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This year, our dental clinic celebrates 20 years of comprehensive and quality oral health care to people without homes. The result of its work has visible impact. Before and after denture client photos reflect true transformation – symbolized in a smile, measured by the absence of pain and infection, by improved nutrition and health, and by increased self-esteem. These lead the way to finding jobs, housing, feeling better all around, well enough to re-engage with a supportive community of friends and neighbors.
We could never underestimate the value of the program and are proud to honor the continuing legacy of long-time and newer dental staff.
But…every time we celebrate an anniversary and our good work, it remains both good news and bad news. The ongoing need for our services -- over two decades, since our beginning -- saddens us. That people without homes, and now so many others, do not have adequate health care is devastating to the well-being of those individuals and to that of our entire community.
Sad as this is, we don’t despair. We hope and we act.
Have we done well? We think so.
Have we done enough? Not nearly.
Could we ever? We have to.
We believe we can change the world. And we at Albuquerque Health Care for the Homeless (AHCH) want to help lead the charge.
We can only be that force if we continue to do the most compassionate and necessary work of responding to immediate needs every day, while balancing our efforts and keeping our eyes on the horizon as we work assertively on solutions to homelessness. For us, there isn’t one without the other.
By “we,” we include all of you who have supported our efforts philanthropically, in raising consciousness and awareness about the injustices of homelessness, and in your advocacy to effect policy change that will eliminate it.
There are many opportunities for ongoing action with direct impact. Even in tough economic times, AHCH supporters have introduced creative ideas for participating in the cause, some that are featured here.
We all have a role in ending homelessness. We all can find our own way of making a difference, at any level, right now.
- You can support direct care by holding a collection drive for sunscreen this summer.
- You can generate awareness about homelessness and expand the base of support for the AHCH response by organizing a grassroots summer fundraiser.
- You can change the structures and systems that perpetuate homelessness by educating yourself about policy options and engaging in advocacy on related issues – whatever you care about most – from health care reform and access, to housing affordability, to decent incomes.
For more information, click here and here.
Jenny Metzler, Executive Director
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