Application Deadline:

Description:

Urban Connection’s Digital Advocate position allows you to work in an innovative, progressive and rewarding field. Working closely with our Internet Advocacy Division. This internship is ideal for someone who is passionate about the helping the homeless/urban poor and ready to receive first-hand experience around the intersection of social media and social justice.

Responsibilities:

* Using Web and social media applications to raise awareness, encourage audience feedback and participation and fundraising.

* Work closely with blogs and other new media channels to promote volunteer, sponsorship and donation opportunities.

* Liaise with external organizational partners to expand existing relationships and identify new opportunities.

Requirements:

* Interest in Social Justice, Technology, Social Media

* Home computer with access to the high speed Internet Connection

* Some familiarity with existing social media applications (Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, MySpace, etc.)

* Applicant must agree to a background check*

To learn more about our Digital Advocate position complete the below:

Urban Connection is forming a Media Team that will document and share weekly stories from Skid Row. These documentary-style pieces are meant to capture the real-life experiences of homeless individuals struggling to both live on and get out of Skid Row. Besides informing volunteers on what life on Skid Row is like, these weekly narratives also give the homeless guests on camera an opportunity to share their life’s story and connect with those who live outside their community. Often times, this connection and personal sharing experience can be enough to inspire individuals to take the steps they need to finally get off the streets.

If you would like to join UC’s Media Team, please read below to see if you qualify.

Commitment: We know you are very busy. While consistency is important, we are very flexible. You can volunteer as little or frequently as you like, however we ask that when you make a commitment, you show up. A day of shooting may depend on you.

Experience: Most Media Team crew positions require at least an entry-level knowledge, however there are some spots open for individuals who are interested in helping out but have no prior experience. Basic “on-the-job” training is available to all Media Team crew members. (See below for specific requirements.)

Age Requirement: Any volunteer over the age of 10 are welcome to join UC’s Media Team. However, because most positions require basic entry-level knowledge, volunteers under the age of 12 might not be eligible. Volunteers under the age of 18 interested in serving on-site on Skid Row will be required to get a parent or legal guardian’s signature before volunteering.

Positions:

• Camera Operators: You will be documenting activities and events at Urban Connection and also covering special stories on the streets. This will require you to carry a camera both inside Urban Connection and on the streets of Skid Row. You must be comfortable shooting and know how to use a camera.
• Editors: You must be access to your own editing software. Previous editing experience is required. This is a from-home opportunity, and you will not be required to be on site on Skid Row.
• Motion Graphics Designer: You must have access to your own motion graphics software. Previous experience or schooling in Motion Graphics is mandatory. This is a from-home opportunity, and you will not be required to be on site on Skid Row.
• Graphics Designer: You will be helping out with print design and brochures. You must have access to your own software. This is a from-home opportunity, and you will not be required to be on site on Skid Row.
• Photographer: You will be taking candid photos of activity, including special events, inside Urban Connection, and also on the streets of Skid Row. You must be comfortable shooting and know how to use a camera. If you do not have you’re your own camera, a Nokia digital camera will be provided for you.
• Reporters: You will be covering special assignments, including personal stories or community updates, in a news style format. You should be comfortable interviewing and taking initiative in following up on assignments. A short writing example may be requested.
• No Experience Opportunities: If you have no experience in any of the above positions but still want to serve on UC’s Media Team, there are still positions for you! We have spots open for assistants and grips. You will be working directly with other Media Team crewmembers at Urban Connection and on the streets of Skid Row. All skills will be taught on-the-job as you go.

If you are creative, interested in film, photography, or writing, or simply want to volunteer in a different way, now is your chance. By joining the UC’s Media Team, you can help spread the word on homelessness in Los Angeles and give the homeless of Skid Row a voice.

To join the UC Media Team or request more information, please email volunteer@urbanconnection.com

To see some of our previous videos on Skid Row Stories, click HERE.

Paul used to sleep on the streets of Skid Row in a card board box just a few doors down from Urban Connection. After years of being an addict, Paul was able to quit the habit and started to volunteer at various ministries here in Skid Row.

Today, Paul volunteers as our Facilities Manager and helps the people in the community by connecting them with local service providers, inviting them to one of our bible studies or just lending them an ear.

Recently, the Urban Connection had it’s biggest volunteer weekend ever! Over the course of three days, we had nearly 100 volunteers from three different groups serving in our facility. At one point, all the groups were serving at the same time, which made for a packed house! Pastor Mel described it as “organized chaos”.

There were two large high school church groups (Calvary Chapel Capo & Calvary Chapel Downy), plus a group of men who wanted to spend celebrate a friend’s marriage by serving the Lord instead of the world’s definition of a bachelor party.

The weekend started Friday night as volunteers went out into the streets, inviting guests back for the first ever Urban Connection overnight outreach! Guests were able to take advantage of our 60 brand-new cots on a first-come, first-served basis. While they were waiting, volunteers were able to share coffee and conversation with our homeless friends while some of the high school students put on a worship concert for our guests.

Saturday, the Urban Connection was a whirlwind of activity as volunteers tackled a number of projects. Paint was scraped, clothes were sorted and distributed, coffee was made and passed out, and homeless guests were invited to our facility. The excitement from the volunteers quickly spread to our guests and staff, and the mood was one of joy and excitement.

Sunday, volunteers stuck around to help out with our services, hand out pastries, and minister to guests. At the end of their time with the Urban Connection, many of the volunteers said “I don’t want to leave!” Already, the groups from Calvary Capo & Calvary Downy have expressed interest in coming back, and many individual volunteers have decided to come back on their own time, bringing friends and family along to share the experience! It’s great to see the Lord moving in the hearts of his people, encouraging them to put their faith into action as they reach out to the homeless population of Skid Row.

If you’ve been thinking about coming down, but have been unsure about whether or not the Urban Connection is for you, take the advice of one of our recent volunteers:

“If anyone has fears of coming here, they shouldn’t. The people are really nice… We view them as something that’s been discarded, but really they’re broken… they’re brokenhearted. And they need our help.”

For more information, or to get started volunteering at the Urban Connection, email volunteer@urbanconnection.com

“Jason” was left in front of the Urban Connection group home for the homeless about eight months ago by a woman he calls “Mary.” He had no identification and no social security number.

The shelter has been trying to determine his identity ever since, but they’ve been having trouble because he has no identification card.

The man, who is mentally handicapped, has “Jason” tattooed on his arm. He does not remember his birthday and has no idea where his family might be.

After working with KTLA 5 on identifying Jayson Missle “The Mystery Man”, Urban Connection was nominated as their Hero at Home.

Skid Row is filled with people that are mentally ill. For the past 6 months this young woman only known as “KiKi” had been coming into our facility during the day and sleeping in front of our building at nights. KiKi didn’t speak to anyone. If anyone tried to harass or even help her, she would likely lash out. As long as people left her alone, she was harmless. Our staff always looked after KiKi, whether she knew it or not. Skid Row is filled with predators that prey on the helpless…especially the women.

About a month ago KiKi was sleeping in front of our building during the day. When the police asked her to move, she didn’t respond. The police then called the ambulance to come pick her up. When they tried to load her on to the gurney, KiKi jumped up and tried to walk away. The police then restrained her and took her away for resisting arrest. We were told that they were going to take to the hospital to get help.

Last week Kiki came walking into our facility with a huge smile and shocked everyone…she talked. While she didn’t really communicate with anyone before, nor did she know any of our staff, she came back to Urban Connection because she was loved. She told us she was schizophrenic and had run out of medication. Our case managers helped her get her ID, go to mental heath services and went with her to the courts to deal with her warrants. She is now sleeping inside, volunteering and attending bible studies at Urban Connection everyday.

We also found out that Kiki’s real name was Kira Perdue, she’s been on Skid Row for almost 3 years and that she had an 8 year old son that she hasn’t seen in 3 years. On Saturday we made arrangements with her step father who has custody of her son for a one hour visitation.

We are scheduled to take Kira back to see her son next Saturday and in the mean time, we are checking out a couple facilities that would be able to meet Kira’s needs.

Michelle was a newer addition to our family. At the beginning of December, Paul Chisham found Michelle crying on the street. Her wheelchair was broken, rain was pouring down, and she had nowhere to go. Being the great guy that he is, Paul took care of everything. He brought Michelle to the Urban Connection, got her wheelchair fixed, and got her some new clothes, blankets, and a hot shower.

Since then, Michelle has been staying at the Urban Connection every night. She’s gotten to know our staff and volunteers, and has become a regular smiling face.

Michelle is wheelchair-bound, our case mangers was able to get her placed in a “Board & Care”, a facility that provides housing in addition to medical services.

The staff of the Urban Connection is excited that Michelle is on her way to a better life, but we’re sad to see her go. We’re just glad that we could be a part of their story, helping them to take one more step in their journey towards a better life.

Without the Urban Connection, people like Michelle would be sleeping on the streets. Instead, they’ve got a roof over their head, they’re receiving the medical attention they need, and they’re safe from the dangers of Skid Row.

When you volunteer at the Urban Connection, you’re contributing to stories like these. You’re helping people take steps towards a better life. Michelle wouldn’t be where she is today without Urban Connection… and the Urban Connection wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for our dedicated volunteers. From Michelle, and the entire staff of the Urban Connection, here’s a big THANK YOU to our volunteers!

Jonathan is 23 years old and has been homeless for 6 years. He has been living on and off with his sister who recently kicked him out of the house. He has been living on the streets ever since. After learning thatJonathan has been sleeping in the Midnight Mission’s courtyard we took him over to the Union Rescue Mission to get a bed. Antonio was able to get him a cot for the night and a bed for the following 30 days. However, when we returned to Urban Connection, Jonathan said that he did not want to go. Antonio gave him his cot ticket and told him that if he changed his mind all he had to do was be there at URM at 9, and he would have a warm place to sleep.

A few minutes later I saw Jonathan looking through the clothes at UC. He had a shirt and a pair of pants picked out. He asked me what I thought of them, and if I could help him find another shirt. After spending some time with Jonathan, he asked me if I thought he should sleep at the URM tonight. I said that I did – it would give him a warm and safe place to sleep. He could try it one night and see what he thought. Jonathan then looked at me and told me that no one cared for him, and it didn’t matter if he lived or died. I told him that we cared for him, and anytime he needed a place to go he could come to Urban Connection. Jonathan will be staying at the Union Rescue Mission tonight, and hopefully will be back to UC very soon.