Normally, Jessica Luraas uses Safe to Sleep's Facebook and Instagram accounts to ask for volunteers or thank an organization for donating hygiene supplies.
But earlier this week, Luraas was inspired to write different kinds of social media posts. She wrote a few brief stories about different homeless women who stay at Safe to Sleep and are working to get off the streets.
"This wasn't super planned out," Luraas said. "I took a day and wrote the stories and posted one every day. I kind of wanted to see if it would work, if people would pay attention. There's just so many things people don't know about homelessness."
Safe to Sleep is an overnight shelter for homeless women that is housed in a church gymnasium in Springfield. Luraas is Safe to Sleep's guest advocate and volunteer coordinator.
Out of respect for the women's privacy, Luraas was careful not to include any identifying information in the social media posts. One post read:
After waiting 6 weeks for her ID and Social Security Card, she finally starts job searching. Everything she owns she carries in a small suitcase and backpack. It's not easy to interview for a job when you look homeless. She knows she is not defined by her current circumstances but sometimes you can't escape perceptions. Safe to Sleep does not offer long term storage but she is able to leave her stuff for the day. The job is cleaning hotel rooms, daytime hours, full time and on the bus line. She needs this job. She needs to start saving money for...
Read Full Story: https://www.news-leader.com/story/news/local/ozarks/2021/08/29/safe-to-sleep-springfield-mo-homeless-shelter-using-social-media-share-stories-volunteers/5621267001/
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