Search Library
Organization: Center for Mental Health Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Publication Date: 2009
All too often, families helplessly witness the struggles of loved ones who are homeless. We are faced with the dilemma of wanting to help, but needing to keep ourselves safe. HRC’s Gloria Dickerson reflects on her own family’s struggles after attending a local Homeless Memorial Day event.
On a very cold day in Boston, the day after the longest night of the year, people streamed into St. Joseph’s Cathedral to honor the memory of those who died on...
Organization: Center for Mental Health Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Publication Date: 2009
People who are homeless often experience trauma, mental illness, and/or substance use problems. Recovery happens in relationships that help people move past these obstacles. These ten tips can help your agency create an environment that supports recovery.
1) Create a physical environment that is welcoming and safe, where different ways of expressing emotions are tolerated. Developing a welcoming environment does not necessarily require an expens...
Publication Date: 2008
“My voice is there to demonstrate that “down and out” is not “over and forgotten.” Check out what consumer activist Julia Tripp has to say about recovery and consumer involvement.
Q: What has brought you to where you are now, as an advocate, activist, and agent of change?
A: Several years ago I had an epiphany about who I am, and also about how homeless services are delivered. I found myself at the table instead of under it. I saw that there wer...
Organization: Homelessness Resource Center (HRC)
Publication Date: 2013
For some people, the support of peers is central to a making a successful transition from shelters and the streets to a home. For others, it remains a missing piece.
Charles is a 55-year-old veteran. After 35 years of homelessness—living with relatives, at veteran’s shelters, and in sober houses—his dream came true. He received a voucher that allowed him to choose a place to live in a community of his choice. Charles moved into a two-bedroom home...
Publication Date: 2011
With one in four adults experiencing a mental illness each year, nearly all workplaces have some consumers of mental health services on staff. However, it is a rarely discussed issue. This article explores the experience of disclosure for two PATH Consumer Provider Network (PCPN) members.
Publication Date: 2010
FREE Access to Full Text: This article examines the recovery paradigm across several fields, and explores the need for recovery-oriented homeless services. It is featured in the "Future of Homeless Services" Special Issue, guest edited by the Homelessness Resource Center and published in the Open Health Services and Policy Journal. The authors, drawing from personal and indirect recovery perspectives, support current trends toward recovery-orient...
Organization: SAMHSA
Publication Date: 2009
A trauma survivor shares her story of struggling to understand the complexities of trauma response in her life. Trauma re-enactment leaves an unpredictable mark on her life, often when she least expects it. She describes her path toward understanding trauma patterns and creating positive change. Her story is a powerful illustration of the need for trauma-informed care.
I was sitting in the kitchen playing with my doll, deep in happy imagination....
Organization: SAMHSA
Publication Date: 2009
Gloria Dickerson, HRC Recovery Specialist, shares a personal story about surviving and understanding trauma. She learns about the physical pain caused by the history and memory of traumatic stress. Gloria also explores the prevalence of somatic disorders, and how health care providers often do not recognize them.
I met Lesley years ago when we were both patients at a psychiatric hospital, and our friendship grew in our classes at a day program. W...
Organization: Homelessness Resource Center (HRC)
Publication Date: 2009
Multi-disciplinary teams can help to create flexible, welcoming environments to engage consumers. HRC Recovery Specialist Gloria Dickerson talks with Betty Kavanagh, Behavioral Health Officer of Health Care for the Homeless in Baltimore, MD, about their integrated treatment programs, and how they involve consumers as staff.
Betty Kavanagh is a LCSW-C, Behavioral Health Officer of Health Care for the Homeless in Baltimore, MD. She works with a mul...
Organization: Homelessness Resource Center (HRC)
Publication Date: 2009
This is Gloria Dickerson’s personal story about how work has become a tool for her recovery. It is the first of a recurring series of journal entries about Gloria’s work experiences as a Recovery Specialist. Gloria finds her work as a trainer and writer to be empowering because the job requirements are a great fit between her abilities, skills, interests and future goals. Over time she has learned to endure doubt and hold down her first full-time...
Organization: Homelessness Resource Center (HRC)
Publication Date: 2009
Fears and misperceptions can prevent employers from hiring consumers. Employers might worry about personal boundaries, relapses, or training needs. HRC’s Gloria Dickerson, Recovery Specialist, shares her thoughts on consumer integration and some helpful reminders for employers who are looking to hire.
Hiring consumers as colleagues is key to improving homeless services. Too often, consumer involvement is limited to volunteer roles or advisory boa...
Organization: SAMHSA
Publication Date: 2009
Many people in the homelessness field support the notion of recovery. Yet, recovery can mean different things for different people. In this research study, consumer involvement was a top priority. Participants made their own choices and learned life skills to support them in housing and recovery. HRC’s Gloria Dickerson chats with Dr. Christine Helfrich, Principal Investigator and Assistant Professor at Boston University Department of Occupational...
Organization: SAMHSA
Publication Date: 2009
Supported employment is a primary strategy to help people move from homelessness to housing. John Rio talks with HRC’s Gloria Dickerson about the challenges and benefits of implementing employment services in homeless assistance programs.
John Rio co-directed a U.S. Department of Labor technical assistance initiative for the past four years to employ people who are homeless with disabilities. With over 30 years of experience in rehabilitation, ho...