Help Jolene Dodge with Safe Housing During Covid

~Jolene Dodge was just released from the hospital with no where to go. She is hurting so much and is exhausted. Jolene has a history of surviving multiple assaults, mental illness and homelessnes. She is denied services in many shelters because of her mental health episodes and limits. She is in and out of hospitals frequently and the police are also called frequently about her behaviour in public places. Everyone knows Jolene. Even in Wallaceburg, the closest town to the reserve. When Jolene is feeling good, she is a beautiful human being that is kind, considerate and laughs easily. But, when she is in an episode, she is often told to go away, kicked out, banned and the police called. One officer said he has known her to be like this since he became a cop seven years ago! She is trying her best to take care of herself but the voices interfere and always set her back. Jolene self-advocates for medical and mental health care and is hopeful that one day she will get the help she needs. Miigwech - thank you to those that care. Most importantly, Jolene has given permission for this fundraiser.
~Our grassroots volunteer group called Bkejwanong Noojimo have been assisting Jolene since early last year. We work in the shadows providing necessities of life and small measures of comfort, and all from donations. Homelessness is a hidden issue in many First Nations as relatives would always take you in. This community approach has changed due many complex challenges mainly with lack of housing, overcrowding, mental health issues and more recently Covid. Our group raised two tipis last winter for the homeless on Walpole Island First Nation, Ontario, Canada. Its there that we got to know exaxtly what Jolene was struggling with and worked on housing her. Sadly, a donated camper trailer from a Church group in Windsor fell through because of Covid. We also discussed fundraising for a tiny home. Then, we heard the newly elected governance council was building a homeless shelter and thought our prayers were answered. Unfortunately, we have come to learn it does not meet her needs. Now, we are faced with another provincial Covid shutdown and we have decided to start this Go Fund Me to help house Jolene. We are following our Indigenous ways of knowing and traditions while adopting the Harm Reduction and Housing First models, all of which are evidence based approaches that allow a vulnerable person and their support services and their family and their helpers and their community, to better manage needs if they are housed. Can you please help Jolene Dodge❤