For my immersion experience, I visited the weather amnesty shelter in the Kraz building in downtown South Bend. Below is a summary of my experience outlined in the Compelling Experience Framework:
Entice:
-No strings attached
The weather amnesty program differs from the other downtown shelters in two major ways: it is temporary (only in cold winter months) and it has very few requirements for entry. The weather amnesty is open to any homeless male, regardless of if he is drunk, high, pursuing jobs, or not. The tolerance of the shelter is what makes it so appealing for many homeless. The Center for the Homeless and HOPE ministries have requirements for anyone who enters the shelter, including a long-term commitment to their programming and staying free of drugs/alcohol. These rules can become barriers for homeless that are not ready to make those commitments.
-Provides warmth, shelter, snacks for free
The weather amnesty program provided about 30 simple cots and blankets on the floor in the back room. While it was nothing fancy, it would certainly be better than sleeping on the street. I felt safe while I was there, knowing that the staff are there to provide protection and to screen for any weapons before other homeless enter.
-Convenient location
The weather amnesty building is located downtown right next to the soup kitchen that provides dinner, making it a two minute, easy walk.
Enter:
-Staff checks for illict items
Anyone who wants to use the shelter must surrender any drugs or weapons before entering. This is for the safety of everyone in the shelter.
-Claim a cot
Typically, the homeless person will claim their cot after they enter to make sure that they get one before the shelter fills up.
-Giveaway of donated clothing items
The staff will pass out donated items, such as jeans, t-shirts, and coats, to whoever needs it.
Engage:
-Snacks
-TV / VCR
-Fellowship
-Prayer & reflection led by volunteers
-Sleeping in the room
The common room was set up with chairs, a TV with a VCR, and a table for snacks. Volunteers from a local church brought in oranges, popcorn, and coffee for the snack, and they led the group in prayer. About half of the people there went to the prayer, and several specifically asked to be prayed over. The volunteers played euchre with two of the homeless men. Most other people watched TV, spent time on their phones (if they had one), or just ate their snack and kept to themselves. Some of the people there were outgoing and friendly, some were very introverted and irritable, others were high. There wasn’t a sense of larger tight-knit community, but some of the men had become friends and were chatting in the common room.
Exit:
-Leave by 8AM
All homeless must leave the building by 8am. They typically walk down the street to a local church for free breakfast.
Extend:
-Spread by word of mouth
Homeless people typically learn about resources, like the weather amnesty shelter, through word of mouth from other homeless who have used it. The people at the shelter can spread word to other people in the homeless community this way.