Volunteer Profile: Chitra Devi
Chitra has been a volunteer with JHC for 2 years. She is a part of the Stride Advocacy effort and has attended many training sessions. She has become one of our leading advocates and has taken on leadership with the Street Stride outreach effort and speaking roles as well.
Q: What part of the province do you live in?
A: Edmonton, Southside
Q: How and why did you first get involved with JHC (the community response initiative)?
A: I found out about JHC through an advocacy recruitment event that was held at Norquest where I was studying International Human Rights. I have been interested in human rights in Alberta for a while and wished to understand its nuances. I was very motivated after attending the session at Norquest and intrigued by JHC’s diverse group so I decided to participate. I have now been volunteering with JHC for over 2 years.
Q: What is your current role within JHC?:
A: I am a volunteer with the street work (advocacy) program.
Q: What are your (volunteer) activities and what do they involve?
A: I assist by providing food and supplies to the unhoused community. I do this by collecting door-to-door donations for communities in camps across the city but mostly in the downtown area. I also fundraise for vulnerable communities.
Q: What's it like to be a volunteer for this cause?
A: Working for this cause, I have had a change in the way I view unhoused individuals. Face to face interactions with people has shown me the need to be kind to people and treat them with dignity. This work has opened my heart and taught me to be compassionate. I have seen the suffering on the street and the pain in people’s hearts. Initially, I wanted to become a lawyer but this work has motivated me to become a community support worker.
Q: What has surprised you most about working on this community initiative?
A: The determination, hardworking, and dexterity of ppl I work with is inspiring. I have been motivated by the smiles of the team members and the encouragement they give. It has made me feel fortunate and grateful to work with JHC.
Q: Are there any learnings/ challenges you have experienced through this work? Please tell us about those:
A: I am a victim of workplace harassment, discrimination, racism, and sexual harassment. Sometimes it’s difficult and I get under pressure as I have not been able to get a job because of the workplace case. I am scared to go back to work because I fear workplace discrimination will reoccur. But I have to go back to work. COVID has also affected me as a single mom as my boys were helping with bills but have had their work hours cut. Financially it is tough. For example, I have been making foods for individuals who are unhoused, and accessing resources have been a bit difficult due to racial profiling and bureaucracy. I feel a bit scared approaching organizations and resources for supplies - they often need to see proof that I am a volunteer and not operating alone as an individual. This makes me feel embarrassed, having to prove I am accessing resources as a volunteer for an organization and not individually.