I run a small homelessness charity and we work with a huge range of people; not only rough sleepers and sofa surfers, but also people who have a range of medical, mental or social afflictions and people facing eviction. We advocate on their behalf with lots of different statutory organisations; the DWP, Police, Council, Jobcentre, PIP tribunals, Doctors etc. Because my colleague and I work for free we have very low overheads and because we have an excellent reputation locally we have no shortage of funds. People (including ex-clients who are back on their feet) fall over themselves to make donations (we were just awarded a substantial sum from local government, unasked for).
What I am desperate for are more caseworkers who will volunteer a couple of hours a day/week to help with the deluge of new cases that are threatening to overwhelm us. I'm taking a day off today for the first time in literally months, because I know that I'm on the edge of my ability to cope and my co-worker is equally stressed. I'm going away for a week's holiday on Saturday, but I know that when I get back there will be new cases for me to deal with.
So my question is, what can I do to encourage people to volunteer with us? We've placed an ad and had an article published in the (very supportive) local paper, I've made pleas on FBs local community page and every church in the town has shared the need, but so far only one person has shown any interest (though lots of people have responded by giving us donations). I know people can be fearful of working with homeless people, but in five years I've only come across a couple of our seventy or so clients whose behaviours were difficult. Generally the majority of our clients are ordinary people who have taken a wrong turn in life or, especially at the moment, they have been two pay cheques away from the streets and now that day has come.
What can I do or say to encourage people to help out (short of paying them)? Any advice gratefully received.
