2010 NAVPLG Outstanding New Volunteer Administrator Recipient

Jerrod Gray

2010 NAVPLG Outstanding New Volunteer Administrator

Jerrod Gray from City of San Jose Housing Department was awarded the Outstanding New Volunteer Administrator Award.

As an Outreach Development Specialist for the City of San Jose Housing Department since October 2008, Jarrod Gray often hears that the chronically homeless do not trust in the local service agencies and shelters. The homeless often say that nobody cares enough to better understand their daily struggles. When asked what they want, they often reply with statements of what they “don’t want," in particular what is wrong with them and why they need help.

In response to the theme of feeling uncared for and listening to the lists of “don’t wants," Jarrod created an Outreach Volunteer Program in February 2009 that invites the community to get involved. The key to outreach is consistency and building trust and relationships. Over time, the relationships between the chronically homeless individuals and the community volunteers deepen.