24/7 Support: Being a True North Monitor

Working with the families and children at True North’s Aurora North Bridge Housing program is a lively job, where housing program monitors have many tasks—managing daily operations, assigning chores, assisting families with job and housing searches, providing tutoring and homework assistance and more.

Aurora North Monitor Melenie often shares moments with guests where they connect about emotional issues. Melenie is a single mother who has experienced anxiety and PTSD. She’s able to relate to parents, encouraging and reassuring them that True North is here to help.

“I say, ‘I understand, and you’re not alone,’” she said.

Regardless of their position, the staff at True North are able to connect with people in need and make a lasting impact. Currently, True North is searching for its next monitor to add to the team, someone who wants to make a lasting difference with those experiencing homelessness.

“All of our monitors bring a different set of skills and are fantastic employees,” said Jacque, True North’s Senior Operations Manager.

At True North’s emergency shelter, the Torres Community Shelter, monitors are the first point of contact when guests arrive, and also have a variety of responsibilities. They perform intake surveys, meeting guests where they are at, to help facilitate and encourage their forward progress. They assign shelter chores and manage storage of guests’ personal items.

Just like the monitors at Aurora North, shelter monitors establish close bonds with guests, providing a respectful, compassionate listening ear. Many have lived experiences and can relate to guests, providing them with motivation and hope. They are the first to respond in emergencies, and are trained in crisis de-escalation response, CPR and First-Aid.

Overall, monitors ensure that life at the shelter and in True North’s housing programs is safe, comfortable and structured, and that guests follow rules and schedules. This is an important aspect of the job that “eases anxiety for those we serve,” said Jacque.

Aurora North Monitor Melenie added that it’s tremendously rewarding when a guest tells her the impact she’s made—sharing with her the moment that they have secured housing or a new job, or that they have reconnected with family members.

“I love being able to connect with people and help people,” she said. “When someone comes up to you and says, ‘Thank you,’ or ‘I took your advice and now I have a job,’ or shares something else that's positive, it’s like, ‘OK, I made an impact on someone’s life today.’”