Homelessness is not a social issue. It is not a research question to be studied. And it is certainly not a type of person: someone who ends up on the streets through a series of bad choices or personal flaws. Instead, homelessness mirrors everything that is broken in our society. It reflects our biases, our meanness, our lack of compassion and our views of each other as fellow human beings.
December 22 is the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, marking the longest night and the shortest day. Each day until the summer solstice, more and more light enters our hemisphere; our days lengthen, our nights shorten. Many of the holidays celebrated in the winter months incorporate the notion of light bringing clarity, warmth, and hope into a world of darkness. From solstice celebrations to Diwali, from Christmas to Chanukah, these holidays celebrate the triumph of light over darkness, the emergence of hope in the midst of despair.
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a “collaborative conversation style for strengthening a person’s own motivation and commitment to change.” With growing recognition of the benefits of using MI in health and human services, organizations are increasingly sponsoring staff training. Typically, these trainings are one-time events lasting between a half-day and two days. After the training is completed, it is not uncommon for participants to state that they use MI in their program.
The holiday season can be tough for many, especially those experiencing homelessness, trauma, and mental health and substance use challenges. Marc Dones shares his tips for supporting family and friends living with substance use disorders during the holidays and throughout the year.
