Peer Role Models are Leading the Way
When you walk through the doors of EHM’s drop-in, one of the first faces you see is likely to be a Peer Worker.
Part of our rapidly-growing Spiritual Care Program, the Peer Worker Program employs individuals with personal, lived experience of being homeless. The job offers valuable paid work experience that is a vital step on the road to getting and maintaining housing.
Peer Workers help keep EHM’s drop-in running – serving food, providing clients access to showers and laundry, and directing those who are unsure where to go. Peer Workers also help run programs like EHM’s women’s group. Most importantly, they act as valuable peer role models.
There is an implicit foundation of trust between Peer Workers and current clients. People who are struggling are more likely to open up to someone who’s “been there” than they are to a staff member. They know the sympathy they receive is genuine, and that it comes from a place of true understanding. Because Peer Workers may feel more relatable and approachable, they are able to act as bridges for those who may otherwise be more reluctant in accessing EHM services.
Thanks to supporters like you, EHM has been able to expand on the success of our in-demand Peer Worker Program – growing from one Peer Worker to six. When participants don’t think they can get out of the situation they are in, Peer Workers now have the uniquely powerful ability to say, “Yes, you can – because I did.”
“I once had to worry about where my next meal would come from. Now, I have steady full-time employment through EHM’s Peer Worker Program… and relationships that feel like family. The people here are truly some of the kindest you could ever hope to encounter.”
Debbie
Peer Support Worker