The VISTA member will research and compile information about successful and unsuccessful homeless shelters in Alaska as well as in other states. Data/information such as demographics, initial startup costs, operating expenses, written policies/procedures, day-to-day operation requirements and difficulties, number of employees required to operate a safe shelter, necessary employee skills and abilities, difficulties with or pertaining to employees, facilities available in Ketchikan to house a suitable homeless shelter, costs of purchasing land and constructing a suitable homeless facility, legal requirements (city, borough, state & federal) will be used to develop a plan to develop a sheltering plan as stated under Member Duties, as well as to develop alternative plans. Member will also cultivate collaboration and develop partnerships within the Ketchikan community in order to pool funds and other resources, and gather support so that the plan will be implemented and continue indefinitely into the future. This is a wonderful opportunity for an energetic, outgoing, organized individual to expand his/her base of knowledge and skills while creating a long-lasting program that will help countless individuals. More about First City Homeless Services (FCHS). It provides shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness. FCHS operates two programs: the Day Shelter and the Overnight Warming Center. The Day Shelter has been operating for over nine years, and the Overnight Warming Center began operating on October 1, 2017.
Service Activities
The VISTA member will develop a comprehensive plan to address the sheltering needs of the homeless community in Ketchikan, Alaska. The plan, when implemented, will alleviate poverty by assisting up to 60 homeless individuals with 18 hours of emergency shelter seven days a week. The desired effect is that individual participants will use the shelter and the resources referral service as stepping stones to pull themselves out of poverty and homelessness.
Community Need Addressed
Homelessness in Ketchikan.
Position Outcomes
Increased access to emergency shelter nights.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Living allowance, Non-competitive eligibility (federal jobs), Relocation allowance (if applicable)
Education Benefits
College Degree
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, Lead group discussion, Write cleary and effectively
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem, Provide relevant expertise
Teamwork
Derive consensus
Decisions
Accepts responsibility, Identify and prioritize the key issues involved to facilitate the decision making process, Quickly respond with a back-up plan if a decision goes amiss
Tools
Carefully consider which tools or technological solutions are appropriate for a given job
Planning
Able to prioritize various competing tasks, Create environment of contribution, Drive decision making, Effectively delegate tasks, Facilitate group planning
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Provide personalized, prompt, and efficient service to meet the requirements, requests and needs of customers, Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization