“Get a job, bum!” someone screamed from a passing car.
Jake carried six bags of crushed aluminum cans down a busy street. He wasn’t walking very fast. The bags were heavy and tearing in several places. “Get a job, bum!” someone screamed from a passing car. Jake kept his head down and continued walking. He didn’t want a confrontation. Eventually, Jake reached the recycling center. […]
What color is that rule?
3:00 a.m. The darkest part of night. The first big thunderstorm of summer. Rain poured off her straw-colored hair. She struggled to carry her three children by herself—a newborn and twin toddlers in car seats. She shuffled slowly along an urban bicycle trail. The incision from her C-Section was infected. Can you imagine what that […]
My employee escalates conflict
Dear Ryan, How do I help my staff who “don’t get it” and escalate problems with our homeless patrons? Sharon Sharon, That is a great question and one I get a lot. First, let me tell you what not to do. Do not “summarize.” Avoid summarizing what your staff member is doing: “Please be more […]
What about disrespect
towards staff?
The following is taken from an incident report at the homeless shelter where I work. A new staff member wrote it: Gus came into the office being very disrespectful towards me. He asked me “do you actually do any work to deserve a paycheck?” I told him if he continues disrespecting me or other staff […]
