Hotel de Zink Orientation Summary
Reflections on the Hotel de Zink Orientation and Training when interacting with our homeless guests:
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Keep an open mind to different perspectives and lifestyles.
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Show compassion and concern through listening.
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“SAFETY FIRST”- be aware, but don’t be threatening.
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Let the guest know that you are there for them through empathy , not sympathy.
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Be careful about what you commit to unless you’re able to follow through with those commitments.
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Don’t divulge personal info. like home address, bank acct., or last names.
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Be aware that homeless people have great difficulties with building trust, so don’t abuse it if you acquire it from them.
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Be aware our guest’s emotional state like addiction to drugs, alcoholism, non-responsiveness, and depression as well as mental illness.
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Don’t give up hope on our homeless guests if your first attempt to connect with them fails, try to build a relationship again.
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Always, treat our guests with respect, kindness and courtesy.
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Don’t try to solve the homeless problems, but give them info. about available resources like a case worker at the new Mid-Peninsula Opportunity Center.
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Always, remember that you may be the first and only witness to God’s amazing love and grace, so cherish the experience and opportunity if it arises.
September 25th, 2007 at 10:13 pm
[…] We also need people to serve as “hosts”, to interact with our guests and make them feel welcome. You would be responsible for one day of the week during November, and need to be present from 7:00-9:00p.m. During this time, you will mix with the guests and share a meal with them. Groups are also welcome to come by at dinnertime to provide music (piano, guitar, etc) or other entertainment. For more information please contact Renee Masterson, 650.323.4439.See also some additional tips on interacting with our guests from last year’s orientation meeting. […]