Meet Mercedes
Mercedes Ogilvie is Roof Above’s Volunteer Engagement Specialist at the Day Services Center (DSC). She describes her work as “Creating an environment for volunteers where they feel comfortable serving our neighbors.” Volunteers at the DSC help provide critical basic services at the front desk, mail room, and stations for showers, laundry, and phones.
Mercedes joined the Roof Above team three years ago. She gained interest in unsheltered services after writing about homelessness and incarceration for one of her criminal justice classes at UNCC. People who have been incarcerated are up to 13 times more likely to experience homelessness. Experiencing homelessness also increases the likelihood of someone interacting with the justice system.
Mercedes says, “I realized I had a passion for people who are marginalized and aren’t really talked about as much in our society . . . I was trying to get involved in something that I was writing about — not just writing about it but involving myself with the community.” That desire led her to Roof Above.
Mercedes loves connecting with neighbors, whether she is supporting them with daily needs or hearing about successful moves to housing. She says, “I always think about this place even when I’m at home. There’s so many positive cases of people finding housing or feeling excited just about activating their EBT card,” so they can access nutrition benefits. Mercedes sees that, for neighbors visiting the Day Services Center, small wins are often the most important. “That’s what makes the volunteers who work here so crucial.”
A highlight for Mercedes was this year’s volunteer appreciation event. She spoke with many consistent, long-time volunteers who shared: “Mercedes, you’ve been a great manager. I love to come here.” She reflects that it was “rewarding to hear them express that they are here because they want to be here. That was a good moment.”
Mercedes and our volunteers help us keep the Day Services Center running, 365 days a year.