The story (Herald, July 27) regarding “lack of accessibility” at the Volunteers of America Community Shelter referenced a protest directed at its written policy – not physical facilities – and left an inaccurate perception of one of the most cherished services in our community.
An informed conversation between the protester, the Southwest Center for Independence and VOA, rather than uninformed activism and protest, is by far preferred.
The mentioned “written policy” of the Community Shelter necessarily serves as a guideline. The shelter serves over 500 clients a year, each unique in their past experiences as well as current needs, wants and future desires. Flexibility, therefore, is the key to every situation and guidelines are just that, guidelines – not hard and fast rules. A conversation would have uncovered that.
The Durango Community Shelter is a homeless shelter, not a medical facility.
It is wheelchair and walker accessible, however, if the Americans with Disabilities Act accessible room is not available, the shelter cannot accommodate the client in a respite bed. Working with both hospitals, it does have respite beds, allowing for a safe place for homeless patients to recover after hospitalization.
However, it does not have trained medical professionals on site. Instead, it arranges for a home health care agency to come on site to assist with medical attention. The respite bed program provides clients a short-term (up to more than two months) stay. The criteria is the same for all – be self-sufficient, and no registered sex offenders or those with a violent criminal history are allowed. Additionally, the respite bed policy suggests that clients be able to maintain personal hygiene, manage their own medications, are not known to be a fall risk at the time, are independent in mobility and transportation, and can feed themselves.
VOA has always unselfishly collaborated and networked with partner agencies for the benefit of the homeless and victims of domestic violence, and is excited to work within the new Durango Homeless Coalition to address existing gaps in services. Communication and collaboration help all agencies understand each other better.
Mac Curtis VOA volunteer and Advisory Council member
Durango
