January 31, 2023- The Community Foundation of Macon County announced a $150,000 donor-advised grant to fund a Community Resource Liaison position as an extension of the Macon County Continuum of Care.
The Macon County Continuum of Care was founded in 1994, in an effort to oversee planning and coordination of organizations in the community that provide services and housing for people who are homeless. The Continuum of Care currently oversees around 25 organizations.
“What we know about homelessness is that it comes from a lot of different areas and supports that are needed,” Mary Garrison, president and CEO of Heritage Behavioral Health Center said. “Everything from involving support and protection of children, to adults needing jobs, needing housing, needing other resources. So this consortium of agencies allows us to all effectively work together.”
The funding for the position will be spread over 2 years, $75,000 in 2023 and $75,000 in 2024, to support a two-year pilot program.
The position is full-time, and is an independent contract position. The individual needs to have received a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, or a related field. The individual must have had experience working with diverse populations and individuals experiencing homelessness, and/or living with mental health and substance use disorders.
The Decatur Public Library will serve as a home base office. There will be rotating office hours at various COC member agencies, including DOVE, Inc., Heritage Behavioral Health Center, and Empowerment Opportunity Center.
The individual in this position will be responsible for identifying needs among the homeless population, as well as supporting COC member agencies in their work to end homelessness in our community. In addition, they will build and maintain strong relationships with clients based on respect and compassion, and will assist clients in need by referring them to appropriate resources in the community.
“It’s all about relationship building, with the clients in the community, that all the agencies serve,” Garrison said. “This individual will collaborate with those already doing the work, but maybe bridge some gaps. Then, it’s about building relationships in the community. With our businesses, with other agencies, with our government officials. We think that is really important. We know that our community is really committed to helping individuals who experience homelessness, live with mental health disorders, and substance use disorders.”
To apply, submit a cover letter and resume to Darsonya Switzer, executive director at Dove via email at dswitzer@doveinc.org
