Ghost Of Pop is my favorite show I play every year, because it kills two birds with one stone. Fun, obviously, needs to happen to keep life moving, but there are a myriad of issues that sometimes prevent a good time. This show combines those two thoughts for a positive result. We gather, we play, we watch, we hear, we have a good time, and just by doing this we raise funds for an incredible cause.
Ghost Of Pop is my favorite show I play every year, because it kills two birds with one stone. Fun, obviously, needs to happen to keep life moving, but there are a myriad of issues that sometimes prevent a good time. This show combines those two thoughts for a positive result. We gather, we play, we watch, we hear, we have a good time, and just by doing this we raise funds for an incredible cause. Each year musicians in Richmond give up their time to help get the word out about the hard work that HomeAgain does every single moment of every single day. Richmond is a fantastic community that is open to support worthwhile causes and I’m thrilled that so many musicians are willing to step up to the plate in order to help such an important local organization.
Katie Chlan is the executive director of HomeAgain. After over 15 years of experience working in human services, she’s an established player in the industry of lending a hand to those that may not always be on top of the world. This type of work is what allows us to retain our humble and humane nature as a species. People such as Katie and her hard working staff are the ones that do the thankless work that truly makes the largest impact directly onto others. The staff of HomeAgain works directly with landlords and property managers to find the best suited home for those who have fallen on hard times, in addition to providing transitional living situations, emergency shelters, and prevention/educational services. This is a 24/7 kind of job. Every day hundreds of homeless men, women, and children rely on individuals such as Katie and the staff of HomeAgain and the services they provide.
These hard working individuals are the unsung heroes of what makes this city a wonderful place to live. Their work deserves more recognition than we have the ability to give, so I’m thrilled that we’re teaming up again as musicians, human services workers, loyal community supporters, and Richmonders to have a night of great music and to give thanks to some of the hardest working people in our town. But the experience needs to be told from their perspective as well. I had an opportunity to ask Katie a few questions regarding her work, goals, and beyond.
Katie Chlan and her daughter Kaya
If you had to describe the two most important tasks HomeAgain provides for the community what would they be?
HomeAgain provides shelter each night to 124 individuals who are experiencing homelessness. This includes providing a roof, a pillow, and a warm meal. It also includes support services to help end each person’s homelessness, such as case management, substance abuse services, and assistance with locating and securing permanent housing. Additionally, our two programs that serve children ensure that the children remain in their school of origin and receive the services they need during this time of crisis. These tasks are vital to the well-being of the child, as well as the family unit.
What is the biggest achievement that HomeAgain has had?
HomeAgain has operated continuously, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, since 1980. While I think this is a pretty big achievement, I think a bigger one would be working to the point where homeless services are no longer needed in this city.
What is the single hardest part about being a homeless prevention and emergency shelter organization? What’s the most commonly occurring wall you face?
As with most not-for-profit agencies, the biggest challenges we face are financial. We receive generous support from many individuals, companies, churches, businesses, private foundations, and government agencies, and we are most thankful for this funding. However, like everyone else, we are feeling the effects of the economy. Giving is down across the board, and we are tasked with raising more funds each year.
What are some basic things that the Richmond community could keep in mind in terms of homelessness? Are there any simple daily actions that can yield a positive result in terms of helping with this issue?
There is no one face of homelessness. Everyone’s path to a housing crisis is different. This also means that the way to end homelessness is different for different people. But we know that if we as a community offer a diverse array of shelter and related services, and have an adequate stock of permanent housing options to meet all needs, we can end homelessness. I think that if we, as a community, all learned about homelessness, its causes, and its solutions, we could work together to be a part of the solution to this problem.
Ghost of Pop is a fun concert series that happily brings together local musicians to raise awareness about HomeAgain, so a music question’s got to be a part of this. So, what is your all time favorite song and why?
My musical tastes vary greatly, so it’s really hard for me to pick just one song. I love everything from Billy Joel to Bon Jovi to Otis Redding. I am a child of the 80’s, and am also a big fan of “Rogaine Rock.”
—–
Ghost Of Pop 8 will be happening at Gallery5 on Saturday Dec 8th at 8pm, featuring performances by Herro Sugar, My Old Ways, The Trillions, Andrew Leahey & the Homestead, Goldrush, and a special reunion of SaU. We’ll also have DJ Outsider spinning all night, plus some interactive activities and various other goings ons. Admission is a $5 (or more) donation at the door. For more info go to http://www.facebook.com/events/545749425438678
