shelterworksNews from the Willis Dady Emergency Shelter

Fall2014

Willis Dady Emergency Shelter Board of DirectorsJanet Slimak, PresidentRebecca Jacobs, Vice PresidentBobette Ash, Secretary

James Locke, TreasurerTim CarsonMelissa Cullum

Sam JonesClay McBrideDave McInally

Tim Wilson, Executive DirectorTheresa Ann TrimbleJason VestweberCharisma Wickham

Daniel is a 44 year old veteran. Daniel was enlisted in the United States Army from 1988 to 1991. Daniel was living in an upstairs apartment that is owned by his parents, Daniel’s half-brother lived in the downstairs apartment. Daniel had a run in with the law and was arrested for intoxication and while under the influence of alcohol, disarming his gun. Daniel came to the SSVF program because after his arrest, he was still around his half-brother, who was using drugs and alcohol. Daniel needed to move away from that hostile environment with his half-brother. Daniel has been drug free for two years and 10 months clean from alcohol. Daniel receives partial VA benefits and food stamps monthly, but with the assistance from the SSVF program, Daniel was able to relocate to a safe and affordable one bedroom apartment. Daniel has no children nor has he ever been married. Daniel has paid off his fine from when he was arrested. Daniel continues to be on self-probation. Daniel attends AA meetings regularly and is also an advocate for other alcoholics. Daniel is currently enrolled and taking classes at Kirkwood Community College to become a Medical Assistant and will graduate in 2015. Daniel’s dream is to work at the VA hospital and to help veterans. Daniel told me how he has patience now because he didn’t used to have patience. Being drug and alcohol free he sees a clearer picture of the world.--Kim Smith, Prevention Case Manager/Veteran Advocate

Kim’sCorner

Dady Doings3rd Annual Run for Shelter 5K run/walk

8:00 am, Saturday, August 23 Cedar Lake Loop, Cedar RapidsVisit http://getmeregistered.com/WillisDady5k to register.

Five Seasons Stand Down for Homeless Veterans

All-day, Friday, September 5 Veterans Memorial Stadium, Cedar RapidsContact Linn County Veterans Services for details. Registration required.http://vetsstanddown.org

9th Annual Sleep Out for the HomelessNovember 8 - 9. For more information, visit https://www.sleepoutforhomeless.org/

Linn County recently conducted a very successful “street count” of persons experiencing homelessness. People in shelters and transitional housing are also included, but that a is reasonably simple task compared to finding the unhoused. The numbers may have seemed somewhat alarming if considered solely in the context of comparison to counts in the recent past. Anecdotal information indicates that there has indeed been a summer spike in homelessness. However, most of the increase in numbers can be attributed to vastly superior methodology. This included extensive contact with law enforcement and those living outdoors to identify sites, conducting several visits to such places prior to the actual count, enlisting many more volunteers to aid in the count and providing training to those who were doing the count. While the official count went from 5 persons in July of last year to 53 this July, no one familiar with the situation really believes that homelessness has increased tenfold in the past year. Shelter programs, including Willis Dady, have been running at or over capacity for some time. Clearly there are signs that more people are struggling. However, there appears to be no single factor or set of issues driving this upturn. Data on causation of homelessness is gathered when people enter programs or respond to

questions as part of the street count. It seems there are almost as many reasons for household becoming homeless as there are households. Although knowing the number of people experiencing homelessness locally is important, it is even more helpful to understand what has led to this status, what barriers exist and what resources are needed to help move the individual or family into permanent housing and self-sufficiency as quickly as possible. We have made great strides in recent years as a community in connecting those in need with resources, including rapid re-housing. By improving and coordinating needs assessment, shelter programs have been able to make more appropriate placements quickly. And the availability of rental assistance to move individuals and families into rental housing has reduced the length of shelter stays. Additional resources for U.S. veterans through programs like Operation Home have helped transition veteran households even more quickly and to prevent some from needing shelter in the first place. As we learn more about those experiencing homelessness, we will continue to look for creative ways to meet their needs. We know that at present, two areas of need are for housing that is affordable for those earning 30% of the area median income and for the chronically homeless. Conversations are underway to increase available housing, but solutions will take time. Also it is the case that some entities not actively engaged in finding solutions at the moment need to be invited to the table. That said, in a community as generous and resource-rich as ours, I believe the capacity exists to ensure that every one has a decent place to call home. Stay tuned! -- Tim Wilson

How Can I Help?OVERNIGHT VOLUNTEERWe have a hard time finding volunteers to staff overnight during August and early September. If you can help, please contact Denine at 319-362-7555 ext. 106 or wdesra1@willisdady.org.

Financial SupportHelp NowTo contribute to shelter operations and services:

Online1. Go to http://willisdady.org/2. Click on “How to Help”3. Click on the box near the bottom labeled “Donate

Now through Network for Good”4. Enter your donation and credit card number

U.S. Mail1. Return the envelope included in this mailing with your

contributionInvest In Our FutureTo help ensure that shelter and services continue into the future, make a donation to our Endowment at the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation.

Online1. Go to https://gcrcf.org.2. Move cursor to “Donors” option near top of page3. Click on “Giving Opportunities” 4. Click on “Search Giving Opportunities”5. Scroll down to “Willis Dady Emergency Shelter” on

alphabetical list and click on “Action” at far rightPhone

1. 319 366-2862

Our Sunday Table ProgramWillis Dady is looking for groups to prepare a Sunday lunch for approximately 25 people and bring it to the shelter; we provide tableware and the mouths to feed. Grants clients and staff enjoy the meal and conversation. All help clean up. There are several dates available in the first part of 2014, including: Aug: 24, 31; Sept: 14, 28; Nov: 23, 30; Dec: 14, 28

Thank Adcraft PrintingFirst Lutheran Church of Cedar RapidsSt. John XXIII ParishSt. Joseph Catholic ChurchSt. Jude ChurchSt. Pius X Parish

Special thanks to some of Those who have recently given Donations or awarded Grants

WDES is proud to be a Partner Agency of the United Way of East Central Iowa

Volunteer at Willis DadyWillis Dady is always in need of volunteers for all kinds of tasks. Please contact Denine to let us know about your talents and interests at 319-362-7555 ext. 106 or email wdesra1@willisdady.org

Donate Items to Stuff, Etc.WDES has made arrangements with Stuff, Etc. to accept items on behalf of the shelter. Proceeds from sold items will be applied to our account. When dropping off at Stuff, Etc., 252 Blairs Ferry Rd. NE C.R. Please use account number 13519.

Special thanks to this summer’s Pacesetter Youth Camp for volunteering. We look forward to a bright future for our community thanks to young leaders like you!Also special thanks to Kay Shive Henry, who recently retired from our Board of Directors. Kay is an incredibly generous and kind individual and we wish good health and happiness to her and her husband George!

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Willis Dady Emergency Shelter, Inc.1247 4th Ave SECedar Rapids, IA 52403

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Clay McBride is the Head of Data and Vendor Management at Aegon Asset Management. Clay is originally from the Seattle, Washington area. He and his family (wife and two boys) moved to Iowa in 1998. Clay enjoys woodworking, classic cars, backpacking, and SCUBA diving. In addition to knowledge of finances, Clay’s woodworking skills come in handy on occasion when he works on minor projects at the Shelter. Why does Clay volunteer at Willis Dady? “My dad is a Vietnam veteran. Seeing him deal with the long-lasting effects has created a strong desire within me to help veterans. When I learned about the mission of WDES, it was a perfect fit.”

Clay McBrideMeet Our Board Members!

BoardMembers