We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Crystal Perry. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Crystal below.
Crystal , appreciate you joining us today. Can you recount a story of an unexpected problem you’ve faced along the way?
In recent years, the criminalization of homelessness has become an alarming trend, exacerbating the challenges faced by nonprofits supporting and placing those without housing stability. With limited access to basic necessities like water, technology, and transportation, individuals who are unhoused and experiencing homelessness find themselves trapped in a cycle of marginalization and exclusion. To address this pressing issue, we must recognize the importance of providing support and opportunities for the unhoused population. In this op-ed, we propose three program solutions that can help empower those without homes and enable them to establish themselves as active citizens.
1. Expanding Access to Water:
Access to clean water is a fundamental human right, yet it remains a challenge for many individuals experiencing homelessness. Lack of access to water not only poses health risks but also hampers their ability to meet basic needs and maintain personal hygiene. To address this, local governments should establish public water stations in areas with high homeless populations. These stations can provide clean drinking water, as well as facilities for personal hygiene, such as showers and handwashing stations. Collaborations with local businesses and nonprofits can help ensure the sustainability and maintenance of these water stations. We have hosted several Access to Water (Hot Shower) Events throughout Clayton County, GA and look forward to expanding our reach in the coming months, years.
2. Bridging the Digital Divide:
In today’s digital age, access to technology and the internet is crucial for social inclusion and economic empowerment. However, individuals experiencing homelessness often lack access to these essential resources, hindering their ability to find housing, employment, education, and other vital services. To bridge this digital divide, governments and nonprofits should establish community technology centers in areas with high homeless populations. These centers can provide free access to computers, internet connectivity, and digital literacy training. Additionally, partnerships with local libraries, schools, and businesses can help expand access to technology beyond the confines of these centers.
3. Addressing Identification Challenges:
Obtaining identification documents is a significant hurdle for individuals experiencing homelessness, as most forms of identification require a permanent address. Without identification, accessing public services, applying for jobs, and even opening a bank account becomes nearly impossible. To tackle this issue, governments should introduce mobile identification units that can travel to areas with high homeless populations. These units can provide assistance in obtaining identification documents, such as birth certificates and state IDs, without the need for a permanent address. Collaborations with local agencies, such as social services and shelters, can help streamline the process and ensure that individuals are supported throughout the identification acquisition process.
Conclusion:
The criminalization of homelessness only perpetuates the cycle of marginalization and exclusion that individuals without housing stability face. By implementing these three program solutions – expanding access to water, bridging the digital divide, and addressing identification challenges – we can empower the unhoused population and provide them with the necessary tools to establish themselves as active citizens. It is crucial for governments, nonprofits, and communities to come together and prioritize these initiatives, ensuring that everyone has equal access to the resources and opportunities needed for a better future.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Melanated PEARL Inc is a nonprofit organization based in Clayton County, GA, dedicated to educate, uplift, and empower our community. Our programs provide pathways to success, including housing stability, training and economic opportunities, and inspiring content that highlights the efforts of PEARLS (Passionate, Engaged, Activists, Resisting Limits). Melanated PEARL Inc made a significant impact, positively impacting the lives of thousands of individuals and families. Our exceptional work in Emergency Housing and Rental Assistance, especially during the global pandemic, has earned us recognition through various awards. Its founder, Crystal Renee Perry was Lauded by Marquis Who’s Who for Leadership as Educator, Trainer and Nonprofit Leader in September 2022. As the founder and president of Melanated PEARL Inc, Ms. Perry assists women and families to achieve economic stability and mobility. Ms. Perry is recognized for her work as an educator and master trainer empowering equity-focused and mission-driven organizations through targeted professional development, knowledge transfer and best practice sharing. She brings two decades of experience as an educator, professional development trainer and nonprofit leader to her organization, Melanated PEARL (Passionate Engaged Activists Resisting Limitations) Inc, which she founded in 2018 to assist women and families to achieve economic stability and mobility. Through the nonprofit organization, Ms. Perry strives to help Black women accomplish personal and professional success by providing a safe virtual space to seek advice and share stories of triumph. To date, Melanated PEARL Corporation has received several grants related to eviction prevention, homeless assistance, job coaching, and other areas. The organization has been featured in the local news for its contributions to the community and earned a Silver Award at the first Anthem Awards in 2022 and 2024, which lauds the work of people, companies and organizations worldwide.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
As the founder of Melanated PEARL Inc, I was faced with a difficult decision that required that I make a significant shift in September 2022. After 10 plus years out of the traditional educational setting I switched my focus back to elementary school. This was al ife decision made in partnership with my husband after he suffered a stroke. Despite this change, I have remained the executive director and CEO of the organization. I now manage the nonprofit after 3PM, late nights and on weekends, allowing me to split my time as I balance various responsibilities. Although the focus of the program has shifted to a smaller scale, Melanated PEARL Inc continues to prioritize housing stability services. Additionally, we have also seized this opportunity to educate the public on health and raise awareness about type 1 diabetes through their HeartWork Better Health Initiative. This initiative shares the journey of my husband and our CFO, Craig Perry, and his experience with diabetes. Many say, I serve as an inspiration to others, showcasing my resilience and determination. Not only do I fulfill my role as a caregiver for my husband of 23 years, but I also strive to excel as a nonprofit leader, mother to my twin sons, and an active advocate in the community. When others see me, I hope it gives them the strength and determination to serve. I live my life with one reminder, that we all have the power to overcome challenges and make a positive impact.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
Unlearning lessons in nonprofit leadership is crucial for growth and effective impact. As a nonprofit founder, I have recognized the importance of unlearning misconceptions about people identified as unhoused, homeless and or living in poverty. It is essential to understand that many low-income families do not have access to the resources and opportunities that enable individuals to navigate in a digital society. This realization has led Melanated PEARL Inc to adopt a tiered system approach in addressing homelessness, meeting individuals and families where they are and providing the necessary support and resources. In the near future, we want to create a program to educate elected officials on the barriers to housing stability in GA;a proactive step towards fostering understanding and collaboration. By raising awareness about the challenges faced by individuals and families experiencing homelessness, you can advocate for policies and initiatives that address these barriers effectively. A program like this could provide elected officials with valuable insights and firsthand experiences, enabling them to make informed decisions and allocate resources more effectively. Through this educational program, you can highlight the specific challenges faced by individuals and families in Clayton County, such as limited access to affordable housing, lack of digital literacy skills, and limited resources for job training and education. By sharing these insights, you can create a more empathetic and informed approach to addressing housing stability issues and work towards developing sustainable solutions. Overall, unlearning misconceptions and educating key stakeholders, such as elected officials, is a vital step in nonprofit leadership. By challenging preconceived notions and providing a deeper understanding of the barriers faced by marginalized communities, we can drive positive change and advocate for policies that promote housing stability and empower individuals and families in Clayton County, GA.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.melanatedpearl.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nonprofit_melanatedpearl/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MPCPEARLWorld/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanatedpearl/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MelanatedPearl
Image Credits
iPhone11 Pro Max images property of Crystal Perry