial nightmare, is now slightly less nightmarish. That counts as progress around these parts.

* Still looking for a summer sitter if you know of anyone who might be interested....

"A Nest for Every Egg"

PACEM's vision statement is "A Pillow for Every Head."

Local photographer McCrea Snyder Kudravetz of the McGuffey Art Center has created a beautiful photo collage as her contribution to the Silent Auction at our end-of-season recognition event tomorrow. It's called "A Nest for Every Egg." Just a taste of one of the many wonderful items we'll have up for auction. All proceeds benefit PACEM and our year-round efforts to help the homeless. Many thanks to Ms. Kudravetz and the other contributors for their generosity!

Photograph grid collage printed on Kodak ENDURA paper by Richmond Camera, archivally framed with 8-ply museum board matte and acid-free materials, 12"x12" framed, valued at $240. The opening bid is $80.

PACEM Does JPJ

Not to brag, but I would imagine that there are few organizations in Charlottesville that can claim as many volunteers as PACEM can. Between our 50+ host and partner congregations and all of the other civic groups, businesses, community agencies, financial supporters, etc. whose selfless donations of time, energy and money contribute to the success of our winter shelter program for the homeless, we involve thousands of Cville-area residents each year in the life of our ministry.

This Friday, April 11, is our chance to thank each and every one.

That evening, we are having our annual end-of-season Recognition Event, from 6-8pm at the John Paul Jones Arena at UVa. Good food, live music, stirring speakers, and a special tribute to our volunteers -- plus a silent auction with many wonderful items up for bid. Also this year, we're debuting our first annual PACEM "Golden Pillow" and "Hope and Hospitality" Awards to honor folks in our community who've gone 'above and beyond' to help the homeless.

This will be a very special night, but...this is no ritzy/black-tie affair. We got a discounted rate on the facility and the musical entertainment (courtesy the singing group "Fire") is being provided free-of-charge. Volunteers have done most of the work in pulling the event together, and business sponsorships have covered what costs we did incur. We believe in celebrating the people who make PACEM possible, but we don't believe in spending a grandiose amount of money doing it. Our dollars are better spent ensuring that no one has to sleep outside on the streets of Charlottesville during the dead of winter.

If you yourself were involved with PACEM this past winter in any way, hopefully you've already received an invitation to join us on Friday -- if not, please consider this an open invitation to attend. The event is free and there will be plenty of free parking available. Hope to see you then!

"No Longer Homeless"

In case you missed it, Seth Rosen has an excellent piece in today's Progress about the merits and costs of providing supportive housing for the chronically homeless. Charlottesville has about 2-3 dozen residents who have been living on our streets for years and who are struggling with some sort of severe mental disorder. Over the past four winters, we at PACEM have gotten to know them all. In the bad old days, many if not most of them would be warehoused in state institutions by now, typically against their will. Starting in the 1960s, however, this country launched a broad "deinstitutionalization" campaign and pledged to invest in community-based care for the mentally ill. Well, no surprise: we never fulfilled that pledge. As a result, many people fell through the cracks and ended up right out on the streets. Many others continue to do so today. A critical component -- nay, THE critical component -- of a successful strategy of community-based care is supportive housing. It's heartening to see that Charlottesville is finally coming to understand that supportive housing for the chronically homeless not only improves their quality of life (and ours), it also saves us money. Ironically enough, you see, in many cases it costs more to keep people out on the streets than it does to provide them with stable housing and support services. For more info., read Seth's article here.

PACEM Fundraising Update

Two weeks ago, PACEM launched a month-long fundraising drive to generate $75,000 in contributions to help us keep our doors open through the end of our shelter season in March. I'm extremely pleased to report that as of today, we are over 50% of the way toward our goal! Now comes the big push -- we need an additional $35,000 or so in donations or pledges in the coming couple of weeks. Every penny helps.

As a reminder, donations to PACEM can be sent to:

PACEM

P.O. Box 14

Charlottesville, VA 22902

Or one can make a secure on-line donation via Donor Town Square at:

http://www.donortownsquare.com/donate_redir.aspx?ai=415&qs=TMC3C

PACEM is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and all donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

Thanks!

In From the Cold

Henry Graff led tonight's Channel 29 newscast with an excellent piece about how PACEM makes sure that no one has to sleep outside on frigid nights like this one. Go to this link and click on the camera icon to see the video:

http://www.nbc29.com/global/story.asp?s=7569826

I'm proud to say that PACEM has also recently helped to get a similar program started in Harrisonburg:

http://www.dnronline.com/news_details.php?AID=13605&CHID=1

The ripples are spreading!

All I Want for Christmas is $75,000

We're heading into the busiest month of the year for PACEM, and last week we launched a fundraising drive to raise all the cash we need to keep our doors open through the end of our winter shelter season in March.

If anyone reading this is in a particularly charitable mood and/or is looking for a good end-of-year tax write-off, please keep us in mind! (I'm pleased to say that since we launched our drive we've already had about $20,000 in donations come our way -- not all of which were in direct response to this appeal, but still, every penny counts and every penny helps.)

Merry Christmas!

*********************************************

December 18, 2007

PACEM Launches Month-Long Fundraising Drive to Ensure Winter Shelter for the Homeless

Group Seeks to Raise $75,000 by Mid-January So No One in Charlottesville Has to Sleep Outside this Winter

PACEM (People And Congregations Engaged in Ministry) has launched a month-long fundraising drive to ensure that no Charlottesville-area resident has to sleep outside this winter. "If we are able to raise $75,000 in donations and pledges from individuals, businesses, congregations and philanthropic groups by mid-January, then we will be able to keep our doors open to the homeless through the end of our shelter season in March," said Downing Miller, PACEM Board Chair. "All donations to PACEM are tax-deductible and are used in a cost-effective manner to provide shelter and support for those of our neighbors who would otherwise be sleeping out on the streets during the dead of winter."

Since its inception in 2004, PACEM has operated a low-barrier shelter program for homeless men and women who have nowhere else to sleep at night, with local congregations providing shelter space and meals in their fellowship halls for 1-2 weeks at a time during the cold winter months (November-March). PACEM also offers emergency lodging to homeless families with children through short-term stays at area hotels.

During its first three winters of service, PACEM provided over 16,200 nights of shelter and over 45,000 meals to over 500 different homeless individuals. On average, PACEM houses between 40-50 men and 10-15 women each night at two separate shelter sites. Over 50 Charlottesville-area congregations are involved with PACEM at some level. In the past three years, PACEM has raised over $500,000 from a combination of grants, congregational donations, and contributions from individuals, civic organizations and businesses.

"The money's been very well-spent," said Dave Norris, PACEM's Executive Director. "Last year it cost us $30.46 per person per night to ensure that each of our guests had a warm and safe place to sleep, three meals to eat, and year-round assistance in accessing vital community services. Compare that to the cost of keeping someone in a hospital bed (approx. $1,000/day), a mental health facility (approx. $750/day), a jail cell (approx. $80/day), or a hotel room (approx. $60/day just for the room), all of which are routinely used as 'shelter' for the homeless, and I think people will see that PACEM is a good investment on the part of our community."

Donations to PACEM can be sent to:

PACEM
P.O. Box 14
Charlottesville, VA 22902

Or you can make a secure on-line donation via Donor Town Square at:

http://www.donortownsquare.com/donate_redir.aspx?ai=415&qs=TMC3C

PACEM is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and all donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

# # #

One More Good Reason (As If You Needed Another One) To Patronize Ragged Mountain Running Shop

Throughout the month of December, Ragged Mountain Running Shop on Elliewood Ave. is donating a portion of its sales to PACEM and two other wonderful non-profits (Shelter for Help in Emergency and the Food Bank). Mark and Cynthia Lorenzoni, RMRS' longtime proprietors, are true "pillars of our community" and even if they hadn't generously included PACEM in this effort I'd still be encouraging you to shop there. And while you're at it, go across the street and visit my friends at Sublime for the downright tastiest smoothies and juices and teas, oh my!

Reflections on PACEM's Opening Night

Tonight was opening night for PACEM's fourth season of winter shelter to the homeless. We'll be open through mid-March. This day has been months in the making. I'm tired.

The occasion of someone seeking help at a homeless shelter should be a moment of profound sadness. I feel guilty reporting, then, that many smiles were shared tonight. The people we shelter are like family. Many of them live in the firm grasp of mental illness and/or substance addiction, so it's a disfunctional family, but it's a family nonetheless. So while it was awful to see some familiar faces tonight, it was good to see them too. I know, it doesn't make any sense, but there you have it.

We have 17 people on our shelter staff this year, and there's not a weak link in the bunch. This is a great team, and they're already starting to bond. I'd put my employees up against those of any small non-profit anywhere.

One of my primary responsibilities as Executive Director is raising the funds needed to sustain our shelter program through March so that no one has to spend a night outside in Charlottesville this winter. Frankly, it's the least favorite part of my job. Help a brother out and consider making a (tax-deductible) donation to the cause.

OK, I'm off to bed. Got to be ready for day two.

1 in 4 Homeless are Veterans

A new study released today indicates that 25% of the homeless people in America are military veterans, and that a growing number of them are casualties of the current wars in Iraq & Afghanistan.

Last year, as you can see on our statistics summary, "only" 9% of PACEM's guests were veterans, but it looks like that number is likely to increase as more men and women come home from Iraq & Afghanistan bearing scars that may take decades (if ever) to heal.

Perhaps it's time to update the slogan "Support The Troops -- Bring Them Home" to "Support The Troops -- Bring Them Home -- Make Sure They Have a Home."

From the "Things That Should Go Without Saying But Need To Be Said Anyway Because Not Enough People Are Seeing The Connections" Department

Today's print edition of the Daily Progress includes an article entitled "Housing Costs, Low Wages Lead to Rise in Homeless," which links to this AP story. Apparently, when housing costs increase a lot faster than wages, some people can't keep up and end up homeless. "Until we have some investment in affordable housing," says Massachusetts state official Julia Kehoe, "we're not going to see a leveling off of these numbers." I've tried (see here and here, for example), but I couldn't have said it better myself.

PACEM Benefit Concert Oct. 28

Fire, an a cappella women's choir directed by Linda Hanson, will perform at Holy Comforter Catholic Church (208 E. Jefferson St. in downtown Charlottesville) on Sunday, October 28th, at 3:30pm. The program is an eclectic mix of sacred music from ancient to modern. The concert is a benefit for PACEM, Charlottesville's interfaith effort to shelter the homeless. All donations from a free-will offering will be given to PACEM. Please come, and bring a friend!

Jobs with PACEM -- Winter 2007-08

PACEM is once again looking to hire seasonal staff for our low-barrier wintertime shelter program for the homeless. The following positions will be available from November 2007-March 2008:

* Intake Specialists, PACEM Men's Shelter and PACEM Women's Shelter - Responsible for leading new guests through the intake/assessment process, welcoming returning guests, screening all comers for eligibility, providing hotel vouchers for eligible families, helping guests get settled in for the evening at the host site, and generally troubleshooting whatever problems arise during the hours of 4:30pm to 8:30pm. Pay is $12/hour. Hiring for 1-5 shifts/week (4 hours per shift).

* Overnight Supervisors, PACEM Men's Shelter and PACEM Women's Shelter - Responsible for overseeing shelter operations during the overnight hours, ensuring the safety/security of host sites and guests during that time, performing intake/assessments on late arrivals, getting guests up and out the door in the morning, and generally troubleshooting whatever problems arise between the hours of 8:00pm and 7:00am. Pay is $12/hour. Hiring for 1-3 shifts/week (11 hours per shift).

* Van Drivers - Responsible for providing safe transportation of PACEM guests between the intake site and the host site in the evenings and in the mornings, for monitoring the condition of our leased van, and for completing necessary paperwork. Morning shifts are typically 6:00-8:00am, evening shifts are typically 5:30-7:30pm. Pay is $12/hour. Hiring for 5-10 shifts/week (2 hours per shift). Must have good driving record; CDL license preferred.

No prior experience with the homeless is necessary to work for PACEM, but it is preferred. Excellent people skills, patience and compassion will go a long way in these positions!

To apply, send a cover letter and resume by Oct. 5 to: Dave Norris, Executive Director, PACEM, P.O. Box 14, Charlottesville, VA 22902

Questions? Call Dave Norris at 465-1391 or e-mail cvilledave@hotmail.com

http://www.pacemshelter.org