Homeless Response Team for the Win.

There is no question about it- this time just sucks. It sucks for most people, on most days. Everything is different, it is scary, and we have no control over anything as we are at the mercy of SARS-CoV-2, who is doing back flips and cartwheels with joy over how easy we are making it for it to do its worst. 

It can be hard to feel grateful or hopeful. 

And yet there is a very big light for me. A gift that came in being asked to head up MDH's response for sheltered and homeless individuals and families in Minnesota-I met the most amazing group of humans that I might not have otherwise met, certainly wouldn't have been so in love with so fast. They are tirelessly working day and night, seven days a week, to get people housed. They were doing this work long before COVID, many of them coming from jobs as shelter directors, community organizers, Obama administration housing leaders; and they will be doing it long after COVID dies out. This is their life's work and it is the most incredible honor to learn from them, to struggle with them, and to find joy together. 

Today was one of our fearless leader's birthdays- and so we celebrated in true COVID fashion. We organized (well distanced) in a school parking lot, and then drove by his house in an obnoxiously loud birthday parade.

These pictures are really who each of these people are- they are the perfect snapshot of the kindness, generosity, and playfulness of this team.

The ringleader :) Cathy.

Josh- One of the smartest people I've ever met- my ally in the isolation space work.

A ferocious advocate- Monica.

Jedi steals the show.

The one who keeps all the pieces together- Elizabeth.

Then there's these clowns :)

Anne- our friendly politician.

One of DHS' finest- Kristine (lovingly "Davis" when there's trouble).

The woman coordinating the State's encampment response... an actual every day hero. Margaret.

Andrea and Katie (if I ever work at DHS, it will be because I begged and pleaded to be on Andrea's team and they let me... really an amazing leader and kick ass housing team). 

Housing hero. Jennifer.

I mean. That homemade hat.