Silent Advocate Award DEB HOLMAN

By Andrea Busche

TheSilent Advocate Award is presented to a woman who silently helps their communities and neighbors.

This year’s winner is Deb Holman, street outreach coordinator for Duluth-based CHUM — a group of people of faith working together to provide basic necessities, foster stable lives, and organize for a just and compassionate community. Holman has been working with people experiencing homelessness since she started with CHUM in 2005. Holman also works part time at the Human Development Center, doing similar work.

Holman was nominated for the Silent Advocate Award by Roberta Pirkola, a friend and former colleague, who noted in her comments:

“When you describe ‘angels among us,’ Deb Holman is the person you are describing. She answers the calls of the homeless 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When there is nobody else, she is the one they can count on. I nominate Deb for her selfless commitment to those who are lost and have no voice.”

Authentic and relatable

Holman, who is originally from Cloquet, has overcome many personal obstacles herself. Her relatability and nonjudgmental approach help her work with the community she serves.

“I have experience as a juvenile being in and out of facilities and group homes,” she explained. “A social worker became a mentor of mine. And I’m an addict, too; I’ve been in treatment between six and eight times, and 30 years ago I had a heroin overdose. That was a wake-up call; I almost died. I hope this can give other people some hope.”

Service

Through her work with CHUM, Holman meets people wherever they need her, whether that be outside in a tent, at the library, or in a soup kitchen. From there, next steps depend on what each individual needs.

“We get them set up with things like food stamps, mental health treatment, income and housing,” Holman said. “But the biggest part is relationship building, so they trust you enough to work with you.”

Although Holman has three dogs of her own, she also takes in occasional foster pets from people experiencing homelessness. Sometimes this arrangement is temporary; sometimes it is permanent. Holman noted the generous support of Dougherty Veterinary Clinics, who help her provide these beloved pets with quality care.

Personal life

When she isn’t working or spending time with her furry family, Holman enjoys being outside. She likes all outdoor activities, but particularly walking on the beach.

But her work and her pets are her true passion.

“My life is pretty much my work, and I feel an obligation to spend as much time with my pets as I can,” she said.

Advice

For those who are interested in serving their community, Holman offered some advice.

“Start by volunteering. The need is there. It doesn’t matter what background you come from, as long as you have the desire to do the work.”

There is no doubt that some sadness is inherent to working with the homeless. However, CHUM’s success stories have helped Holman remain motivated to continue this work over the years.

For instance, “We had one person on the streets for quite some time. He was formerly in the union with a good job,” she said. “Ultimately, we got him treatment and he has since purchased his own home.”

Award

Holman typically shies away from public recognition. However, she is deeply grateful to receive the Silent Advocate Award and be honored at the Rosie Awards event.

“I don’t like being nominated for stuff — it’s just not me,” she said. “But I’m very appreciative for being chosen. It means that people recognize what I do and are appreciative.”

She also wanted to express her gratitude for the entire community’s support.

“I couldn’t do this work without all the connections and relationships in the community,” she said. “Everything from our hospitals, jails, animal control, the Clean & Safe Team, the Benedictine Monastery, Dougherty Funeral Home and our drug treatment facilities.

“Poverty and homelessness can happen to anyone, especially in this time of rising rent prices and COVID. It isn’t always due to addiction or mental health. It could happen to anybody.” D