By Rita Rai
“Most homeless adults have a chronic health condition: 81% of adults experiencing homelessness have a chronic physical health condition (57%), serious mental illness (64%), or substance use disorder (24%). 50% of adults experiencing homelessness have co-occurrences of these conditions” (2018, Wilder Research). This statement was not easily comprehended when I initially started my internship with Catholic Charities Higher Ground Saint Paul Housing program. However, pressing facts like this and my outrageous passion and commitment to social justice drove me to pursue my experience with Higher Ground Saint Paul.
From my internship, I learned that homelessness brings in many challenges and changes in individuals' which include serious mental illnesses, substance, and chemical use disorders. Furthermore, these challenges are permanent barriers for individuals to obtain permanent housing and accomplish their goals. I have also noticed many times individuals lack the knowledge to navigate the housing systems as it requires to complete extensive and complex paperwork. Thus, that’s when social workers come in to provide support and advocacy that the client needs. One of the prime aspects that I gained from this immersive experience to serve our clients effectively, we must meet them “where they are at ” and consider the environment around them.
My responsibilities as a Housing Case Manager Intern revolved around educating residents on various subsidized housing programs and eventually assisted them with applications for Saint Paul and Minneapolis Public Housing programs. Furthermore, I referred residents to various community resources. I was also responsible for being a mediator between residents and property management as necessary. I facilitated weekly individual sessions with residents to work towards their housing and successful reintegration into the community. The highlight experience of my time as an intern was learning how competitive and mentally daunting it is to get into public housing. One criminal conviction can prevent individuals from getting housing while being employed can increase the rent from nothing to half of their income. As a result, it demotivates individuals to get back to the community as a responsible member. I sensed frustrations towards our systems that often push the most vulnerable populations behind than empowering them to furnish their lives.
All in all, I was able to utilize my case management skills to motivate residents to practice self-advocacy and self-sufficiency. I was given an opportunity to learn from experienced social workers and to unpack my learning with them and a cohort of social work interns. My ultimate goal is to utilize my internship learning to enforce responsive policies and systems for communities in need. I anticipate to serve and represent the populations in poverty on macro-level work that I aspire to do someday.
Post my internship with the Higher Ground Housing team, I was allowed to work with Higher Ground Medical Respite program and recently as a Women’s Harm Reduction and Mentally Ill Chemically dependent (MICD) Case Manager. In my new position, I work collaboratively with clients to accomplish our housing, personal, and professional goals. I also co-facilitated wellness groups. I immensely enjoy working as a Medical Respite and MICD case manager. I see every day as an opportunity to challenge myself to serve the vulnerable communities competently.
Last and most importantly, I would like to express my gratitude to Students United from the bottom of my heart for believing and supporting me to achieve my academic goals. I am beyond blessed to receive the Penny State Fellowship. It did not just lighten financial burdens, but it has also influenced me to give back to the community and pursue higher education. Thus, Thank you so much!
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