Earlier this year, two staff members were recognized for their leadership with a grant from the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation. The grant supports leaders of color from organizations supported by the Foundation.
03.14.16
On March 10, Maryland lawmakers restored the right to vote for individuals with felony records. The next morning in the lobby of the downtown Health Care for the Homeless clinic, client advocates sat at a table behind stacks of voter enrollment forms, welcoming their peers to become registered voters.
The state legislature passed a bill in 2015 that repeals a longstanding state prohibition against voting by those who, convicted at one time of a felony, remain on parole or probation. Now, with the much anticipated enactment of the bill, more than 40,000 Marylanders who faced decades-long, or even lifelong, disenfranchisement have regained a fundamental right of citizenship. And, to make the most of this opportunity, Health Care for the Homeless client advocates trained as “voter registration distributors” and are now qualified by the State Board of Elections to register their peers.
James Barnes, pictured above, registered to vote at Health Care for the Homeless after the legislation took effect on March 10. Afterward, he stepped in alongside advocates Bill Price and Armstead Heatherington, to help other formerly incarcerated individuals join the voter rolls.
To hear James tell it, he has become healthier and happier since he began advocating for people experiencing homelessness—educating young people at schools and universities and testifying before legislators about policies that affect people enduring what he once endured living on the street.
Despite his ability to make a difference through his advocacy work, James was limited in his reach until now, because when it came to choosing local, state and national elected officials, he was barred from having his voice heard.
In the weeks to come, James, Armstead, Bill and other Health Care for the Homeless client advocates will continue their important work, registering voters in time for Maryland’s April 26 primary elections. That Tuesday could see thousands of new people turning out at the polls, exercising one of their most fundamental rights, the right to vote.
Earlier this year, two staff members were recognized for their leadership with a grant from the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation. The grant supports leaders of color from organizations supported by the Foundation.
May is Asian American, Pacific Islander, and Native Hawaiian Heritage Month, a time to celebrate and honor the diverse cultures, histories, and contributions of these communities.
Gregory Rogers is a Senior Community Health Worker (CHW) with years of experience in addiction counseling. A vital part of a client’s care team, CHWs work with clients to navigate care both in the clinic and out in the community. See how Greg spends his days!
An artist, gamer, and movie lover, Curtis McLaughlin has been part of the Health Care for the Homeless Art Group for more than five years. Get to know Curtis in the lasted edition of "Pass the Mic".