One Advocate Shares Her Role at the Franklin Hiawatha Encampment We interviewed MIWRC's Intake/Resource Coordinator, Karen Joy DeJesus, about her work for the residents of the Franklin Hiawatha Encampment. See the story below and visit the Franklin Hiawatha Camp blog for even more updates and information. 1. What is your role with the Encampment? My role is kind of like import and export! As part of MIWRC's involvement with the Wall of Forgotten Natives, we publicize online the items that are needed and then I coordinate with partner agencies and the Wall to deliver needed items. 2. Why are you drawn to this work? I'm from South Minneapolis, and I see it as my investment in a community that invested in me. It is meaningful to give my energy to the place that I come from. 3. What has surprised you the most in your role thus far? The greatest surprise has been to witness first hand the answer to the call - how great of a response we've seen both from within our community and from the community at large. People from all over the Twin Cities have given their goods, time and money. It's what keeps me going. 4. Why is it important for MIWRC to provide outreach at the Encampment? We are living up to our name! Historically MIWRC has brought awareness to the issues that our community faces - we started as a training center and over the last 30 years we've grown to include housing, mental health, treatment and more. When needs arise, MIWRC answers the call. | 
