Operation Safety Net serves the street homeless people of Allegheny County by providing medical, case management, and housing assistance. It's the only organization in the county that exclusively serves people who live on the streets.
How do you serve your host site?
I have a couple little projects going on. I recruit and coordinate volunteers (both clinical and non-clinical); correspond with donors (we love getting socks, underwear, and other clothing items to distribute to our clients); do preliminary intakes for new clients that visit our drop-in center; and help street homeless clients apply for federal disability benefits. This last thing is definitely the most engaging and interesting--it's my responsibility to really get to know the client and act as their representative to social security.
What is your favorite part of serving at your host site?
It's so great to chat with a client with whom I think I have nothing in common. (For example, a 58 year old white guy who has been in prison for 30 of those years, has serious substance abuse issues, and sleeps under a bridge.) With this last guy, I soon realized that our moms were born in the same county and that we both read Stephen King. Never would've guessed!
