by VVHC | Oct 13, 2022 | VVHC Latest News
At the Center
Hello Friends,
Happy October! This past month has been quite busy and really, we expect a busy end of the year as well.
In September we averaged 14 individuals both day and night. We also saw 21 new people. The new ones continue to come and go with our handful of “regulars” that stick around. The shelter has been running smoothly with only a few minor issues coming up usually pertaining to people not willing to follow rules or being intoxicated and unruly.
Staffing has been stable, and I hope it will continue.
We received a notice from the City of Cottonwood that the lot at 660 had a bunch of litter and junk. Thanks to Carol and her very small cleaning crew, everything was picked up in a very expeditious manner.
Around Town
I met with Rachelle from Manzanita. They have started working on an online local resource guide to any resource you might be looking for. I can see where it would benefit churches, the library, anyone that works with people in need. It sounds like a great tool, and I am excited to have this that we can give to people.
I am looking forward to the Fundraiser on Saturday!
Rhonda Bishop
Executive Director
by VVHC | Sep 30, 2022 | VVHC Latest News
Center Guests
We are still averaging 15 people a night, 18 during the day. These are average numbers, and we were totally full only 2 nights of the month. We had 25 new people this month! I think we have seen a steady number of transient persons as well as those that weed themselves out because they do not want to follow rules, so overall our numbers are not that many more even though we seem to be doing intakes on a lot of new people.
Personal Observations
I took a tumble at home a couple weeks ago and fractured my ankle and foot and was on crutches for a week, still wearing the giant boot for a bit but am very thankful for Carol and the other volunteers and employees for filling in where I come up short. Amber (employee) has been doing all the laundry, Carol came in to cover for my ER visit. The night staff have been making double sure that there is nothing more for me to do when I get in. Christian graciously loaned me the use of his employee to go to the food bank. I am moving slowly but still moving so that’s all that counts!
Out on the Town
I have been quite pleased that agencies look to us when they want to find or know about their clients. Adult protective, when they are looking for someone that has been reported as homeless, always make us their first stop. Social workers from the hospital, case managers from Spectrum, even Adult Probation will stop by to see if we have seen their clients. I am glad that they know we are a haven for those clients. It also gives clients a safe place to talk to someone that may not be the most fun to have interactions with.
Rhonda Bishop
by VVHC | Aug 11, 2022 | VVHC Latest News
Center Guests
It’s been a busy month, I guess that is just a given these days. We had an average of 15 people spending the night, 14 using the center during the day. We saw 20 new people, 2 declined to give information so they are not in the official count, 2 we were able to help get back to California, the others have been coming and going, using the shelter occasionally. We have made 2 solid referrals to Spectrum (solid being they are checking in with me on progress) which we don’t always know about.
Rain and Meals
The rain has been well, the rain. It is always interesting to me how many people will stay out in it rather than come down and sign up to stay. Of course, school is back in session which I am very glad for, it means leftovers for the center! That is truly a relief since my culinary skills have been overused these past few months with occasional relief (from Carol and Laura K). It has been taxing and I hope at some point we will hire someone that is willing to help on that front.
Out on the Town
Carol and I went to an ACF luncheon in July. ACF cannot always fund an entire project and the grant that was written was for shelter food, breakfast specifically since we are open all the extra days that we have not been in the past. Since they were only able to fund $4,000, they put us in a category called “worthy projects” and if they feel so inclined, other funders can donate to the cause of their choice. I had been previously notified that we had a worthy cause funder that gave us another $4,000 but at the luncheon we received another $2,000 from an additional worthy cause funder for a total of $10,000 from the grant written for ACF Yavapai. At our table that day we sat with Jeremy who is the current CEO of Bread of Life in Camp Verde. We shared information and through the conversation he offered us a commercial refrigerator that they have no use for. What a pleasant person and such a great organization. I also spoke with a woman from Hope Women’s Center, formerly Abide in Camp Verde. Hope has been helping women in the Phoenix area for 38 years. They recently expanded into Northern Arizona. They offer a maternity home, mentoring, educational programs, support groups, etc. They have a day center as well as their other services. It was a great connection to make, and I am sure we will be working with them in the future.
Rhonda Bishop
by VVHC | Jul 16, 2022 | VVHC In The News
This spectacular 2003 Coachman Motorhome was recently donated to the Verde Valley Homeless Coalition by a woman who wanted to relocate but not take this home on wheels with her. Our anonymous donor learned about the Coalition from a staff member and found our story compelling. What a generous gift!
We’re delighted as proceeds from the sale of this vehicle will enable us to expand some of our on-site programs. Just to let you know-the motorhome has traveled a mere 23,000 miles and is in great condition. The suggested retail price for the vehicle is $18,000 but we’re willing to negotiate.
For more information, please email Christian Oliva del Rio at [email protected].
You may also call the Coalition at 928-641-4298.
by VVHC | Jul 9, 2022 | VVHC Latest News
July Director’s Report
The clouds gathered as they do when there are monsoonal rains expected. First puffs and streaks of white against the brilliant blue sky. Then as though being swept together with a broom they move together and suddenly a large bank of white with the blue just peeking through now and again. The white edges slowly turn gray beginning at the horizon, slowly moving up across the white bank, and the sweat begins to trickle down one’s back as the humidity climbs. Those that live in the dry heat know how the changing humidity affects them and they retreat to cooler indoor places. Some wait till the first welcome drops of rain then retreat to safety to wait for the cool down that inevitably comes with the rain.
This scene has played out many times over the past few weeks of the Arizona monsoon season but, not everyone has a cooler indoor place to retreat to, or a dry place of safety. For many experiencing homelessness the extremes of weather are some of the greatest challenges they will face. At this time of year with temperatures climbing well into the 100’s a simple shade tree changes the temperature by at least 20 degrees and is a welcome relief … until the rain starts. Imagine having to carry everything you own with you in a backpack and a bag or two. Imagine being outside when that downpour happens. Not only the threat of lightning but the soaking rain that comes during the monsoon season. Imagine that canvas backpack becoming heavier as your clothing becomes soaked. Imagine the cookie that you saved from your lunch at the mission turning to rain soaked crumbs in the pocket. When the rain stops, the challenges aren’t done. You hope there is enough sunlight left to dry the clothing and shoes that you are wearing. You hope that you can find a safe place to spread out your blanket and remaining possessions to dry. If you are lucky enough to have been given a zip top bag to store important papers, those are dry but if not, you have to look to make sure your papers aren’t ruined. I think most of us forget the simple luxury of having a place to retreat from the weather, a safe place to keep important papers, pictures, and our cookies.
Remember, when people stop to use the awning of your store or business, you find a backpack tucked under some outside dry area, you see people running in the rain weighted down with all their possessions, to be kind. We are all simply trying to make it through another monsoon season as best we can.
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