Philadelphia Registry Week
On May 13th – 16th, VCEH Program Manager Robin Gahan along with members of the 1,000 Homes - Richmond team attended the 100,000 Homes Campaign Registry Week Boot Camp in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. There, we met with other interested communities spanning from North Carolina, New Jersey, and Delaware to learn the basics of how to conduct a registry week in an intensive training session.
Day 1 consisted of intensive training on a number of topics including: How to Build a Strong, Local Team; The Vulnerability Index (VI) and Prioritization; Volunteer Recruitment and Management; Budget and Supplies; Communications; Lining up the Resources; and Data Analysis.
Day 2 picked up with some of the topics above and concluded with participation in volunteer training at Broad Street Ministry. This was a great opportunity to see how other communities coordinate volunteers and learn what worked and what didn’t work.
Day 3 began at 4 am. That’s right, you read it correctly. Despite the early hours, volunteers rolled out of bed as early as 2 am to be a part of something really amazing. According to Robin,
“There was WAY more energy than I thought possible at 4am. For me, the actual surveying was by far the most important part of the boot camp training. Being a part of something like this campaign is more than personally rewarding – you become more connected to your community and that community includes some of the most medically vulnerable people living on the streets. In Philly, I was able to meet individuals where they are and be a part of a movement that changes the way communities address homelessness. Even today, I have not forgotten the faces of the men and women I interviewed or the numerous sleeping figures in the subway platforms. That experience will be with me forever.”
Attendees accompanied the Philly surveying team in conducting the VI surveys between 4 and 7 am. This allowed folks to gain first-hand experience of administering the surveys, to observe volunteer facilitation, and better understand the logistical set-up of Registry Week. Click here to see the amazing results of the Philadelphia Registry Week and it's impact on the community
If you are interested in joining our statewide initiative 1,000 Homes for 1,000 Virginians come to our Virginia Registry Boot Camp July 29 - August 1st.
Questions? Contact Robin at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
