From the Executive Director

As 2008 draws to a close and we look back on the year, Crossroads Shelter has been able to be a positive influence in so many lives. I wanted to take this opportunity to thank everyone that has contributed to another year of operation. Crossroads Shelter was able to provide services to the homeless using a person-centered, recovery-oriented model. We were able to provide food, shelter, and community referrals. In addition, we were able to provide intensive case management services.

We are committed to providing trauma-informed care to help individuals obtain permanent housing and gain the necessary skills to maintain independent living in the community. When we say we are committed to providing trauma-informed care, we mean that we acknowledge people are fundamentally changed when traumatic events happen. Therefore, the healing process is one of discovery and not an attempt to go back to the way things once were. Discovery is made possible when services and programs explore the meaning of safety from multiple perspectives, foster authentic connections that build trust and share power by supporting choice and autonomy. Trauma-informed care means approaching individuals in a way that honors their strengths as well as vulnerabilities. We strive to create opportunities for our clients to become empowered to take charge of own lives.

The relationship between homelessness and alcohol and drug addiction is quite controversial. While we do see more addictive disorders among the homeless population, this alone does not explain homelessness. Most drug and alcohol addicts never become homeless. Individuals who are poor and addicted are clearly at increased risk and left untreated, addictive disorders contribute to homelessness. When combined with low incomes and other stressors, an addiction can be that push into the spiral of residential instability. And for people who are addicted and homeless, the road to recovery may forever elude them. Alcohol and drugs are often used to cope with trauma or serve as a way to self-medicate for those with untreated mental illness— which only moves them further from stability. The reality is many homeless individuals with addictive disorders do want to overcome their disease. The principles of recovery from addictive disorders align with the principles of trauma-informed care. Some of the common values are:
❐ Supporting people in taking charge of their own healing.
❐ Healing starts with the person, no matter how vulnerable they appear to be.
❐ Hope is essential to healing.
❐ Autonomy and self-determination foster recovery.
❐ Building trust and establishing connection create opportunities for discovery.
❐ People are doing the best they can at any given time to cope with immeasurable losses.
❐ A sense of safety is vital to recovery.
❐ Recovery is possible.

Crossroads Shelter needs your support to continue helping individuals and families that have been affected by the trauma of homelessness. With the current economic climate, the need for our services will most likely continue to increase in the months to come. Your support allows these individuals and families to take charge of their own healing and create opportunities for discovery. Your support helps to make their recovery possible. You can find out more about the agency and how you can help by exploring our website or by calling the shelter at 276.228.9270.