A Day in the Life of a Shelter Advocate
At Journey Center’s Emergency Domestic Violence Shelter, Shelter Advocates begin their shifts in various ways depending on their personal preferences and the nature of their shifts. Some advocates start by tidying up any areas that need cleaning, others immediately engage with the residents, and some head straight to the office for the shift change.
I start my day with a mix of engaging with clients and preparing for my shift. As I walk in the front doors of Shelter, I interact with the children and parents by saying “hi” or asking how their day is going before heading to the office for our shift change.
Shift change is a crucial part of our day as advocates. It equips us with essential information about what transpired during the previous shifts, we learn about curfew extensions, incidents, discharges, and positive news, such as a client securing housing, getting a move-out date, or another accomplishment on their goal towards safety and healing.
After shift change, I log into our Helpline chat and set myself up to answer Helpline calls. Each day is different, answering the phone can include crisis calls and offering emotional support, it may include someone calling for Shelter or other Journey Services, or it may include providing information and referrals to other services- whatever that caller needs in that moment.
As Shelter Advocates, our daily tasks vary day by day. Some days we prepare and box meals for those living in Shelter, we may clean areas in the house, or other “chores” that need done. As Advocates we could be providing personal care products or other items a shelter guest may need, we could be preparing for a new family to come into Shelter by gathering linens, something comfortable to wear, and person care items, or other items an individual and family may need to feel safe and welcome.
What doesn’t vary is the emotional support we provide for those living in our Shelter. It could be welcoming a new family or shelter guest or providing support to someone who has been at Shelter for a few weeks or months. As Shelter Advocates it is our role to provide a listening ear and support to residents who maybe be having a tough day, provide parenting advice to a struggling parent, offer hope and support to someone as they navigate their journey.
But, most importantly, we advocate for the residents. We advocate for safety in the community, in courts, and other systems, we advocate for the youth in shelter, and for families as a whole to receive the services and support they need during their time in Shelter. Advocacy is at the core of our work, and each of us has a unique approach to it.
As a Shelter Advocate I get excited walking through the doors every shift – I never know exactly what my day will look like, and I love the unpredictability of each day. I never know how the day will unfold.
On the opposite end, Shelter does have its challenges. We all have paperwork and documentation to keep – while it’s not the most fun part of my job, it is important- it helps us all stay on the same page, not only in Shelter, but with other services we provide at Journey Center. Additionally, one of the more challenging aspects is intakes. New residents often arrive nervous, scared, and sometimes injured, unsure what to expect when they leave their home and come to our Shelter. However, our training prepares us to make their transition as smooth as possible. When someone arrives at Shelter, we start by giving them a tour of the facility, informing them about the services we offer, and provide them with personal care products. Most importantly, we allow new residents time to settle in and feel safe and comfortable.
One of the most rewarding parts of being a Shelter Advocate is seeing survivors find a safe place to live. The excitement and joy they feel when they move into their own homes, especially those who have never lived independently or haven't done so in years, is incredibly fulfilling.
Lastly, I cherish the camaraderie among my coworkers. While we may not always agree on how to best serve a client, we share a deep love for the work we do and know that at its core, the work is about the clients.
Journey Center's Shelter served 160 adults and children in 2023 who were seeking a safe and violence-free life. We are thankful for advocates, like Tamika, who provide a safe, supportive environment.
We are always here for you when you need to talk. Call or text our 24-Hour Helpline: 216.391.4357 (HELP) or live chat.