Homeless, Helpful & Hopeful

According to Rhonda Alberts, all social networks are not created equal. While most associate the words social network with online communication platforms, that is not necessarily the case for homeless populations.

“For us, social networking basically means word of mouth,” Rhonda explains. It was social networking in the form of word of mouth that led Rhonda to Joppa.

Rhonda became homeless due to a series of unfortunate events that ultimately led to a substance abuse situation. While traveling through Iowa, her truck broke down. Due to a lack of resources to obtain needed repairs, she sought temporary refuge at a local shelter. Later, as a result of networking with others temporarily residing at the shelter, she found refuge under a bridge with a community of homeless persons.

“I relied on these folks,” Rhonda explains. “Through word of mouth, I learned where to obtain food, water and other supplies I needed to survive.”

Shortly after relocating, she contracted a severe case of bronchitis and through her newly established social network learned about the services of Joppa. After Rhonda was treated at a local hospital, Joppa volunteers provided her a tent, much-needed heat and other supplies throughout and beyond her recovery.

“I have traveled all over the United States,” explains Rhonda. “What I know is that the world needs more Joppas. When I most needed assistance, they gave me a hand up. You won’t find that in too many other places. I’ll never forget that.”

Rhonda, also known as “Mom” by her peers, continues to pay that kindness forward by giving a hand up to those with urgent and immediate needs. She runs a quasi-shelter at her campsite, offering a guest tent to those who have an emergency need for immediate shelter.

Rhonda uses her networking skills by taking her knowledge of available homeless resources to the streets, communicating lifelines to those in situations similar to hers. Rhonda believes that helping others is one of the best ways to cope with overcoming her own obstacles and addictive behaviors.

“When I am helping others, I am not thinking about my own demons,” Rhonda explains. “You don’t need a lot of possessions to lend a hand. The only possession you need is the ability to talk, and I definitely have that.”

Rhonda explains that by offering assistance in the form of shelter and heat during the brutal Iowa winters, Joppa isn’t enabling—they are empowering. “I have goals now,” Rhonda says. “I’m working on getting an apartment.”

Ultimately, Rhonda would like to use her excellent communication skills to write a book concerning the plight of the homeless in America. “I’ve lived in a lot of places, and the homeless are not treated the same in different parts of the United States. I’d like to tell that story,” Rhonda explains.

“I’ll tell you one thing,” Rhonda offers. “Iowa Nice is a real thing, and the help Joppa offers is proof.”