One of the best pieces of advice I have gotten in any leadership training is to think about someone unexpectedly replacing me today.

What is the one thing (let’s hope it’s not too many!) that my replacement would be surprised I had not addressed and would do right away? It might be a difficult conversation with an employee, or creating a new evaluation system that would help the Coalition see what needs to be improved more quickly.

Not to get too morbid, but I can extend this to all parts of my life. What would a new homeowner, wife, daughter or parent also quickly do in my personal and home life that I have been avoiding? (Let’s be honest—it would definitely entail addressing some serious plumbing issues in the basement!)

Since receiving this advice, I have changed my practice of closing out one year and beginning the new. Rather than create a list of resolutions of things I know I should do to be a better person, I focus on what has been on my plate that needs to be addressed, but which I just keep avoiding.

When I decide that I am really going to address this thing rather than take it into a new year, it usually isn’t as difficult as I had imagined, and I always feel better afterwards. Many times, it means I need to ask for help (something I do not do well), and the result is someone else helping to carry the load.

Well, it's now 2020, and another decade is over—so what have I left undone?

The Coalition for the Homeless just completed the first year update on Louisville’s Plan to Prevent and End Youth Homelessness. Last month, I wrote about all the great progress we have made in this work and the six amazing agencies (and partners) that are now serving youth and young adults throughout our city. If you missed it, go check it out, because it includes ways you can also help them succeed!

But the update also clearly shows areas that we have not been able to address in the first year. Here are a few areas where the update shows a need for focus:

1. St. Vincent de Paul will be filling a 24-unit shelter that is the first for our city created solely for young adults 18-24. University of Louisville’s research shows that 40% of homeless youth in our area are victims of sex trafficking without a safe alternative. We must focus on getting those most vulnerable off the streets quickly and provide opportunities for a brighter future upon exiting shelter.

2. In looking at the 909 unaccompanied youth and young adults in our community identified in 2019, we see much higher rates of mental and physical disabilities and drug/alcohol abuse reported than in the general population. If these young people are our future (and I believe they are), we must do more than help with housing and jobs. Health services must be integrated into our programs and be easy to access.

3. In 2019, prior to the implementation of newly targeted programs for young adults, the average length of services provided to youth and young adults was less than 30 days and most of the outcomes were unknown or not positive. We must be willing to make more of a commitment to young people in need. One first step is that the newly funded programs have acquired extensions for longer terms in housing and services, if needed. But mentors, peers and others in the community are needed to stay with a young person for as long as needed to create a strong future and resilience for the future.

4. It is also clear that the young adult population looks different than the general homeless population. There are more young women, more minorities, more who identify as LGBTQ and fewer people with any earned income. Our programs have been designed in theory to address all of the above, but we may find that we did not know all the answers. We must measure program success and listen to the young adults receiving services so we can improve programs and services as we go, rather than just sticking with what we thought would work. 

So, what is the thing that someone replacing you would do in your stead? As we enter a new decade, we have an opportunity to leave something behind so we can take on new challenges and make our city and future better. You can do it!

Happy New Year!
Natalie

About Us

The Coalition for the Homeless's mission is to prevent and end homelessness in Louisville. We advocate for change, educate the public about the face of homelessness, and coordinate the work of our 30+ member agencies across the city. 

Please stay connected:

• Make a donation: louhomeless.org/donate
• Learn more at our website: louhomeless.org
• Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/louhomeless
• Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/louhomeless
• Follow us on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/821408
• Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/coalitionforhomeless

Thank you so much for your continued support!

Did someone forward this message to you? Do you want to join our list? If so, please click the button below to subscribe.