More Money for iPads!!

I would like to share with you a blog post I came across. Here is an example of an iPad literally changing lives. Jeremy Nicholls is a case worker at a local homeless shelter, Cornerstone Community Outreach and he blogs at Setting Prisoners Free and he wrote recently about how to make housing happen.

Here is a snip**

Over the past couple years, I've seen a very large number of chronically homeless people move out of their homelessness and into permanent housing! I emphasis this, because I'm talking about many men and women who've been existing on the streets and in shelters for over a decade or even decades. I speak of this, because many of these people struggle with debilitating mental illnesses, devastating addictive personalities and major health issues. I dwell on this, because jail doors and prison gates frequently rotate these folk in and out, mainly for non-violent offenses and petty crimes. I focus on this, because these men and women face insurmountable obstacles, making their journeys seem impossible. I'm emphasizing all this, because these "successful movements" are modern-day miracles

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Housing First:

After working on the front lines for well over a decade and seeing many successes, (but also observing failures), I've come to embrace and cling to 2 catchphrases; "Housing First" and "Harm Reduction"! I wholeheartedly agree with what these 2 terms stand for; they view everybody as unique individuals, created and loved by God, possessing an indelible right to be housed. These catchphrases also respect each individual's dignity, personality, struggles and dreams, while working hard to provide them with a permanent home. The "Housing First" model reverses the usual trend of making sure someone's "right" before they get an apartment, by taking vulnerable people off the street and putting them into their own homes. The "Harm Reduction" model does not call for instant perfection or complete abstinence, but helps individuals reduce the harm they are doing to themselves, others and society. When these 2 models work hand-in-hand, everyone benefits! The following points reveal how we have put legs on the "harm reduction" and "housing first" models in Uptown, and we're happy to say, we have seen some wonderful success stories!

Discover and Use Efficient and Reliable Technology:

In this line of work, it didn't take long to discover, technology can either be a wonderful blessing or a wretched curse. Even though we live in this age of instant knowledge, gratification and results, the Internet and smart phones can either take you away, or draw you closer, to the very people we're supposed to be engaging.

There are 2 forms of technology I want to focus on; both of these have made me more efficient in reaching out, while also quickening my case-working efforts! I believe these 2 tools have helped create many stories of successful movement. Firstly, carrying around and using a portable device allows me to access and submit information in a timely manner. Instead of insisting people set appointments and come into my office, an iPad (or smartphone) creates opportunities on the streets, in a Church or under a viaduct that would otherwise be missed. Secondly, there's a quick and accessible citywide database called the "Centralized Referral System". By simply placing chronically homeless people on the CRS, many agencies see the need and provide them with support and permanent housing! As you see; the combination of these 2 tools help to create countless opportunities. Many doors have opened for some of society's most vulnerable citizens, simply by using an iPad and enrolling people on the CRS.

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If anyone reading this has connections to APPLE etc please pass this “testimonial” on—I think this is one of the greatest examples of technology truly affecting people’s lives for the good.