Wireless Mart is hiring. 6 months of PC experience required.

Position: Customer Service Representative
Pay: $12.00-$17.00 Hour DOE
Hiring Thru: July 31, 2009
Company: Wireless Mart.
Hiring: Immediately
Location: Washington DC & Maryland Branches

JOB DESCRIPTION
Handle customer questions, complaints, and billing inquiries with the highest degree of courtesy and professionalism to resolve customer issues with one call resolution.
You will be offering alternative solutions where appropriate with the objective of retaining customer's business. You will handle business transactions in connection with activation of new customer accounts on a computer terminal. We are hiring for our two newly formed super centers.

GENERAL ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS WHICH ARE NORMALLY REQUIRED:
1. Answers customer/client requests or inquiries concerning services, products, billing, equipment, claims, and reports problem areas.

2. May be required to work in one or multiple queues/skill sets over various customer contact channels.

3. Responsible for improving customer retention through programs and service provided to the customer.

4. Utilizes mechanized systems to initiate and complete service orders and handle customer requests.

5. Continually maintain working knowledge of all company products, services and promotions.

6. Make recommendations according to customer’s needs on features, accessories, upgrades and rate plans.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
No physical requirements.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- HS Diploma/GED or equivalent
- At least 18 years of age
- 6 months experience operating a computer in Windows based environment

TRAINING
-Classroom training.
-On-the-job training.

COMPENSATION
Earnings are based on previous experience.
Earnings range from $12.00 - $17.00 per hour

We are accepting application now. Please APPLY ONLINE as we do not accept emailed resumes. We will
contact you for an interview within 48 hours.

http://nationwidejobbank.com/jobid1203DC.htm

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, Drug Free Work Place.

Cosi is hiring. "Simply Good Taste."

Cosi is a premium restaurant that offers breakfast, lunch, afternoon coffee, dinner and dessert menus full of creative, fresh, flavorful foods and beverages. Please have a positive attitude and a strong work ethic. There are numerous locations around the city. I will list a few:

1350 Connecticut Ave. 202-296-9341
Dupont Circle-North 1647 20th St. NW 202-332-6364
19th and K 202-496-0622
601 Penn 202-347-0307

School is in session! GED, English class, literacy helpline.

GED Program
Need to study every subject?
Take GED preparation classes

AM and PM classes
Monday-Thursday 10AM-12PM
1-3PM
6:30-8:30PM

New students may register any Thursday at 6PM and any Friday at 10 AM
Location: 924 G St., NW
Contacts: Celina- 202-772-4326
Tiffany 202-772-4303



Workplace English class
Beginner and Intermediate levels
Monday and Wednesday 6:15-8:45
or Saturday 9:30 AM-1 PM
Free classes, but $35 fee for books
Nativity Catholic Church
6000 Georgia Ave.
Washington, DC 20011
Contact: Chantel-202-4320



Literacy helpline for adults
202-727-2431

A Tale of Two Cities. The plight of the working poor and more.

DC is an expensive town, but not everyone gets paid like that's the case. It's 4:53 AM and I just took a gander at the classifieds--virtually of course. If you don't have computer access, you're already three steps behind. The listing that caught my eye is like many. Five years of experience required. The prospective work week would be forty hours. Quick book knowledge is highly desired. The salary is merely $10-$12 per hour. Imagine running the whole office, as an administrative secretary, for that kind of money, and with that amount of experience. To me, it's no wonder that households are falling a part, and people can't pay rent or mortgages, when I consider that this town offers a mixed bag of opportunity. No, ten dollars isn't deemed to be minimum wage, but even the most frugal among us would have to do a bit of creative financing to swing that one. Please keep in mind that many individuals would classify the aforementioned job as professional. Creative financing may involve bunking with family members or friends, at least for starters. I could go off on a tangent in that regard, but I won't.

What I will say is the boom of temporary jobs, contracts, and non-profit pay even in for profit businesses can lead to more people finding themselves in need of basic necessities. DC is a Tale of Two Cities personified. Some live rather well here, while others sit on the opposite end of the spectrum. This town attracts people from around the globe, and every state. Employment is often the attraction, unless one's bargaining power isn't as high. It would be ideal if everyone could at least earn a living wage, regardless of profession. Should an individual have to be a top sales rep, a high profile executive, or someone with good connections to have job stability, and earn a living wage? Parking costs alone can set anyone who doesn't make much back in DC. Add the cost of getting around town via the metro, and it's easy to see that a great percentage of someone's pay check who isn't truly making a living wage will be spent on getting back and forth to work. To this end, support for the working poor is critical. Visions of homelessness are often jaded by stereotypes that aren't laced in reality. There are those who hold signs and panhandle because it's a quick means to and end, but there are plenty more individuals who don't gather "help-wanted" signs in the public's eye. These individuals often post ads in free sections on the web, anonymously telling their hand luck stories of lay offs, pending disability claims, and foreclosures. Some individuals don't qualify for specific programs, under the rules where they reside. At the same time, it takes a bit of digging and pride lowering to pay a visit to one of the wonderful non profits which may be able to help with something as simple as a bag of food. Many of us make it because of grace, not merely hard work. Without a strong network of family and friends, many others could face a sobering reality. How many paychecks could the average person here be from homelessness? Who really has an iron clad plan, if unemployment ran out, and a pink slip was delivered? Perhaps a few, but not the majority, I venture to guess. Take away the nightlife, tour buses, and fancy restaurants, and what could anyone see here? People in transition or on the brink of it, perhaps? Some wear slacks or blouses, while others don't. Different attire may be present, but the circumstances are nearly the same. You never know who you're looking at these days. A homeless person could have a strategic profile, blending in so that boss won't know, but then again, he or she may have a limited privacy policy.

I was promoting CVM at a local resource and job fair and encountered someone who wasn't wearing a mask. Her profile wasn't difficult to determine. Approaching a small, crowded elevator, she appeared. I didn't know how to approach her, but I eased into the subject. "Excuse me, did you attend the job fair?" I asked. "I missed it. My Smart Trip Card got demagnetized. I was late leaving, because I was trying to take a computer class. I finally get here, and I missed everything," she told me. "I have something you may want to know about. Do you need a free voice mail number?" I asked. "I need everything. I'm homeless," she shared.

With those words spoken, we rode the elevator together. I observed her mixed gray hair, neatly styled in two braids on the side of her head. Her face told a story of hardship, but also of valor. One of her fingers was partially missing. I wondered how that happened, but I didn't dare ask. I discussed the program with her, explaining that other agencies also help people like her with other needs. I suggested case management, and whipped out a list that I'd compiled. I pointed out a few that I felt drawn to from what she'd explained. After that, I scribbled my email address and asked her to please let me know if she wasn't able to get the help she needed. "God bless you," she told me. "God bless you, too," I told her. "You're going to make it," I remarked. An air of determination swirled around her as she walked away. I stood on the sidewalk staring toward the direction where we parted. This morning, I'm looking at a piece of paper with her name, email address, and two other things that stood out. "Homeless! Age 55." I didn't notice that she'd supplied her age before. This morning was the first time. As policy is being discussed, the need for reform has grown by leaps and bounds. In the meantime, life goes on for all parties involved who are merely struggling to survive on minimum wage, or who don't even realize that they comprise the working poor. I see hope within countless non-profit agencies that help to fill in the gap. They are not a means to an end, but a starting point for those who are officially stuck and need help. When a person truly begins to understand life, there is no room to judge anyone's circumstances. Our circumstances don't define who we are. They never have and never will, but more people should stop to digest this fact.

Where you can get a Community Voice Mail number in DC. List 2.

Would you like a Community Voice Mail Number, or do you know someone who needs other support services? Perhaps this list can get you started.

You may note that it’s best to call ahead, before requesting a community voice mail number. Some agencies may have certain procedures, so please use this list to obtain further information, and also confirm the accuracy of details which could be subject to change. Oftentimes, individuals who need voicemail services need additional assistance. For this reason, we hope to play a part in connecting those in need, while leading them toward additional services provided by our partners. Agencies and organizations that are listed with expanded profiles are marked with a star. We appreciate their cooperation. More details will be added, if further information becomes available.

Thank you,
CVM, DC

Community Voice Mail Participating Agencies:
* Bread for the City

The mission of Bread for the City is to provide vulnerable residents of Washington, DC, with comprehensive services, including food, clothing, medical care, and legal and social services, in an atmosphere of dignity and respect.

Since we have a limited supply of boxes and it is nice to be able to have that connection to clients utilizing the services, we give Community Voice Mail preference to clients who are enrolled in programs at Bread for the City such as Social Services, Medical or Legal Case Management, but the service is open to anyone who presents a need.
Building Hours: Monday –Thursday 9am-5pm. Service hours vary by program.

Bread for the City NW Center
1525 7th Street NW
Washington, DC 20002
202-265-2400

Bread for the City SE Center
1640 Good Hope Road SE
Washington, DC 20020
202-561-8587
http://www.breadforthecity.org

Capitol Hill Group Ministry
1338 G Street SE
Washington, DC 20002
202-544-3450

Catholic Charities Downtown Family Center
924 G Street NW
Washington, DC
202-772-4300

Provide crisis intervention and referral services, counseling, and
various adult education classes.
* No case management is required to obtain a Community Voice Mail number.


Catholic Charities Men’s Shelter
2700 MLK Avenue SE (801 East Building Shelter)
Washington, DC 20032
202-772-4307
Provides 12-hour and 24-hour emergency shelter and comprehensive case management services to homeless single adult men 18 years or older. Hypothermia Shelter.


Community Connections
http://www.communityconnectionsdc.org
Our Mission
Community Connections provides comprehensive, respectful and effective mental health and residential services to residents of the District of Columbia and Montgomery County, Maryland.


801 Pennsylvania Avenue SE Suite 201
Washington, DC 20005
202-546-1512

District Alliance for Safe Housing
www.dashdc.org
The mission of the District Alliance for Safe Housing, Inc. (DASH) is to ensure access to safe and sustainable refuge for victims of domestic violence through the development and management of safe housing and related services, while increasing the capacity of other community-based organizations to expand housing for victims throughout the District of Columbia.
202.462.3274

East of the River Clergy Police Community Partnership
Further details coming soon

Emery House
1725 Lincoln Road NE 20002
202-635-1041


Families Forward
Families Forward serves homeless and low-income populations.
Services: case management, GED, job training , job placement, and transitional housing.

1012 14th Street NW
Washington, DC 20005
202-639-9760

Friendship Place
http://www.cchfp.org/
Mission Statement:
To enable people in the upper Northwest area of the District of Columbia who are, or have been, at risk of homelessness to rebuild their lives with the involvement of the community.
4713 Wisconsin Avenue NW
Washington DC 20016
202-364-1419


Green Door Clubhouse

Agency Mission: To prepare men and women with serious and persistent illnesses to work and live in the community. Our goal is for our members to take responsibility for their own recovery and rehabilitation. Green Door is recognized nationally as one of the most successful programs for people with a mental illness.

1623 16th Street NW
Washington, DC 20009

Green Door Core Service Agency
1221 Taylor Street NW
Washington, DC 20011
202 939 7690

http://greendoor.org/


Green Door Core Values:
We treat everyone with respect, dignity, and empathy.
We provide high quality, relevant services.
We provide a friendly, attractive, and safe environment.
We are recovery-based with the goal of returning to independence.
We focus on the whole person and emphasize a person's strengths.


Golden Triangle Bid
First Helping
Provides meals, referrals and counseling to homeless District residents. Provides services at one street site in Foggy Bottom (7:00 am -9:00 am) and three emergency shelters (evening)-Crummell, Randall and Martin Luther King Avenue. Combines the resources of D.C. Central Kitchen and Clean and Sober Streets (the District's largest privately funded drug and alcohol addiction treatment programs).
Walk-In, services offered at the sites and times listed above. Outreach work done on foot in the greater downtown area. Clients may present themselves to the First Helping Winnebgo.
Intake Number: (202) 387-2015
Administrative Number: (202) 234-0707
http://www.dccentralkitchen.org/program.php?id=4
http://www.dccentralkitchen.org/firsthelping-blog/about/




Homeless Children and Youth
*Coming soon*
202-939-3506

Homes for Hope Inc.
The Homes for Hope:
It is the intentional and implied obligation of this organization to provide affordable housing to people living with chronic illnesses such as HIV/AIDS as a means of developing quality lives, stable environments and support resources to those persons who would otherwise be unable to sustain positive lifestyles as a direct result of inadequate care and housing instability.

3003-A G Street SE
Washington, DC 20020
202-582-0169
http://homesforhopeinc.org/

* Ida Mae Campbell Wellness & Resource Center
Our Wellness & Resource Center is open to all individuals wanting to participate in peer supported activities, regardless of participation in psychiatric treatment or involvement with traditional case management. Communication & Education, Work Enhancement Skills & Computer Training, Wellness/Recovery & Peer Support , Advocacy , Creative Arts Social Activities are all services that are available at the center.
This center does accept walk ins, if someone would like a Community Voice Mail. No case management is provided. Hours: Tuesday-Friday 2:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m., and Sauturday 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
1338 North Capitol Street NW, Suite 101
Washington, DC 20002
202 684-7015 or 899-851-4945
http://www.idamaecampbell.org/



Jobs Have Priority
http://jobshavepriority.org/
JHP is committed to helping the homeless transform their lives by obtaining meaningful employment, permanent housing and breaking the cycle of homelessness.
1526 Pennsylvania Avenue SE
Washington, DC 20003
202-544-9128
La Casa
1234 Massachusetts Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20005
202-347-8870

Latino Transitional Housing
http://www.layc-dc.org/
1545 6th Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
202-518-6606


Miriam’s Kitchen
Miriam's Programs
The coupling of our meals with the delivery of case management services allows us to serve our guests most effectively. The draw of a healthy meal brings guests who may otherwise not seek out assistance, into our dining room. Once there, we are able to connect them with critical services that improve their quality of life and increase their self-sufficiency. Our programs are low-barrier, meaning we do not ask our guests for identification and do not deny services.

2401 Virginia Avenue NW
Washington. DC 20037
202-452-8926
http://www.miriamskitchen.org

*N Street Village
We serve homeless and low-income women who are 18 years old and over. We are a recovering community, so we cannot serve someone who is obviously high or intoxicated. This agency does not accept walk in Community Voice Mail services. The person needs to be enrolled in N Street Village's services. Case management is required. Those interested should call Nancy Nerad at 202-939-2077. New participant intakes are usually conducted on Monday and Tuesday mornings.Our drop in day center, Bethany Women's Center, is open Monday - Friday from 7:30am-4pm and weekends and holidays from 9am-4pm.

1333 N St. NW
Washington, DC 20005
202-939-2076
http://www.nstreetvillage.org/

*National Student Partnership

Our mission is to alleviate poverty in our communities by engaging our nation's college students in this effort. NSP recruits and trains a diverse corps of undergraduates who make a rigorous and sustained commitment to service while in school. Our student advocates work side-by-side with low-income community members, first helping them address immediate needs (e.g. employment, housing, health care, public benefits, and/or education), then providing comprehensive, long-term support designed to help families break the cycle of poverty.
We are always accepting new clients and we do not have any eligibility requirements. We accept walk-ins, except for CVM numbers. Our services are completely free, and we will serve anyone. Please contact the office at 202.289.2525 to schedule an appointment. If calling specifically for CVM numbers, ask to speak to a Site Coordinator to inquire about the availability of the numbers.
Our normal hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 9-5. Because we are staffed by college students, there are some periods where the office is closed and/or is open for odd hours. We usually have abbreviated hours in late May and late August, and we are usually closed for 2 weeks around the winter holidays. It is always best to call for availability. The office is closed for the rest of May. We will open 6/2-6/5 (9-5), and 6/11-6/12 (9-5), and then will be open M-F, 9-5 (with the exception of one hour weekly staff meeting soon to be scheduled) until late summer. Again, it is always important to call to see if the office is open and if there is availability whenever possible.


128 M St. NW Suite 320
Washington, DC 20001
202-289-2525
http://www.nspnet.org/offices/washington.htm



Neighbor’s Consejo

We provide comprehensive outreach, social and mental health services, substance abuse treatment, employment counseling services to Spanish speaking homeless men and women who live in DC.


3118 16th Street NW
Washington, DC 20002
202-234-6855
http://www.neighborsconsejo.org/


*PATHWAYS TO HOUSING
Provides permanent housing and supportive service to persons who are homeless and living with psychiatric illnesses. Pathways to Housing works with individuals who have been turned away from other programs because of active substance use/abuse, refusal to participate in psychiatric treatment, histories of violence or incarceration, or other behavioral problems. This agency does not accept walk ins, if someone would like a Community Voice Mail number.
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 10:00 A.M.-3:30 P.M.

101 Q Street NE, Suite G
Washington, DC 20002
202-529-2972

http://pthdc.org/



Perry School Community Services Center
Agency mission- End poverty, and promote training and development.
128 M Street Suite 335
Washington, DC 20001
202-312-7154
http://www.perryschool.org/

SOME Center for Employment Training
The SOME Center for Employment Training’s mission is to empower people out of homelessness and poverty and into living wage careers through marketable skills training, human development, basic education and job development. SOME offers three courses of study to prepare students for living wage careers in high-growth fields.
*CET only offers lines for actively enrolled trainees or alumni of the program.
Admissions appointments every Wed. and Fri. from 8:30a.m.-11:00 a.m. In order to
be seen for a walk-in appointment, a person must bring a photo ID, Social Security Card, a recent TB test from the last 12 months, and have no pending court dates at the time of walk-in. The three programs are: Business and Customer Relations Associate, Building Maintenance Service Technician, and Medical Administrative Assistant.

2815 O Street SE
Washington, DC 20020
202-583-4655
http://some.org/

*Thrive DC!
Thrive DC serves anyone in need, providing services to men and women of all ages and backgrounds. We meet an individual’s most basic needs: twice daily meals, free showers and laundry, mail, telephone, and computer access, personal care and safety supplies, medicine, and vitamins, transportation assistance, emergency clothing. Thrive also provides an employment training program for training to homeless individuals, and brings together the resources of the community to ensure that people have the opportunity to achieve their personal goals.

Hours: AM Breakfast Program, Men and Women Welcome!: 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.PM Women's Dinner Program, Women Only!: 3:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Showers, Laundry, Toiletries, Referrals, Mail, Phone Calls, peer Support Groups, Case Management, Employment Services, Computer Lab

309 E. St. NW
Washington, DC 20001
202-737-9311
www.thrivedc.org

Valley Place
*Coming soon

Washington Area Women in the Trades
624 9th Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
202-626-0700

Agency training video. How to set up Community Voice Mail for a client, from start to finish!

Many thanks to Amanda Clearwater for creating this wonderful video! This is a great help to remember proper steps that should be taken during client enrollment.

CVM DC

DC Central Kitchen. An innovative way of feeding those who need to be fed.

Homeless but connected. From communication to advocacy.

I've heard a few whispers in other blogs, unrelated to CVM or agencies. The reoccuring question seems to be why so many homeless people have cell phones or email addresses. Quite frankly, it's not a luxury, but a neccesity. Many individuals can't fathom life on the streets. When help does come, or if a person needs to call for help, how can it be accomplished if someone is in transit? A cell phone, that's how. In our case, a voice mail number. The two go hand in hand. Well, actually, the three go hand in hand. Email connects another dot. Let's not forget how many employers require applicants to apply via email, too.

Communication is something that many take for granted, or the apathetic throw toward the wind. A fair percentage of people want to do better, and they want to take action. Zach Tracker is a youth with a big heart. As young as he is, he gets it. In fact, he proved it by walking from his home town of Tampa to Washington, DC. During his journey, he attracted attention to the plight of homeless children. He also stays connected to the cause through his website, http://zachtracker.com/.

Imagine being a homeless parent, struggling to reunite with your children, or even a member of a homeless family. Some clients struggle to keep minutes stored on prepaid accounts. It really doesn't take long to burn up twenty dollars worth, considering how long it may take to pay for it. For this reason alone, CVM can prove to be a critical resource tool, serving as a stable number. It's an important start that can lead to other open doors. If you or someone you know is struggling to afford keeping a cell phone activated, a community voice mail number may be the perfect answer. When good news comes, from housing to getting hired, a working number is a must have, not an option.

Additionally, the information super highway is getting use from none other than homeless advocates who are sometimes homeless. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=105047997. Eric Sheptock is both homeless and fighting for rights of the homeless. http://www.blogger.com/www.ericsheptock.com provides an insider's view of a world few bother to really consider. When I first read Mr. Sheptock's passionate musings, I couldn't help wondering where would we be without technology. Homeless individuals should have a voice, and now they do and can. Those of us who believe that anyone can fall on hard times could probably find social action interesting. Staying connected is important for both homeless individuals, in addition to those who are receptive to being educated through someone else's journey.

Do you want to read another article about this topic? If so, visit this link:http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/22/AR2009032201835.html.

The results of the AIDS.gov partnership with CVM. Why broadcast messages are essential for agencies, and why clients should listen to them.

Community Voice Mail National shared some rather informative information with Community Voice Mail managers. In turn, I would like to share it with you! Below is an example of a topic that was suited for sending as a broadcast message.

"June 27th is National HIV Testing Day. This week, Community Voice Mail launched a campaign with AIDS.gov to inform our clients around the country about free or low-cost HIV testing resources in local communities. Every nine and half minutes, someone in the United States becomes infected with HIV, and AIDS.gov estimates that 1 out of 5 people that have HIV don't know they're infected. HIV is five times more prevalent in the homeless population than in the non-homeless population. It's important to know if you're infected, and the only way to know is to get tested.Using our national communication network, here's what we're doing to inform our clients and agencies (and lots of others) about local HIV testing resources:
Sending broadcast voice messages to 20,000 clients. Click here to listen to the message sent by our Aiken County (SC) CVM Manager. CVM Managers in all our cities are sending similar messages
Sending broadcast email messages to the 3,600 clients who have given us their email addresses
Sending broadcast voice and/or email messages to our contacts at 1,800+ social service agencies in 45 cities, encouraging them to tell all their clients about HIV Testing Day
Blogging, "tweeting" (Twitter) and posting messages on facebook. Several sites are also adding badges and widgets from AIDS.gov to their web properties
In May, we presented with AIDS.gov at a "mixed reality" panel at NetSquared's N2Y4 Conference in San Jose and in Second Life. (In the coming weeks, look for more about HIV Testing Day in CVM's Second Life presence - SLurl)It's great to be able to communicate with so many people who are often hard to reach, and who can benefit greatly from this kind of information. The partnership with AIDS.gov has been great, and we look forward to working with them again on other information campaigns. Most importantly, we hope that a lot of people who might not otherwise think about it call the hotline, find a testing location, and get tested.Call 1-800-232-4636 (CDC-INFO), or go to http://www.hivtest.org/ to find an HIV testing site near you.Planning to Tweet about this post? Please use the hashtag for HIV Testing Day (#NHTD09) and the Twitter handle for the CVM National Office (@cvmnational)"

Broadcast messages are a very powerful and effective feature of Community Voice Mail. If you are a case manager who works in an agency, using this feature can save you a great deal of time. All of your clients who supplied their email address also would find an alert waiting for them to let them know they need to get to a phone to check their messages. When clients hear voice mail messages, it informs them of the same information, at the same time. Job fairs, community resources, agency announcements, and public health information are all relevant uses of the feature.

Please refer to your quick guide, in your agency binder, if you need to refresh your memory regarding how to send your own broadcast message. In short, here are the steps you should note:

1. Call the reset number.
2. Press * when the system answers.
3. Enter your agency extenstion (not your ten digit phone number), then press #.
4. Enter your agency password, then push the # key.
5.Press 2 to create a message.
6.Enter your agency's distribution list extension, then press the # key.
7.Press the # key.
8.Press the # key.
9.Record your message.
10.Press the # key.
11.Press the # key.


The partnership with the CDC is yet one more reason why it's important to encourage clients to check their messages. One way to increase your client's use of CVM is by showing them important information may be waiting for them, even from you. If you need help sending out a broadcast message, please let us know, and we'll be happy to assist you.

CVM DC
202-580-8178

Homeless and middle class. An eye opening video offers food for thought.

http://www.cbs.com/primetime/fall_preview_2008/video.php?cid=746965641&pid=dlddREcnInwsQkBpOMJyuz74zcRsqGC_&play=true

A new bill to protect the homeless sets a precedent, but there's more to come.

A new bill to protect the homeless sets a precedent.
http://www.fourwinds10.com/siterun_data/government/fraud/state/news.php?q=1241830934
Maryland was the first state to extend such protection to individuals in this population, and fortunately, this effort seems to be spreading. Washington DC law makers are chiming in on the very same issue. Considering the financial climate of our country, the timing is more than appropriate.

The Homelessness Bias-Related Crime Amendment Act of 2009 appears to resemble a similar model of Maryland's groundbreaking legislation. http://blogs.gwhatchet.com/newsroom/2009/06/05/bill-could-give-hate-crime-designation-to-attacks-on-homeless/ Moreover, garnering formal attention could help to destigmatize homelessness, on a greater level. Homeless people are merely people without homes, for various reasons that span wide and far. They are not lesser citizens, nor do they fit a specific description. If you've ever talked to a plethora of homeless individuals, it's clear to understand that they come from all walks of life. Some live on the street, although some don't. When shelters reach their maximum capacity, enough often adjust to their circumstances out of necessity, until a workable plan is realized. Transitional housing often becomes a part of a workable plan, but few who have never been homeless fathom the nature of the process, which is often not immediate. A fair number of homeless people are working to resolve their status for good, although it's a struggle. Resolution implies financial stability merging with affordable housing. While hoping for some door to open, a portion of this population remains silent, due to something described as stigma. Their quandry is unknown to the masses, when telling can make things worse, not better. These individuals often leave for work each day, just as anyone else does, yet some quietly return to transitional housing, or even sleep in a vehicle. Some are students stuck between a rock and a hard place http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090604162403AANrRuf, and a growing number of families are finding themselves without a fixed address. In other cases, those who don't work often need support services to overcome additional issues, such as physical illness, mental health, or substance abuse. Regardless, falling on hard times could happen to mostly anyone. When others approach this discussion to seek understanding of this societal dilemma, and also dissect it with compassion, we are able to move beyond stereotypes, and resurface with clearer vision. More people are homeless than we often realize, although foreclosure statistics have been some sort of a wake-up call. Solution-based responses are both effectual and productive.

Community Voice Mail allows users to remove the stigma from their current status, since callers are not aware that the number is free. If a job seeker is concerned about a potential employer knowing that he or she resides in a shelter, transitional housing, or in another temporary setting, CVM addresses this important issue. Clients use individual passwords, and using the service could very well prove to make the difference between remaining encumbered, and moving forward. Reachability promotes safety, as does staying connected with someone, or even a wider network. CVM's benchmarks compliment recent sentiments of our local law makers. The homeless population would probably agree that phone lines are indeed life lines.

National HIV testing day. Message from the CDC.

June 27 is National HIV Testing Day.

Every nine and a half minutes someone in the United States becomes infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. And a lot of people that have HIV don’t know they are infected. There is help and treatment available – which is why it is so important to know if you have HIV.You don’t have to wait until June 27th to take action. Here are a few ways to find an HIV testing center near you:1. Visit http://www.hivtest.org/, the National HIV and STD Testing Resources web site from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Enter your zip code to find a testing center near you. You can also find a lot of accurate information about HIV and the testing process.2. Call 1-800-CDC-Info (1-800-232-4636). This is the National hotline for the CDC. You can call anytime and someone will answer your questions and help you find a free or inexpensive testing center.3. Text a nearby ZIP code to “KNOWIT” (566948). If you have a cell phone and use text messaging, you’ll get a text message back with a local testing center (normal text messaging charges apply).We hope you’ll take a few minutes to find out more about HIV and how to get tested. It’s better to know than to not know.

Important resources for runaways and youth in trouble. No matter what, stay connected.

Does society's view of homelessness align with reality? Life on the streets may be more complex than most may imagine. It may also be a constant battle for some who strive to rise above personal obstacles, especially if the individual is under the age of eighteen.

Some individuals with a community voice mail number use it for safe communication. CVM is not restricted, based on age. Individuals in need may contact any participating agency on our list for assistance. Additionally, if you know a young person who is considering returning home, here are some other resources that may be investigated.

1-800-RUNAWAY.
"Anonymous and Confidential. Available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year."
http://www.1800runaway.org/
Greyhound's Home Free program offers runaways a free ride home. Please visit http://www.1800runaway.org/youth_teens/home_free.html, for details. Youth may also call the National Runaway Switchboard at 1-800-RUNAWAY. Upon verification, the center will contact Greyhound to make arrangements for free travel.


Additionally, if you are a young person who is experiencing stress at school, in your personal life, or you feel that you need resources to support your well being, a local help line is also available. This information listed below is also appropriate for adults in crisis.

DC Department of Mental Health

1 (888) 7 WE-HELP or 1-888-793-4357- help line

*Moblie crisis team (includes emergency psychiatric services)
*Ongoing care
*Referrals
*Young people can also call to discuss their problems

http://dmh.dc.gov/dmh/cwp/view,a,3,q,515987,dmhNav,%7C31250%7C.asp

Covenant House also provides various programs and services to youth.

If you need to talk, you may call: 1-800-999-9999.

For homeless individuals needing mental health support, other services may be available.
http://dmh.dc.gov/dmh/cwp/view,a,3,q,515840,dmhNav,%7C31250%7C.asp

The McKinney-Vento Act, and resource information for parents of homeless students.

Homeless creates instability, but not just for adults. What about children? Imagine the emotional and physical toll that being homeless could take on a child. Like homeless adults, homeless families may live in a variety of places that include a variety of circumstances. The U.S. Department of Education established guidelines http://www.doe.in.gov/alted/homelesslinkpg.html, to help provide a reference point, or a manner of describing what populations are homeless, in addition to those living on the street. As we approaching a growing problem, it's easy to focus on the devastating impact of the circumstance. On the other hand, children do have educational rights. If you are a parent or guardian who is defined as homeless with children, what should you know?

The McKinney-Vento Act has been an important step that supports the statement that "no child should be left behind," yet many individuals in need may not even be aware of it. Homeless youth have the right to equal education, and there are resources in place to assist their parents and/or guardians.

http://www.nationalhomeless.org/factsheets/education.html

For example, the Office of Transitory Services/ Homeless Children and Youth Program, responds to various needs of students who are identified as homeless. You may contact the office in the DC area, and learn about what assistance may be available. Please note that CVM will be partnering with the office described above, and a limited amount of numbers will be available soon, as an additional support tool. We appreciate the opportunity to expand our services, and we do hope that this proves to assist parents in staying in touch with others better.

http://www.k12.dc.us/offices/oss/homeless.htm

http://www.seo.dc.gov/seo/cwp/view,A,3,Q,561739.asp

Best wishes,

CVM DC

National Coalition for the Homeless encourages 2010 service enumeration based census participation of the homeless in DC.

According to the census fact sheet, this undertaking is scheduled to occur on March 29, 2010, through March 31, 2010. It may also be beneficial for case workers to be aware of this information. It was also stated that the count transpires every ten years. Please visit the link below.

http://www.nationalhomeless.org/factsheets/CensusFactSheet.pdf

June events for those in need....record expungement and a local job fair.

COMMUNITY REENTRY AND EXPUNGEMENT SUMMIT 2009


Tuesday, June 23, 200910:00 am to 4:00 pm
Walter E. Washington Convention Center

Come learn about reentry support services in the DC area and whether you are eligible to have your DC arrest record sealed or conviction record expunged.

EVENT SERVICES:• Housing Information & Counseling• Education & Vocational Training• Employment Assistance• Free Civil Legal Advice• Information on Record Sealing & Expungement

HOW TO GET THERE?

By Metro Rail:Yellow/Green Line to Mt Vernon Square/Convention Center
Red Line to Gallery Place-Chinatown
By Metro Bus: P6, 90, X2, G8

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: April Frazier, Esq.Community Reentry Program Coordinator

680 Rhode Island Avenue, NE, Suite H-5
Washington, DC 20002Toll Free: 1-800-341-2582 (extension 835)
Email: reentry@pdsdc.org
TEL: 202-824-2835

Job services resource fair:
Meet with employers - Safeway, Miller & Long, GuestServices and more!► Obtain health screenings for blood sugar, blood pressure,vision and more!► Learn about employment resources, training programs,benefits and more!

Dress for success
Bring your resume

ThursdayJune 25, 20091 1 am - 1 pm
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library
A - Level
901 G Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001

For more information, call Charlotte Emigh at 202.722.2280 x 323

Please feel free to contact us, if you have similar news to share, or you may post a comment.

Participating agencies in DC, list one.

Community Voice Mail DC is on the move, in more ways than one! We recently moved from DC Central Kitchen, to N Street Village. Many thanks to the highly respected and praised DC Central Kitchen, for hosting the program, for quite some time. We equally appreciate N Street Village, and their willingness to help us to move forward, through the summer.



By visiting this link, http://www.dccentralkitchen.org/community_voicemail.php, you can view a list of other participating agencies. We do not supply numbers, one by one, but we do work with partnering agencies that can assist with offering a free number. Please be advised that expanded agency information will follow. A few new partners have joined our efforts, and we will also supply a bit more tidbits about these wonderful organizations, as information becomes available. In the meantime, please inquire about Community Voice Mail at any of the listed locations. If you have any questions, please let us know. You may email us, or leave a message at 202-580-8178.

Now that I'm visiting "the spot," what is Community Voice Mail?

Connection Plus Service= Far Reaching Results.

Community Voice Mail is a resource tool that helps people in need to stay connected. Based on a simple premise, the results can be far reaching. People need to remain connected with the outside world, regardless of their current status of being defined as homeless, or as someone in crisis. Some clients use Community Voice Mail (CVM) to stay in touch with family, potential employers, case workers, and others who can assist them with moving forward to meet their goals. If a user is in transition, a stable number can even allow him or her to hear good news, such as a housing update. The uses for CVM also span as far as proving to serve as a safe number, for victims of domestic violence, runaways, and others in crisis. Founded in 1993, in Seattle Washington, Community Voice Mail has proven to help countless individuals to regain confidence and self-sufficiency.

Interested parties may identify a participating local agency, then follow described procedures to obtain a free number. Resources and specific information will be posted in your spot--a community spot that will serve as a portal of information for individuals living in the DC area. After a client is enrolled in CVM, he or she can access private, personal messages, using any phone to check to see if a caller has indeed left a message. Those who also sign up with an email address enjoy an added benefit of email alerts to signal that messages are waiting. You may also note that no one will know that the number is a free service, by placing a call. It sounds like any other voice mail number, allowing the user to retain the dignity that he or she deserves.

A rather unique feature of the service is also being able to hear broadcast messages, which may range from public health announcements, to job fair information. If you have local event news to share with those in need, or there's a message that you would like posted and shared with those in our network, please don't hesitate to contact us. CVM and AmeriCorps have partnered together to provide this service to the community at large. We are committed to helping to support those who need the service, in addition to other non-profit organizations who would like to network with us. Together, we all can build a connected community. Together, we can watch phone lines turn into life lines. To read more information about Community Voice Mail's national office, please visit http://www.cvm.org/. You may also visit http://communityvoicemail.blogspot.com/. Please pardon our dust as we build your community spot. More information is forthcoming.