Shelter Association of Washtenaw County
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I have been aware of the Shelter Association and it's incredible impact on the community for a number of years. I am really encouraged by the quality of care the Shelter's staff provides and the amount each and every staff member puts in to help serve the adult homeless population in Washtenaw County. As an organization that offers a multitude of wide-ranging services to clients, I really feel proud of this organization and continue to enjoy volunteering in a number of ways.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
many ways, from feedback from clients to conversations about the work it does in the community to being able to work with the staff to understand the challenges and successes that the organization faces on a daily basis.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
give it more money to help further its mission of ending homelessness one person at a time!
More feedback...
Will you volunteer or donate to this organization beyond what is required of board members?
Definitely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you tell others about this organization?
Definitely
I started volunteering at the Shelter Association to gain more hands-on experience in my field of interest (affordable housing & homelessness prevention) while looking for a full-time job. I had already heard fantastic things about the Delonis Center & I was further impressed with what I learned in my time as a volunteer. I now am a part-time employee at the Shelter & I love it.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
service to homeless clients.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Improve communication among staff members by making use of technology such as instant messaging & shared calendars.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Some
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Quite well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
What one change could this group make that would improve your volunteer experience?
Improve volunteer orientation & coordination.
Did your volunteer experience have an effect on you? (teaching you a new skill, or introducing new friends, etc.)
Yes! I met new friends & gained employment as a direct result from my volunteer experience at the Shelter.
How did this volunteer experience make you feel?
I felt helpful & needed.
I've been volunteering with the Shelter for 6 years, and have been involved professionally with the homeless and near-homeless of Washtenaw County for more than twice as long. I've seen first hand how the Shelter is an indispensable resource for its clients, efficiently and compassionately run by its staff, and respected in the community. I hear from many clients who say the Shelter has helped them turn around their lives, giving them the supports that allow them to become stable and housed. We are very fortunate indeed to have such an organization in our community.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
having the pleasure and duty of monitoring client feedback, which is almost always quite positive, and includes many heartwarming stories - I also know that negative feedback is taken seriously by the organization and addressed promptly whenever possible
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
give it more money to advance its mission
More feedback...
Will you volunteer or donate to this organization beyond what is required of board members?
Likely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you tell others about this organization?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
The Shelter Association provides many services in its endeavor to "end homelessness, one person at a time." One of these is the Shelter Clinic, which I manage. The clinic provides Primary Care and sees homeless people who are both staying in the Shelter and those living outside. We also provide medical case management: these staff support people in obtaining permanent access to healthcare services, in addition to helping them take care of urgent needs.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
The entire Shelter staff is dedicated to supporting people in need, and welcomes people with many complex issues in a warm manner, always showing respect for the individual. It's an honor to be part of this team of caring employees.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Obtain more funding so services, especially case management, could be increased. Real funding for permanent, supportive housing would also go a long way in our mission to "End Homelessness...
I went to the Shelter looking for gloves and a blanket and they let me stay the night as part of the warming center. This was more than I expected.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
This happened this winter
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Nothing I can think of right now
The Shelter Association of Washtenaw County serves the most at-risk population of the homeless, and they do so in a community collaborative fashion, partenring with over 30 agencies to focus on identifying and resolving root causes of pervasive homelessness. Their mission of "ending homelessness one person at a time" is a calling for the staff and volunteers of the SAWC, and they have laudable success rates with limited resources. The SAWC is an important part of our community delivering a critical service.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
our community
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
like to see additional governmental funding and support.
The Shelter Association of Washtenwaw County makes our community a better place. This non profit reaches out to homeless men and women in order to help them secure housing, find employment, receive medical help and so much more. I am proud to be a Board member and be part of the solution of giving guidance and care to those who need it. The staff are expert at what they do and our many volunteers allow us to provide additional support.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
getting feedback from family members, clients who have been helped and staff feedback.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
like to see a more permanent source of funding.
I have been volunteering at St Andrews breakfast program for the last several years and have heard many great comments about the Shelter. Over the last several months I have had an opportunity to be involved in the Shelter first hand and I must say, what I have heard is not only true but the services and staff far exceeded my expectations.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I've seen many people find needed assistance that may not have been available to them without the Shelter
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
have more people become involved
I've been delighted to get to know this organization. It's certainly top notch for Washtenaw County. However, knowing opertions of this sort across the nation as I do, I must say that it is one of the best-run operations I've seen. Staff and board alike are passionate about the mission.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I have seen the impact of the organization's work on the lives of many of its clients. It is making a significant difference in this community. Through the efforts of its CEO, it has also made a big contribution to the formation and operation of the county's partnership of nonprofits - the Washtenaw Housing Alliance. It is highly respected by all of its partner agencies.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
expand it's reach to surrounding counties, where these services are needed but either do not exist, or are do not provide as comprehensive a set of services.
I started at the shelter with some preconceived notions of those experiencing homelessness. The more time I spend the more I learn that many of my earlier preconceived notions were myth based and not fact based. There are so many really great people that are finding themselves here simply because of lack of employment and affordable housing.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Seeing how hard staff works to help their clients end their experience of homelessness.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Ask them to find a way to help more people.
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