The OCHH conference was a great experience! I had too much material for the time allotted in each of the 3 presentations including the 3 hour workshop on addiction. It was a great learning experience for me. I am grateful my presentations were well received, even though my material was cut short. In the future I think I will be better able to prioritize material to time allotted.
The perspective I brought from the DTES and the innovative approaches being taken there stirred some great discussions. I was reminded the majority of today's homeless in America are so because of poverty, not addiction or mental health as in DTES where I serve. I was touched by the passionate concern of the group and a number of them inquired about coming for a visit to experience the DTES first hand.
All of us are concerned about deaths of the homeless. There were 47 reported just in Portland last year. We expect the most marginalized to be able to respond rationally to society's efforts to either "fix or contain them." But those who die generally have such progressed addiction their willpower has been hijacked leaving few moments of clarity. Innovative interventions are needed for the most marginalized who are the most damaged. This calls for creative strategies in housing and shelters. I was able to share some psycho-social-spiritual dynamics for building community among the marginalized encouraging them to help each other.
A special treat was spending time in the beautiful setting at Hood River with old friends Nick & Marisha Johnson who serve on the board of OCHH. What topped off a wonderful time was my youngest daughter Courtney joining us for the addiction workshop.
Tomorrow I am meeting with an interest group at my home church Redeemer's Fellowship in Roseburg OR after the regular worship service. I will be sharing an update with many of my friends who support me with regular thoughts, prayer and financial support.
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