Part 2: Provide information on the organization and person interviewed Organization’s Name: CHIP-Coalition for Homelessness Intervention & Prevention URL of the organization’s website: https://www.chipindy.org/what-we-do.html#:~:text=CHIP%20%2D%20Coalition%20for%20Homelessness%20Intervention,data%20collected%20by%20homeless%20providers Person Interviewed: Adeline Sounder. Interviewee’s Title and Role in the Organization: Outreach Coordinator. Email Address of the Person Interviewed: adelinescoumderchip.com One Paragraph Summary Of The Key Takeaways From The Interview

 

Several significant insights about their job and the organization’s strategy for combating homelessness in Indianapolis came to light during the interview with the Outreach Coordinator at the Coalition for Homelessness Intervention and Prevention (CHIP). Building rapport and trust with homeless people is crucial to outreach activities. The first step in this process is to do just that. It is necessary to address the situation with empathy, active listening, and constant support to remove the obstacles brought on by prior trauma and mistrust. Second, Success via Collaborative Efforts: The outreach initiatives spearheaded by CHIP have had fruitful results, such as assisting people in finding stable homes through programs for quick rehousing. These accomplishments demonstrate the value of teamwork between CHIP, service providers, and the community. Third, a Collective Approach: CHIP understands the value of partnerships and collaboration with other businesses, governmental organizations, and the community. They actively participate in community planning projects, collaborate with other agencies, and aim to prevent and reduce homelessness in Indianapolis. Addressing the Root Causes: Homelessness in Indianapolis is mainly caused by a lack of affordable housing, unemployment, and insufficient social services. Through the support of legislation promoting affordable housing, partnerships in the workplace, and all-inclusive support services, CHIP tackles these issues.

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1. What’s your role as an outreach coordinator, and how do you engage with the homeless in Indianapolis?

Adeline: As CHIP’s Outreach Coordinator, I am responsible for aggressively linking homeless people with the services and resources they need by developing connections with them. I engage in case management, street outreach, and support, and help navigate the homeless service system.

1. What challenges do you face in helping the homeless, and how do you address them?

Adeline: Establishing rapport and trust with people who may have undergone trauma and have a mistrust of care providers is one of the biggest hurdles. We combat this by approaching with empathy, paying attention, and continually being present to offer assistance. Building trusting and respectful relationships takes time.

1. Do you have any positive outcomes or success stories resulting from the outreach efforts of CHIP?

Adeline: Recently, our quick rehousing program assisted a homeless person in finding stable housing. They were able to move from being homeless to having a secure home by receiving financial aid, case management help, and access to neighborhood services. This success story demonstrates the results of our coordinated efforts.

1. In your experience, what are some of the critical factors contributing to homelessness in the state, and how are those factors addressed?

Adeline: Lack of affordable housing, unemployment, and restricted access to social services are three significant causes of homelessness. To provide complete support, including housing aid, employment training, and healthcare access, CHIP addresses these problems by advocating for legislation that promotes affordable housing, working with employment agencies, and forming relationships with service providers.

1. How does CHIP collaborate with other organizations and the community to prevent and end homelessness in Indianapolis?

Adeline: We think that fighting homelessness calls for a team effort. CHIP works with service providers, governmental organizations, and the community to align resources, coordinate initiatives, and push for structural reforms. We participate in interagency partnerships, work on community planning projects, and collaborate with others to prevent and reduce homelessness in Indianapolis.

References

FENWICK, T. (2021, July 28). Homelessness in Indy at a 10-year high. Indianapolis Recorder. https://indianapolisrecorder.com/homelessness-in-indy-at-10-year-high/

Lynne Walsh. (2016, January 21). Homelessness Programs and Resources | SAMHSA – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Samhsa.gov. https://www.samhsa.gov/homelessness-programs-resources