Do the Right Thing!
Write!
READ & REFLECT on the following Brief Summary of the Developing Diamonds Community Project Proposal
MAKE IT HAPPEN!
Write a letter of support stating a little about yourself and what you like best about the project
If you agree this project is URGENTLY NEEDED for all, Turn this Proposal into a Home for the Homeless that is Transformational for both Homeless and the Public.
A Brief Summary of the Developing Diamonds Community Project
The definition of being homeless is to be without a home address to return to at night to sleep, safe and secure. The life that the homeless live in small encampments hiding from police harassment and violence from both inside and outside their community is beyond the comprehension of anyone who has not lived it themselves. Their primary goal is to simply wake up to endure another day and hope for a bit of relief, often in the form of drugs and alcohol for at least the illusion of life and humanity, or to give up and let those illusions take them out of their misery. So why would they choose to live this life as opposed to the shelters currently offered to them?
It’s as simple and as difficult to understand as claiming their “innate,” God given, human right to self determination, not to mention their U.S.constitutional right to equality in the pursuit of happiness, to ensure a “happy society,” envisioned by our founding fathers. Many of the chronic homeless have known nothing else, since childhood, but lives of violence and abandonment from those who would protect them, and pity and disgust from the more privileged public. Add to that, a high percentage of the chronic homeless have fallen through the cracks of “fitting in” with the thinking patterns of the general public and have suffered the traumas of being overlooked, devalued and punished for not being “normal.” Just as the general public has treated them as having less value, so have many homeless shelters who allegedly “rescue” them from their inhumane conditions only to tell them, not only what, they need, but how and when they need to achieve the goals set by the shelter which is to fast track toward a job to support themselves, expecting them to comply, without question, to expectations and rules that are often counterintuitive to them. Their efforts to comply often lead to failure and suspension or expulsion from the program, making them feel even more “unworthy,” “incapable.” They may “dig in” and become defiant as they learn that to “fit-in” they must give up their human right to choice and self-determination.
It is this population that the Developing Diamonds Community Project (DDC) is dedicated to serving appropriately. As society is gradually accepting diversity of race and culture as enriching to a healthy society, it its time to recognize that diversity of perspective can be an even greater asset. “Neurodivergence” has been seen as a pathology, as in the dysfunctional extremes of autism, but it actually has a wide range of expressions from that extreme to the other, of genius, and many points in between. They merely see and do things differently than 95% of the general public, adding a capacity of lending new insights to enrich lives and solve problems. Because they are “different,”however, they are usually dismissed as incomprehensible and”out- there,” with their insights and views being considered unworthy of consideration, or the time “wasted” in trying to understand and find their value. As homeless, their creativity has been limited to survival techniques from the traumas generated by a system that sees their existence as a threat to and blight on society, constantly adding new layers of trauma and defiance.
While the public needs to feel safe outside their homes, down-town and in public parks, free of trash and litter, so too the homeless need a home where they can feel safe and secure, also free off trash and litter with consideration for their neighbors. We have named this HOME, The Developing Diamonds Community (DDC) for we believe the homeless are Diamonds in the Rough, full of innate value in service to themselves, their new home community and the public. Their brilliance has been buried under layers of trauma under great pressure. They cannot be expected to mine themselves, nor to formulate and polish themselves. That is the privilege and responsibility of the public who currently enjoy life-styles and resources, the likes of which the homeless have been deprived. The process of engaging and helping these rough gems to develop their ultimate brilliance as community assets, may also help the public rediscover their own human traits of empathy, compassion and community. Potential residents may confirm their interest on the website, or apply at DDC events.
The first stage is to provide a home that is a familiar, camping, environment, but offers a clean, safe, secure and peaceful place for a good night’s sleep, and is pet friendly, offering life transitions beyond. Just as each individual wants these things for himself, to which he/she is entitled, as human beings, the most fundamental rule of the DDC is to do nothing that deprives the rest of the residents, as well as the public, of these same basic rights. This rule begins the formation of a community mindset that protects the rights of all. The camp will have empathetic security that will protect them from outside as well as inside threats or disturbances. They are to return by dark to socialize until they choose to sleep, respecting smoking and quiet talking areas. Although illegal drugs and alcohol will not be allowed on site, those who are under their influence upon returning will be allowed to “sleep it off,” if not loud or violent.
After a good night’s sleep and breakfast with uplifting ambient music and caring mentors, level one residents are required to leave camp by 10 am as good community citizens. They will be cautioned that they may still suffer fines and arrest if violating rules of public places. Until they become known as “law abiding citizens,” they will be advised to travel in small groups and video any of potentially questionable encounters to bear witness to behaviors. If they are challenged by law enforcement, they will carry a DDC provided card, with an I.D.picture, to verify their home address and that they are no longer homeless. The card will also have an emergency number to call if they need the support of an advocate. Just as they are encouraged to take names and badge numbers of law enforcement officers who harass them, and record asking their names, they are also asked to record the names of officers who show them respect and kindness, for future recognition.
Additional meals, comforts and privileges may be earned in exchange for services rendered. They may be care-companions for handicapped residents, cook’s helpers, tend in community garden, water future shade trees, etc. as well as give time and services, as needed, to neighbors inside and outside the sanctuary. They may also serve by attending and contributing to continued “SALLT” and “World Cafe” events to socialize with the public and special guests as well as model our principle of “Listening to Learn” to develop better understanding, empathy, cooperation and collaboration in service to one another. In time, service to others may become an internalized reward in itself.
DDC Principles and Processes have been adapted from non-mental health sources as well, such as Montessori’s sequential development and “leading from behind.” We won’t tell the resident what to think or do, we watch, listen and talk with the residents to help them discover more successful ways of getting what they want and need, to make better choices for happy relationships and a sense of purposeful well- being.
The DDC will be administered by elected representation. Each year the DDC residents, Sanctuary & Village, will elect a representative to whom grievances, suggestions and disputes may be brought. That representative will take these to the Advisory Board, at open meetings, to discuss and send them to the Executive Board with their recommendation. If personal disputes arise, the representatives, with the manager on duty, may assist in arbitrating a solution. If unable, that dispute may also be taken to the Advisory Board for a decision which will be observed as final. Although decisions may be appealed to the Executive Board, the original decision will stand unless and until it is amended or reversed.
When they are ready to pursue a livelihood they wish to explore, we will encourage them to commit to the Developmental Village program which offers advancement in specific life & livelihood skills, remote high-school or college courses, mentoring to effectively pursue a livelihood that gives joy in addition to upward financial mobility.
The first experience as a member of the Developmental Village is the Transformational DIY Housing which begins with personalized options of micro-pods. As they progress through core capacities, their housing may advance, also, to larger micro-homes, tiny-houses and tiny cluster “neighborhoods.” Their quality of life also jumps ahead with full access to the Coffee House and Community Center that will vibrate with activity, inspirational TV, discussion groups, debates, board games, improv theater, karaoke, dancing and simply chillin’. Guest speakers and demonstrators may also help develop clarity as to the livelihood that residents wish to focus on. Also to help in that choice, Ancestry DNA may reveal not only family history, but revelations of cultural traits, family legacy of talents and passions that help define them. This may also inspire connections with family they didn’t know they had, as well as reconnections with estranged family. When job skills have been developed and they are ready to launch into the public work force, DDC would be happy to restore their the first step of accountable money management. DDC will assist them in opening a bank account that is protected from unjust debits. They can, then, begin to save a portion of their income for their launching into public life, as well as contribute their fair share to the expenses of the services that have been and will be expended on their future. They will budget a manageable amount to paying down fair debts that have accrued, and have a weekly cash draw for personal discretionary spending.
From beginning to end this DDC journey will become a family affair. Each resident retains their resident “address” number throughout their stay, so their progress is easily tracked and accounted for. Even if they leave, they are welcome to return with the same numbered address. As residents advance in service, skills and housing, they become role-models and mentors to souls at lower levels. Sanctuary residents can see and hear the joyful life-style of the Villagers, motivating them to want more and do more to get and give more. DDC will make every effort to stay in touch with and advocate for our extended family, even after graduation, tracking their progress through the program and into their public life.
In the hopes of collaborating this vision with you, I remain, sincerely, Jaclyn Tredway Founder and CEO of “Building Community Thru’ Healing Homelessness, a Public Benefit non-profit corporation and Developing Diamonds Community Project
If you have access to internet and the Developing Diamonds Community.org website, you can help get this project approved by writing letters of support on the “Do the Right Thing, Write” page and/or (homeless only) may sign the Interest Survey on “Home to Dream In” page with contact information, to be notified when the sanctuary will be available. If you do not have the Internet, or need help in writing letters or wish to sign the survey, you may text Jaclyn at 520-428-3735.