Homeless Resource Center / Coalition For Homeless Concerns Inc.

Here at HRC, we are constantly looking to solve for gaps in service in our community. The past two years we have noticed a HUGE gap in two areas: Entry-level job experience opportunities in a trauma-informed environment Trash buildup in our local downtown and Oread neighborhoods So, we started something to address both. At the beginning of the year, we began offering entry-level job opportunities to people in our community who WANTED to work but were not being offered the OPPORTUNITY due to many of the barriers associated with experiencing homelessness and/or extreme poverty. We started with our property and extended outward as individuals gained experience and earned trust. We now spend time every week ensuring the removal of trash from our neighbors’ lawns, downtown parking lots, and in front of every business up and down Mass Street. We didn’t have funding to do this, but we saw a need and believe at our core that if we serve our community, our community will help us meet our needs. So far this year, we have provided 500 hours of work!!! Sober and Nice. These are the two employment requirements we have for individuals looking to start working. They must be sober from all substances, and they must be exceptionally nice to those they encounter in our community. This program also has a not-so-secret third goal: to start shifting the perception of homelessness in our community. There are so many opportunities to look at the crisis of homelessness: people loitering (because they have nowhere to go), sanitation issues (due to lack of trash removal and public restroom access), and mental health struggles (because nothing is regulated in the life of constant crisis). So generally, the public only has opportunities to see homeless people—but only see the HOMELESS—and miss out on the people experiencing homelessness. Our hope is to begin shifting this narrative through positive interactions with people making our public spaces cleaner and doing so in a kind way. 1000 hours in 2025! We pay $10/hr, so in order to hit our goal of 1000 hours in 2025, we need to raise $10,000! We have to find ways toward common unity despite all of our differences. We are better together—but in order to find this better, we must find ways of doing life together. So, we will make the commitment to finding creative and helpful ways to serve our community, but in turn, we need help along the way. Let’s do this!

Right now, a courageous woman in our community has the chance to break free from domestic violence for good—but she needs our help. With the guidance of her case management team, legal experts have confirmed that the best next step is for her to reach her consulate in Miami. This journey is more than just a trip; it is her only path to safety, security, and a future without fear. Multiple agencies in town have already contributed what they can, and this survivor has worked tirelessly, taking on side jobs to cover her portion. Now, only $750 remains to make this trip possible. We know that we can’t do everything for everyone in this time of immigration uncertainty. But today, we can come together as a community—multiple nonprofits, legal advocates, and neighbors—to do something life-changing for one person who needs us right now. This survivor has shown nothing but grace and determination as she has advocated for herself. Now, it’s our turn to step up. The question isn’t about politics or policy—it’s about saving a life today. Will you help? Every dollar gets her one step closer to safety. *We are intentionally keeping the details brief, but if you require further information, please email our Executive Director, Brett, who may be able to share additional information or answer your questions: 📧 Director@hrclawrence.org