I heard good things from a few people, one of whic...

I heard good things from a few people, one of which had volunteered there. And it appears to be a really nice place with alot to offer. But when I reached out while homeless and living in my car, I didn't seem to get anywhere. I went down there 4 days, 3 in a row, seeking housing assistance, food, and maybe shelter. The first day I was told to go to the wrong door so I sit in the parking lot all day, rechecking the door I was told to go to, and going back to the only employee I was able to find. He didn't seem to know where everyone was, kept saying they must be in a meeting. The 2nd day a guest finally showed me the actual entrance which is in a gated area on the opposite end of the building. But, after being there for 2 hours starting at 7am, I was apparently too late to recieve any help that day. I was told I would have to start with a "navigations counselor". Apparently they keep their sign up sheets so unless you know who they are and can catch them, you cant sign up. The 3rd day I came back, was told if I got there early I would see a navigations counselor and could sign up. Waited 4 hours but none were there, needed to leave for a job interview so asked again, I was told to come back in 2 days and I would be on a list for an appointment. Came back 2 days later and was not on a list, and of course no navigation councelors there. Not sure what the secret is to get help, but I spent 4 days asking over and over until I finally gave up. No one seems to know what all is going on, and there is no direction for new people. The "navigation councelors" are the only way to recieve meals or shelter, but I have no idea how to get an appointment with them.

As someone who worked for the homeless, and unfortunately has found myself homeless on more than one occasion, there is one common issue I seem to run into. Being able to navigate resources can be almost impossible without help. This organization really needs someone to greet people and tell them where/how to access the resources that would help their situation. Waiting days, or maybe even weeks (4 days I had no luck so gave up) to speak to a navigation counselor just to recieve a meal or shelter is just too long. People are already down, so many will give up. And the organization should do better at training people on the basics of how they opperate. If the right hand has no idea what the left is doing, and just leading people in circles, than you might as well just be denying the service, either way it becomes unavailable to the one in need.

For the benifit of those seeking help in the future, I hope the organization can use this negative feedback as constructive criticism. I feel for those like myself who will give up over the confusion, it's more than frustrating and it takes more than most can handle tp deal with it when they are already so far down. It really sucks to not know where to turn to when the one you are told to, lets you down.