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Author: Edge Marketing

Job Openings
January 31, 2024 Edge Marketing

OPEN POSITION: Street Outreach

Pay: $  DOE
FLSA Status: Non-exempt/Full time
Hours: 40 per week.

Objective of the Position:  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Position Summary: The Street Outreach Worker is responsible for performing street outreach to the homeless county-wide including reaching out to individuals and families that are not being served or are underserved by existing community service delivery systems, building trusting relationships and developing a rapport that lead to acceptance and openness to seeking help, engaging the homeless as a first step to accepting care for immediate health and safety needs, using services and resources and taking steps to become integrated into the community, enabling individuals to accept placement and opportunities to stabilize their lives and utilizing diversion practices, crisis response and intervention, shelter referrals, interim housing placement, and linking individuals with the appropriate destination for continued services.

Education, Experience, and Skills Required:

  • High School Diploma required, BA in social services preferred.
  • Previous experience working or volunteering with individuals and/or families experiencing homelessness or equivalent, related work experience.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills; organizational, conflict resolution and computer literacy.
  • Prior experience and understanding of causes of homelessness; experience working within social services.
  • Knowledge of Housing First and Street Outreach methods.
  • Cooperative, friendly, and helpful attitude with clients and co-workers. Ability to work closely with other employees to ensure positive, constructive environment within the program or department, and throughout the agency.
  • Ability to thrive in a flexible, fast-paced, and growth-oriented environment, while maintaining a sense of humor and a positive, solution-oriented approach.
  • Ability to work under pressure. Experience in crisis intervention and problem solving with ability to diffuse situation without heightening the conflict.
  • Ability to thrive in a flexible, fast paced and growth-oriented environment, while maintained a positive, solution-oriented approach.
  • Have working knowledge of community resources.
  • Ability to learn and apply various engagement techniques to a variety of situations.
  • Passion and enthusiasm for the mission of GSM and clients.
  • Possess valid driver’s license; at least state required minimum of auto insurance. Must be willing and able to travel/drive throughout Lake County.
  • Computer literacy required, including experience with Excel, Outlook, Word, etc.
  • Background check required

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 

In the News, News
December 11, 2023 Edge Marketing

Helena not immune from homelessness, urban camping concerns

After a homeless encampment was dismantled in November, tents and makeshift camps continue to pop up in the city, highlighting the need for additional emergency shelters.
A small camp made up of tarps sits in the back corner of Constitution Park in downtown Helena on Nov. 30, 2023. 

In early November, deputies with the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office cleared out a homeless encampment a few miles south of downtown Helena, displacing those who called the camp their home.

The encampment — first on private property before it was moved to U.S. National Forest land — sprung up earlier this summer, and about 25 people lived there, according to coverage by KTVH.Now that the campsite has been removed, some of those unsheltered individuals moved into city limits where they could utilize the nonprofit resources and shelters, while others left the area.

Since then, new camps made up of tents and tarps have popped up within the city parks, on sidewalks and in alleyways, sparking community concerns about public safety while also highlighting the growing unsheltered crisis.

“There is not a spot within city limits that our community has opened up access for unsheltered to camp, [which] makes it very complicated,” Mark Nay, the street outreach coordinator for Good Samaritan Ministries, told Montana Free Press. “Folks that are living on the streets, you know, living in their cars, living in campers. What happens is they’ll kind of get themselves set up in a spot, and it really does go against what our city code is.”

So what is Helena’s stance on homeless encampments and urban camping?

Staying overnight is prohibited in any public or natural park within the city limits without permission from the city’s parks and recreation department, according to the Helena city code.

Although the code states that it’s unlawful to camp or sleep overnight in these areas, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit ruled in 2018 that local law enforcement can not cite or arrest campers if there is not adequate shelter available for the homeless. That decision is affecting how many cities throughout the West, including some in Montana, approach expanding homelessness.

Mark Nay, the street outreach coordinator for Good Samaritan Ministries in Helena, sits in his office at Our Place, a resource program for unsheltered individuals on Nov. 29, 2023.

According to a survey conducted by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development with the help of United Way of Lewis and Clark, about 175 unsheltered people are living in the county. Helena does have multiple programs and nonprofits that handle transitional housing, Nay said, but only one emergency shelter without enough beds to go around.

Helena Police Chief Brett Petty told MTFP that officers address complaints about homeless people from the community on a case-by-case basis. One of the most frequent complaints, though, is about people camping in city parks. A goal of his department, Petty said, is to make sure that the parks are usable and safe for everyone in Helena.

“I think the main thing here is being unsheltered, being homeless, being considered transient is not illegal,” Petty said. “Just because you don’t have a house doesn’t mean you’re a criminal, and that’s the way we treat it. Now if you’re camping in the park, there’s an ordinance saying that you can’t, but we have to work with those folks because they don’t have other places to go.”

Petty also shared that the police department works closely with Nay at Good Samaritan Ministries to find homeless individuals temporary shelters and help them utilize resources from local nonprofits.

Helena has multiple resources for individuals and families who don’t have a secure home and are experiencing homelessness.

“I think the main thing here is being unsheltered, being homeless, being considered transient is not illegal.”

HELENA POLICE CHIEF BRETT PETTY

God’s Love is the city’s only emergency shelter that is available to any individual who requires services, although it excludes individuals who become violent within the shelter.

“We have one rule: It doesn’t matter if you’re drinking, using drugs, it doesn’t matter what your story is, the second you hit a staff member you’re gone, no questions asked,” said Rachel Sanders, the office manager at God’s Love.

Those people camping around the shelter are individuals who have been kicked out, some of whom have mental health and addiction issues, Sanders said. God’s Love is at the corner of North Last Chance Gulch and 11th Avenue, and there are a few tents and personal belongings propped up on the north side of the building.

Helena City Manager Tim Burton said Helena is addressing the call for unsheltered assistance by working with the local nonprofits that provide services.

“So we stay in close communication with them, and where there’s opportunity for us to move things along or leverage state or federal grant dollars, those types of activities to help them provide the critical services,” Burton said.

There is an effort led by Good Samaritan Ministries to obtain a permit and funding through the city that would allow for an emergency women’s shelter. The city zoning commission will meet on Wednesday, Dec. 6, to consider the permit for the shelter project.

Burton said he hasn’t had time to analyze the efforts of officials in Bozeman and Missoula to curtail urban camping in those cities. Bozeman has adopted an urban camping ordinance, and Missoula is considering a similar response.

“What I do know is that it’s a national problem, and part of that national problem is in Helena, Montana,” Burton said. “I can speak to the issue that we’re effectively coordinating on a daily, weekly, as-needed basis with the experts that actually provide this service. I can’t say enough about the nonprofit organizations that, I mean, these folks do wonderful work. There’s not a single person in the city staff that has the expertise to run a shelter. It’s just not what we do. But, that doesn’t mean we can’t help the organizations that do provide that service where we can.”

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Mission Moments
November 20, 2023 Edge Marketing

Volunteer Spotlight: Chuck Butler

This past August, Chuck Butler attended the “Rough Sleepers” community conversation on homelessness facilitated by Helena community members. He was moved to get involved in Our Place and the unhoused community in Helena. Chuck Butler moved to Helena, Montana in 1985 to pursue a job in healthcare with Blue Cross Blue Shield. His career has spanned a number of fields including journalism, politics, and healthcare. Throughout his career, he’s always been moved to do what he can to help others.

Chuck believes that no one should be sleeping outside in Helena. He is the Stewardship Chair of Plymouth Congregational Church. Chuck started getting involved with Our Place and the unhoused community after attending all five of the “Rough Sleepers” Community Conversations put on by Jennifer Thompson and the United Way of Lewis and Clark County. He said, “what I was hearing about people in my own community sleeping outside, struck a nerve. I thought, it isn’t right that people in our community are sleeping outside. Something has to be done.”

After hearing about solutions to the issues that seemed far down the line, he decided to use his influence to do something that would help people outside now. He mobilized the members of Plymouth Congregational Church to hold a fundraiser for sleeping bags. With the funds, 45 new sleeping bags for Our Place were purchased for those unsheltered. Mark Nay, Helena’s Street Outreach Coordinator was grateful for the donation and mentioned that these would go fast. When the community came together over a shared cause, they made a difference.

I asked Chuck, what he would tell members of the community, who would like to get involved but don’t know where to start?

“I would say “go talk to your neighbors”. I had not been in Our Place before a couple of months ago, but I would drive by it on my way to work for 30 years. Often, it is easier to turn a blind eye to those who are suffering, but extending a helping hand is the sign of true strength. I started going in and talking to a couple of the guys in there. I have always been welcomed with a great big bear hug. We need to remember, that we are not helpless, and small acts of kindness can mean a world of difference.”

Chuck and Susan Butler just deposited another check for 50 more sleeping bags to donate to Our Place. Chuck will be at the Open House at Our Place on Dec. 5th. He encourages community members who have wondered how they can make a difference, to take the first step and come on in. All are welcome.

Thank you, Chuck for your commitment to the Good Samaritan Mission!

 

Job Openings, News
November 14, 2023 Edge Marketing

OPEN POSITION: Production Assistant: Dock Posting 

Job Title: Production Assistant: Dock Posting
Hours: 40/wk
Supervisor: Michelle Hughes
Posting Created By: Samantha Jensen

Good Samaritan Ministries, motivated by faith-based teaching, works in our community to advance family life, human dignity, and the common good. We provide services to meet the physical, social, emotional, and spiritual needs of individuals and families of all faiths, especially those most in need. Good Samaritan Thrift Store acts as an integral part of Good Samaritan Ministries mission to offer the programs and services to advance human dignity, respect, and support.

 

The Dock Production Assistant is responsible for accepting incoming donations as well as sorting and preparing donations for store sales and under very stressful conditions.

 

Essential Functions: Duties and Responsibilities including but not limited to the following

· Works on dock accepting incoming donation items and sorts according to the various departments.

· Works on dock refusing incoming donation items that are ripped, stained, torn, or broken.

· Moves lift furniture items, and assists customers with loading purchased merchandise

· Responsible for keeping the dock warehouse clean, orderly, and safe during the scheduled shifts.

· Provides customers with donation receipts

· Responsible for ensuring a safe sales floor environment for co-workers and customers

· Informs supervisor about any repairs or supplies needed

· Adheres to all building safety requirements, as well as follows procedure when an incident, accident or injury has occurred.

· Adheres to all store lifting policies and weight restrictions

· In the event, a co-worker is out, potentially be willing to cover for the dock area

· Greets and assists customers, clients, and donors, treating all with respect and dignity

· Maintains floors, sweeping, washing on the dock area

· Breaks down cardboard boxes for recycling

· Interacts and communicates professionally and effectively while maintaining open communication with supervisors, other team members, customers, and clients.

· Learns New Tasks

· Follows Directions and Policies

· Attends all meetings and trainings as required

· Other duties as assigned

· Frequent Lifting, carrying and transporting of objects weighing up to 125lbs or above.

· Mobility within the facility and the ability to occasionally drive, load, and unload the delivery truck

Benefits: Full Medical, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account and 401 (k)!

Job Openings, News
November 14, 2023 Edge Marketing

OPEN POSITION: Production Assistant: Clothing Dept

Job Title: Production Assistant: Clothing Dept
Hours: Full time
Pay: $10.30/hr

GOOD SAMARITAN MINISTRIES THRIFTSTORE: Good Samaritan Ministries, motivated by faith-based teaching, works in our community to advance family life, human dignity, and the common good. We provide services to meet the physical, social, emotional, and spiritual needs of individuals and families of all faiths, especially those most in need. Good Samaritan Thrift Store acts as an integral part of Good Samaritan Ministries mission to offer the programs and services to advance human dignity, respect and support.

Essential Functions: Duties and Responsibilities including but not limited to the following.

· Expected to daily sort, price as needed, and place clothing racks on the sales floor for purchase.

· Ensures clothing is stocked for daily sales, especially during ½ price sale.

· Responsible for keeping the Clothing production area clean and orderly, and remove all trip and fall hazards, as well as keeping displays pleasing to the customer’s eye.

· Conducts “pull-downs” at the end of the month or as desired.

· Puts away processed and priced merchandise.

· Adheres to all building safety requirements, as well as follows procedure when an incident, accident, or injury has occurred.

· Adheres to all store lifting policies and weight restrictions.

· In the event, a co-worker is out, potentially be willing to cover for staff and/or area.

· Greets and assists customers, treating all with respect and dignity.

· Maintains floors and workbenches, sweeping, washing in your department area, and make sure the shelves are dusted and presentable on the sales floor.

· Works consistently through the day with approved breaks. When area duties are “caught up”, find other tasks or projects to stay busy in the effort to support the store and co-workers.

· Takes initiative to help others by picking up around the store (inside and out), moving empty carts into cart area when needed.

· Interacts and communicates professionally and effectively while maintaining open communication with supervisors, and other team members, customers, and clients.

· Learns New Tasks

· Follows Directions and Policies

· Attends all meetings and training as required.

· Ability to manage a fast-paced store environment with heavy traffic flow on and off throughout the day

· Ability to stand for long periods of time, Frequent Lifting, carrying and transporting of objects weighing up to 60lbs.

Benefits: Full Medical, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account and 401 (k)!

Job Openings, News
November 14, 2023 Edge Marketing

OPEN POSITION: Production Assistant: Electronics

Job Title: Production Assistant Hours: 40/wk
Department: Electronics
Reports to: Michelle Hughes
Pay: $10.30/hr

Mission Statement: Good Samaritan Ministries, motivated by Catholic social teaching, works in our community to advance family life, human dignity, and the common good. We provide services to meet the physical, social, emotional, and spiritual needs of individuals and families of all faiths, especially those most in need.

The objective of the Position: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Electronics Department Essential Functions: Duties and Responsibilities including but not limited to the following:

· Will sort, test, process, price, and recycle all incoming donations into the electronics department

· Will place stickers on donations that have been tested “TESTED” and your initials and the date

· Will place stickers on donations that have not been tested “AS IS” and your initials and the date

· Will remove old garage sale tags; do not just cover them

· Each morning before you start testing take a walk through the Electronics department on the sales floor.

· Dispose of trash, organize shelves, and make it presentable to the customers

· Wrap up cords

· Will ensure that goals are met, and new department goals set

· Will be actively engaged to increase numbers in this department

· Will write neatly and legible on donations (ex. Turns on and works but needs charger and then your initials)

· Functions as a team member for the success of the Good Samaritan Store

· Interacts and communicates professionally and effectively while maintaining open communication with supervisors, and other team members, customers, and clients.

· Learns New Tasks

· Follows Directions and Policies

· Attends work on a regular basis with minimal absences or tardiness

· Attends all meetings and training as required

· Other duties as assigned

· Organized, sets priorities meets deadlines, and works with minimum supervision

· Excellent customer service skills while dealing with customers, co-workers, and volunteers

· Frequent lifting, carrying, and transporting of objects weighing up to 20lbs. team lifting 20lbs and above

· Mobility within the facility and the ability to occasionally drive, load, and unload the delivery truck

· Fast-paced store environment with heavy traffic flow on and off throughout the day

Benefits: Full Medical, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account and 401 (k)!

News
October 26, 2023 Edge Marketing

Extended Our Place Hours

To keep more people out of the cold, we are extending hours at Our Place drop in center from Monday through Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm. Our place is a community center that provides peer recovery services, community groups, crisis mitigation, and housing assistance. It is a safe place for community members to have a cup of coffee, use the computers, and/or grab a donated blanket or coat.

News
October 12, 2023 Edge Marketing

Dock Closure

DOCK UPDATE: AT THIS TIME, WE ARE NOT ACCEPTING DONATIONS UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

Greetings customers, donors, and others, please be advised our dock is closed until further notice due to being short-staffed and the need to catch up on our existing donations and maintain staff and volunteer safety. Your donations are greatly appreciated for GSM thrift store operations, our employees, and the most in need in our community. We are truly sorry for any inconvenience this has caused.

We are still accepting furniture donations!  Please come to the front entrance of Good Samaritan thrift store to give your gently used furniture today!

Thank you for your amazing generosity and continued support of our Thrift Store! The store is open regular hours.

Events
October 5, 2023 Edge Marketing

Thank You to Supporters of the St. Francis Dinner

Thank you to everyone who donated to the St. Francis Dinner fundraiser! We appreciate your support and contribution to Street Outreach programming. With the funds raised, we will be able to purchase tents, blankets, food, and clothes for our homeless neighbors this winter. Thank you for your continued kindness and generosity towards our mission!

 

In the News
September 20, 2023 Edge Marketing

Emergency Housing Working Group looking at possibilities for emergency winter housing

HELENA — An Emergency Housing Working Group is looking at possibilities for emergency winter housing for Helena’s homeless population and considering options such as at Our Place.

During a meeting Tuesday afternoon, City and County officials discussed the possibility of creating a space for emergency winter housing during the upcoming season.

Watch and Read More on KTVH.com