Arica Morgan believes that everyone deserves a home, not just shelter, but a home. Arica works for Volunteers of America of Greater Ohio with the Veteran and Families FIRST program where she is the housing coordinator. She also serves on the board for Central Ohio Homeless Veterans Stand Down where she serves as the clothing chair. Arica has said on several occasions that “at any moment I could be on the other side of the desk. I am just a few paychecks away from being in their shoes.” That’s why eradicating homelessness is her passion.
Each day Arica tries to be the best “Me” she can be. “The work that I do can be difficult, it’s often sad, depressing, and can take you on an emotional rollercoaster. It saddens me to know that there are so many people without a place to call home or a bed to sleep in. It saddens me to know that there are people who go to bed hungry each and every night. Through all of the initial emotions, the best feeling in the world is knowing that those same sad stories have turned into that person’s testimony! That person that was living on the land or in a shelter is now in permanent stable housing and they no longer are wondering when they will eat again. That is what brings pure joy to my heart!”
Arica has been inspired in her life by so many people, especially the homeless population. “Many of them have a drive inside that some people yearn for. They have a sense of peace within them, reminding them that they are not in a permanent stage of life. They remind me that the best is yet to come. Sometimes you have to get knocked down in order to get to where you want to be. Their knowledge of resources and willingness to get things done always blesses me!” Arica’s heroes are people that face each new day as if it is a fresh start – “a new beginning, an opportunity to try again and be a better person. We all make mistakes on a daily basis, but it’s the people that learn from their mistakes and grow from them that I consider heroes.”
Arica’s support system is her family, friends, and colleagues. They all know her vision and they support her to make it happen. A big part of Arica’s family is her 17-year-old Goddaughter Akkeyvia, who she has raised as her own since Akkeyvia was 6 weeks old.
“I know that I am only one person, but as long as I have breath in my body I will strive to change the world. One signed lease at a time. One meal at a time. One extra resource at a time. One warm coat at a time.”
For more information about Volunteers of America of Greater Ohio, visit www.voago.org.