by Sarah Zimbardi
Most guests who come through the OAC’s doors are going through a time of transition – trying to turn over a new leaf in their life. Some have moved from another city, hoping Atlanta will bring new opportunities. Others have just
been released from custody, trying to start over from scratch. And still others have entered treatment programs or other programs that make sure their supportive needs are met.
When I first entered the doors of the OAC almost 15 years ago as a young adult volunteer, I too was going through a time of transition – I had just graduated from college, moved to a new city, and was trying to figure out what to do next with my life. As I got to know the guests of the OAC, the realization struck me that the key difference between us was the support network we had available to help us through the time of transition.
At the OAC, we try to meet each guest where they are in their life and be a part of their support network when we can be.
For some that means providing employment services through the Main Frame: helping to polish their resume, apply for jobs, prep for interviews, and dress them for success at that interview. For others it’s helping to navigate the process of getting a birth certificate or ID so they can get a job or housing. And for some it’s something even as simple as providing a restroom, a telephone, or a listening ear.
A young guest came in recently asking for help with a New York State birth certificate. This guest shared with Briona that he had been trying for months to figure out how to get one since he didn’t have any form of identification on their list and how frustrated he was with the process. Without the birth certificate, he couldn’t get a Georgia ID and so hadn’t been able to get a job. I happened to be on the phone with New York State vital records for another guest with the same issue. After five minutes of back and forth with the vital records representative trying to explain that our guests literally had nothing available from their list of identification, Kimberly, Briona, and I decided we had to try a different approach: reach out directly to the counties where the guests were born. Within 30 minutes, Biona had filled out what looked like the exact same New York State vital records application on the county’s website and submitted it using my attorney credentials and a letter notarized by Sonja. Ten minutes later, we got notification that the birth certificate had been shipped! For perspective, New York State birth certificates can take upwards of a year of processing time when ordered from the state vital records office…
It’s this creative problem-solving and willingness to keep trying until we find a solution that I have always loved about the OAC. It’s how we try to fulfill our vision to be passionate advocates and invested partners for those experiencing homelessness. Everyone deserves to have this type of passionate support through some of the toughest transitions in their lives. At the OAC, we’re proud to be able to be part of our guests’ support networks as they try to turn over a new leaf.