New Every Morning
Church of the Advocate (COTA) Cottage Industries Project 2011-2013
This is a synopsis of the data that was collected for the COTA Cottage Industries Project.
The data was collected in Asheville, N. C., a urban area in western N. C. with a population of
83,393 in 2012. Data was collected during three phases: August through December 2011; July
2012; and September through November 2013. Eighteen homeless individuals participated in
data collection during the first phase; 32 homeless individuals participated during the second
phase; and 50 homeless individuals participated in the third and final stage of data collection.
Data collected during all phases has been collapsed for the following report.
Data Collection/Characteristics of Participants
Data was collected during individual clinical interviews with each of the 100 participants, and
during a follow-up interview with participants. All 100 participants completed the 16 PF
Questionnaire, Fifth Edition (16PF), an instrument which assesses 16 primary personality
factors, and correlates these with Holland’s six occupational types. In addition, 28 individuals
completed a follow-up questionnaire developed by Mr. Joshua Tysinger, a member of the
committee working with Father Ham Fuller in the development of this program. Participants
were paid for their participation in the study, and were not randomly chosen. Below is a
synopsis of participant characteristics.

100 individuals participated in data collection; 74 (74%) of these participants were
males, and 26 (26%) of these participants were females

15% of the 100 participants are age 18-30; 14% of the 100 participants are age 31-40;
34% of the 100 participants are age 41-50; 36% of the 100 participants are age 51-60; and
1% of the 100 participants are over age 60. The youngest participant is 21 years old, and
the oldest participant is 61 years old.

70% of the 100 participants have been diagnosed as having a mental health illness; 65%
of male participants have been diagnosed as having a mental health illness, and 85% of
female participants have been diagnosed as having a mental health illness. Diagnoses
given to the 100 participants include: alcohol abuse, substance abuse, post traumatic
stress disorder; major depression; generalized anxiety disorder; bipolar disorder;
traumatic brain injury; attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; post partum depression;
and paranoid schizophrenia. Of those participants who have not received a mental health
diagnoses, several have chronic sleep problems, substance abuse problems, and/or
experience auditory and/or visual hallucinations.

17% of participants report suicide attempts, including 20% of male participants and 15%
of female participants

34% of participants reported having received treatment in a residential facility including
32% of male participants and 38% of female participants. These residential programs
included psychiatric hospitals and substance abuse programs.
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COTA cottage Industries Project, 2011-2013
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
Participants reported receiving outpatient mental health treatment through Western
Highlands Network, RHA, Recovery Ventures, ARP Phoenix, and Alcohol Anonymous.

68% of the 100 participants reported previous or current substance abuse (using alcohol,
prescription medications, and/or street drugs), including 72% of male participants and
58% of female participants

28% of the 100 participants reported current health problems (other than mental health
illnesses), including 27% of male participants and 31% of female participants. These
health concerns, included: hepatitis C, orthopedic problems, polycystic ovary syndrome
(PCOS), thyroid disease, pancreatitis, anemia, chronic pain, asthma, allergies, acid reflux,
migraine headaches, bronchitis, heart disease, car accidents, lupus, scoliosis, seizure
disorder, glaucoma, STD’s, hearing loss, and dental disease. One participate is currently
pregnant. Participants reported problems accessing health care services. Those who have
been able to access healthcare have received this at Western North Carolina Community
Health Services (WNCHS), at a public health department, and an emergency room.

39% of the 100 participants reported currently taking medication, including 42% of male
participants and 31% of female participants

Many participants reported growing up in families characterized by severe dysfunction,
including substance abuse, suicide, suicide attempts, domestic violence, alcoholism,
substance abuse, incest, physical/emotional/sexual abuse, divorce, and legal problems.
Several participants were reared by single parents, and many experienced economic
hardship. Several left home at a young age in order to remove himself/herself from
family dysfunction. Those who left home lived in bus stations, joined a carnival,
hitchhiked across country, became involved in prostitution, and one participant became a
drug runner at age 11 for a dealer named “Caveman”.

One participant was reared by a father who is an Episcopal priest and a mother who was a
college professor and is now serving in the Peace Corps. Another participant was reared
by a local attorney.

54% of the 100 participants reported either being a victim of physical, sexual, or
emotional abuse; or having lived in an environment in which abuse took place, including
46% of male participants and 81% of female participants. Several women report having
been raped.

40% of the 100 participants are parents including 30% of male participants and 69% of
female participants

82% of the 100 participants graduated from high school or obtained a GED (a few
participants received their GED in prison), including 81% of male participants and 85%
of female participants
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COTA cottage Industries Project, 2011-2013
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
46% of the 100 participants obtained training after high school, including 39% of male
participants and 65% of female participants. Post high school training includes college,
graduate school, nursing school, junior college, technical college, and culinary school. A
few of the participants are currently enrolled at AB Technical College in technical
training programs or a college preparatory program. One participant received an MBA
from Davidson University.

Participants have been employed in a variety of working situations, including: plumbing,
journalism, construction, daycare, auto mechanic, electrician, cook, dishwasher, farming,
cleaning windows, painting, sheet rocking, factory work, Certified Nursing Assistant
(CNA), shoe salesman, guitar trader, carnival worker, janitorial work, concrete work,
waterproofing, truck driver, glass glazer, plaster mechanic, roofing, carpentry,
landscaping, maintenance worker for housing developments, retail salesperson, food
service worker, waitress/waiter, floral design, cake decorating, upholstery, bookkeeper,
customer service, lab technician, office worker, road maintenance, government employee,
rehab treatment center worker, welder, steel worker, stock trader, registered nurse,
housekeeping, and paralegal. One participant is currently employed as a church organist.

12% of the 100 participants served in the U. S. Military including 16% of male
participants and 0% of female participants.

71% of the 50 participants have experienced legal problems including, 76% of male
participants and 58% of female participants. Legal charges have included: breaking and
entering, prostitution, DUI, selling drugs, possession of stolen goods, public intoxication,
trespassing, felony fleeing to elude law enforcement, and second degree battery.

34% of the 100 participants have been incarcerated including 38% of male participants
and 23% of female participants. One participant gave birth to a son while incarcerated.

Participants reported many living situations, including staying with friends, camping out
in the woods, Room in the Inn, Salvation Army, Western Carolina Rescue Mission,
sleeping on the streets, and assistance through AHOPE.
Data Collection Process
Participants met individually with Dr. Ami O’Neill, a N. C. Licensed Psychologist. Dr. O’Neill
conducted a clinical interview and administered testing to each participant.
Participants were administered a computerized version of the 16 PF Questionnaire, Fifth Edition
(16PF). The 16 PF, originally developed in 1949 and revised, assesses 16 primary components
of personality proposed by Dr. Raymond Cattell using factor analysis. The test uses 185 items to
assess the 16 primary personality factors identified by Dr. Cattell, as well as three validity
indices including, the Impression Management (IM) index which assesses social desirability; the
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COTA cottage Industries Project, 2011-2013
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Acquiescence index, which assesses whether or not the individual answered in an acquiescent
manner; and the Infrequency index, which assesses whether or not the individual responded in a
random manner.
The 16 personality factors are clustered under 5 Global Factors. The fifth edition also includes
Reasoning items that are separated from personality analysis because they assess ability. The
Reasoning items can be used as a quick measure of mental ability. However, these items should
not be considered as a substitute for a full-length intelligence battery because of the brevity of
this scale and its moderate correlation with other measures of intelligence.
The 16 primary personality factors and 5 global factors are listed below. Descriptions are of low
range vs. high range characteristics. Some of the primary factors have high loadings on more
than one global factor.
Extraversion
Warmth
Liveliness
Social Boldness
Privateness
Self Reliance
introverted vs. extroverted
reserved, aloof vs. outgoing, warm
somber, serious vs. enthusiastic, spontaneous
shy, hesitant vs. uninhibited, thick-skinned
forthright, unpretentious vs. astute, polished
group-oriented, joiner vs. self-sufficient
Anxiety
Emotional Stability
Vigilance
Apprehension
Tension
low anxiety vs. high anxiety
easily upset vs. emotionally stable, mature
trusting vs. suspicious
self-assured, secure vs. self-blaming, guilt prone
relaxed vs. tense
Tough-Mindedness
(Warmth)
Sensitivity
Abstractedness
Openess to Change
Independence
Dominance
(Social Boldness)
(Vigilance)
(Openess to Change)
emotionality, feeling vs. thinking
Self-Control
(Liveliness)
Rule-Consciousness
(Abstractness)
Perfectionism
uncontrolled vs. behaviorally controlled
unsentimental, realistic vs. tender-minded, intuitive, dependent
practical, conventional vs. imaginative, impractical
conservative, traditional vs. free-thinking, analytical
subduedness vs. independence
submissive, humble vs. assertive, competitive
self-indulgence, disregards rules vs. conforming, rule-bound
undisciplined, uncontrolled vs. self-disciplined, compulisve
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COTA cottage Industries Project, 2011-2013
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Next, participants’ personality profiles were correlated with occupational types based upon
Holland’s theory of vocational choice. Holland’s theory suggests that individuals should
experience the greatest satisfaction when their personality matches their work environment.
Holland has classified personality and work environments into six broad categories, or “types”,
based upon an individual’s different activities, competencies, self-concepts, and vocational
preferences. Each type theoretically describes a specific personality and the work orientation
associated with each personality. Holland agrees that individual personality is too complex to be
categorized into a single type. Instead, the six types form a total personality pattern that is
dominated by an individual’s strongest type.
The six occupational/personality types are described below.
Realistic
Investigative
Artistic
Social
Enterprising
Conventional
Enjoy working with objects, tools, machines; dislike social or educational
activities; value material, impersonal things, such as money, power, status;
personality descriptors include: practical, self-effacing, inflexible,
uninsightful
Enjoy activities such as observation and investigation of phenomena and
underlying principles. Dislike leadership roles and social activities. Value
science and problem-solving. Personality descriptors include: curious,
intellectual, independent, reserved, precise, introspective
Enjoy creative endeavors, such as manipulating materials to form art.
Dislike clerical, routine activities, and value aesthetic qualities. Personality
descriptors include: expressive, idealistic, imaginative, non-conforming,
sensitive, impulsive, introspective, open
Prefer activities that involve interaction with others, such as training,
developing, instructing, healing, and helping others. Dislike working with
tools or machines. Value social and ethical issues. Personality descriptors
include: cooperative, patient, generous, idealistic, kind, persuasive,
responsible, sociable, tactful, understanding, and warm.
Enjoy interacting with others, especially to attain organizational goals or
economic gain. Dislike investigative activities. Value political and
economic achievement. Personality descriptors include: adventurous,
ambitious, domineering, extraverted, optimistic, self-confident, and
talkative.
Enjoy manipulating and organizing data. Dislike ambiguous, unsystematic
activities. Value business and economic achievement. Personality
descriptors include: conforming, efficient, inflexible, inhibited, methodical,
thrifty, obedient, practical, and persistent.
Respondent protocols were computer scored. Due to the transitory lifestyles of the participants,
not all of them participated in receiving feedback. Dr. O’Neill met with several of the participants
individually. In addition, 28 of the participants to whom she gave feedback completed a followup questionnaire developed by Mr. Josh Tysinger.
The follow-up questionnaire developed by Mr. Tysinger consisted of 10 questions, seven which
were open-ended, and three which used a Likert scale rating. Selected questions asked in the
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COTA cottage Industries Project, 2011-2013
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follow-up questionnaire are listed below with responses that were given by the 28 participants
who completed it.
How satisfied are you with your life right now on a scale of 1-10 (with 1 being Not at All and
10 being Completely)? Ratings ranged from 1 to 10. The average rating was 6.1.
Are there any things you would like to change about yourself or life circumstance right now
that might better be addressed by this project? Please list 2-3 of these changes. Four of the 28
participants reported that they would like to make changes. One participant reported that “I
don’t know” in response to this question. 82% of these 28 participant reported that they would
like to make changes. These changes included: a steady job; a home; an apartment; another
part-time job to “go with the one I have”; money (to stay in a place to live); freedom (to live); be
a better person; make better choices; help more people; a vehicle; a better relationship with my
children; saving money; to stop drinking; help with job search; more control of my time; having
space to work without limitations; a driver’s license; be healthier; to stop smoking; to be closer
to God; education; treatment for depression; to control spending habits; “strive for perfection of
the heart”; a better Christ-centered relationship with God; confidence; staying focused on what
I’m trying to achieve; to be happy; to work more; being able to volunteer; end of violence from
mission residents; completion of my final year of college; exercise; a fulltime job; a job in the
arts; keep my baby; a cheaper place to live so I could establish myself at a faster pace; and
someone to help me work on my car.
In the past what kinds of roadblocks (personal or environmental) have you encountered when
attempting to make a change? Participants provided the following answers: criminal
background that impedes employment and housing; age; learning; “hillbilly”; listening to others;
following the wrong crowd; drugs; living on the street; drinking; not being able to drive; felony
record; not being listened to; not being disciplined enough; not having money for deposits; lack of
legal assistance; wrong choice in women; my stepdad; not thinking before I act; depression; false
religion in church; deprived upbringing; being negative about myself; not asking for help; having
negative things said to me; unemployment; governmental roadblocks; addiction; PTSD; lack of
food; no telephone; no gasoline for my car; no fare for buses; lack of a safe place to live; violence
towards me; abusive relationships; my health; and my family.
Please identify 3-5 characteristics or personal attributes for each of the following: core
strengths, talents and skill sets, values, and vocational, social, or academic goals. Participants
provided the following answers: (core strengths) resilient, motivated, smart enough to handle
peer pressure and advance to next level making proper decisions; positive outlook; healthy;
intelligence; personable; flexible; imagination; ability to visualize and follow through without
assistance; truthful; trustworthy; honest; outgoing; willing; friendly; “Boy Scout” ideals;
education; a heart of gold; I don’t follow the traditions of men; ambitious; forward thinking;
perseverance; common sense; endurance; morality; kind; strong; optimistic; getting along with
others; being creative; nice; good with children; good people person; (talents and skill sets) CNA
training; cooking; customer service; creative; athletic; bookkeeping; painting; drawing;
dishwashing; painting houses; clerical skills; laboratory technician; medical records skills;
hostess; cashier; salad dresser; sales; security services; knowledge of business; carpentry;
landscaping; forklift; tablesaw; handsaw; culinary; basketball; table tennis; registered nurse;
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COTA cottage Industries Project, 2011-2013
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creative writing; music; computers; welder; cook; sports; roofing; visual arts; do practically
anything I want to; concrete; old-fashioned; fair; law abiding; I believe in Jesus Christ;
community involvement; spiritual connection with God; morally correct; belief in a higher power;
open-minded; (vocational, social, or academic goals) going to school to become a RN; substance
abuse counseling; stay clean; be a good mom; a career in the arts; attending AB Tech; college
degree; masters’ degree; Ph.D; social contribution; personal gain; a bachelors degree in
administration; better education; get an apartment; schooling in child development; heaven; being
a productive member of society; employment; making new friends; steady employment; cooking
school; studying construction management; buy a house; get my driver’s license back; to be a
chef; set up a studio to continue artistic goals; build a website; meet new people; better job;
fulltime job with benefits; social networking; driving part-time; better in computer skills; want to
be more adamant in my spiritual connection; help others with my homeless experience
What’s your degree of interest in working for the Church of the Advocate’s Cottage Industries
Project (on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being Not At All and 10 being Completely)? Ratings
ranged from 1 to 10. The average rating of the 28 participants was 6.0.
Results and Discussion
In addition to the summative information discussed above, the following results are presented for
consideration.
Several of the participants who received feedback stated that they thought the instrument
generated an accurate portrayal of their personality. They also stated that they thought the
instrument accurately identified vocational areas they found appealing. These participants were
given copies of the test results, and the possibility of developing a “job bank” in which they could
be listed along with their strengths and interests was discussed. Following the second phase of
data collect (July 2012) the data was used to identify individuals whose interests suggested they
might like to participate in the StreetWaffle project, the original project developed by New Every
Morning. In addition, Father Ham has been able to identify several individuals with artistic
interests and abilities and has helped them market their works. Finally, Don Miller, a member of
COTA and the New Every Morning committee, has been able to use the data to identify
individuals who might be helpful in developing an internet market sponsored by New Every
Morning.
Survey data collected from participants is very useful to continued program development.
Participants were asked to identify needs of the homeless population in Asheville, to supplement
the information gleaned from the 16PF test results and the follow-up questionnaire. Feedback
received from the participants is discussed below.

A significant number of the participants reported that shelter continues to be significant
need, in spite of the programs that are already offered within the community. One female
participant discussed her fears of sleeping outside or on the streets. Others discussed
their concerns about the mental health and/or criminality of those in shelters. Some
participants suggested that residents of shelters be segregated to address these concerns,
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COTA cottage Industries Project, 2011-2013
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and/or that supervision be increased. In addition, one participant mentioned frustration
that shelters no longer have room for “drop in” residents.

None of the participants expressed concerns about finding food. In fact, one participant
described Asheville as the “only town you can live in as a homeless person and gain
weight”.

A significant number of participants expressed concerns about unemployment. They
would like to be able to receive more information about potential employment
opportunities and to be “given a chance”. Several participants were of the opinion that
the homeless population is very diverse, composed of individuals who are not motivated
to find work, but also of individuals who are very motivated to find work and improve
their life circumstances. Many participants also were of the opinion that the recent
economic recession has increased the number of people who are competing for jobs.

Many participants expressed concerns about receiving mental health, substance abuse,
medical, and dental care. Some mentioned that they would like to be able to have health
insurance. One participant stated that he doesn’t think WNCHS (Western NC
Community Health Services) has taken walk-in clients in at least two years.

Many participants mentioned that they would like to have “fun” activities and supportive
groups to participate in during daytime hours. Unless they are working, many
participants reported that they had nothing to occupy their time when they are not in the
shelters.

Several participants reported that they feel harassed by local law enforcement.

Several participants mentioned that they would like to “be appreciated”, for the public to
remember that many of them are homeless because “life threw (them) a curve ball”, and
for “people to give them a chance”. One participant mentioned a concern that many
individuals forget that they did not choose the circumstances that led to homeless.
It is encouraging that the 28 participants who completed the follow-up questionnaire were able to
name many personal strengths. It is also interesting to note that many participants expressed a
desire to become more independent and able to care for themselves, and that several participants
expressed a desire to contribute to their communities and support others through difficult times.
Through COTA Father Ham has been able to offer opportunities for community service to
homeless individuals, including helping with rebuilding after a national disaster and participating
in construction with the local Habitat for Humanity chapter.
In summary, there are clearly differences among homeless individuals, including family
background, educational status, and health status. Unlike the perhaps common perception, many
of these individuals have been educated, either owned or rented their own residences, and were
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COTA cottage Industries Project, 2011-2013
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gainfully employed. However, many of these individuals “fell upon hard times” because of
unemployment, health problems, divorce, and/or mental health problems, especially substance
abuse. It appears that the Asheville homeless population is generally characterized by two
groups of individuals: those who are trying to pull themselves out of their circumstances, and
those who do not appear to be motivated to do so. My interactions with these 100 individuals
suggest that a greater percentage of the homeless population falls in the former category.
In addition, there appear to be several factors that are fairly common among these homeless
individuals. These factors include a history of being a victim or witness of domestic or other
types of violence; a family history characterized by mental health issues; substance abuse; and a
diagnosis of a mental health disorder. These factors are not mutually exclusive, and it often
appears to be the interaction of these factors that is a predictor of future homeless.
Not only does a jobs program appear to be a needed service for the Asheville homeless
population, but this data also speaks to the need for early family interventions and mental health
diagnosis and treatment.
In December 2013, the U. S. Conference of Mayors released a report which studied 25 U. S.
cities, including Asheville, N. C. Some of the data reported is comparable to the data collected
in this study. It was reported that 60% of Asheville’s homeless population were domestic
violence survivors, the highest percentage of any of the cities that participated in the survey.
This study also that a lack of services for the poor and mentally ill were the prominent reasons
for homelessness in other cities, whereas, in Asheville, the prominent reason for homeless was
determined to be a lack of well-paying jobs. Furthermore, this study determined that homeless
population in Asheville had increased 8% in the past year, with a sharp increase in homeless
families. An increase in homeless in individuals and families in 2014 was also predicted for
Asheville.
Respectfully submitted,
Ami O’Neill, Ph.D.
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