I would like to start of being saying how amazing of an experience it was to travel all the way to Washington DC and help out with those less fortunate. Before this year I never thought too much about the issue of homelessness. My major being geography I naturally gravitated towards environmental issues instead of social. This experience opened my eyes to things I never thought about.
Before the trip I tried to educate myself about the issue of homelessness by reading newspaper articles. Once on the trip I realized how little that did for me. It is one thing to read about the statistics of an issue and another to go out into the world and connect with the real people. During the dinner I sat with Courtney and talked to a man and a woman. Together we did a puzzle, but also chatted. While i was talking to the woman, Josie, I realized how happy she was despite how little she actually had. It still shocks me how some one can live in sch a materialistic world and be content with their life even though all of their material possessions are carried with them in a couple of shopping bags.
One of the other experiences I enjoyed was visiting Anacostia. First of all, Anacostia is not a place many people got to while visiting the DC area. It does not have the beautiful buildings and high class stores as other parts of the city, but one thing I noticed there that I saw lacking in other parts of the city was a sense of community. While crossing one of the roads our group got yelled at by a cross gaurd for crossing when the light said not to even though there were no cars coming. Even though we all laughed about it afterwards it was really nice to see how much that cross gaurd cared about the kids in the school. People warned me how dangerous the area was and how not to speak to locals. However, on our first trip there we got lost on the bus. Other passengers on the bus were more than happy to help us and after a few minutes the entire front of the bus was involved in a discussion of exactly were we needed to go. Another thing that happened was that people made eye contact with me while walking on the street. We walked pretty much everywhere we went and all the other pedestrains in the other parts of the city seemed to be in their own world. The only people who would talk to us were the homeless. People on the streets of Anacostia seemed friendlier and were taling to many of the people they passed by.
One of the organzations we worked with in Anacostia was the Southeast Family Center. They dealt with emergancy rent assistance, which is one of the big issues in homelessness. While working with this organization we stepped back a bit from working one on one with the community and got to see the numbers. It was interesting to see how high rent really was and how much of a problem it is. rent should only cost 1/3 of a household's income, but these people were spending way more than that. It really woke me up on how the government needs to do more to make sure people are provided with affordable housing.
Overall the best part of the experience was getting to know my group members better. I learned how crazy Linda is and how Brittany seems to have the most sense of anyone I know, and how to correctly pronounce Shanaka's name.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Monday, March 31, 2008
YSOP Experience
I can honestly say that this experience... I will never forget. I really liked the fact that YSOP was able to give volunteers a hands- on experience. I truly enjoyed visiting the Kipp School and seeing for myself, how motivated the students were about getting an education. Their enthusiasm made me think about how much I take my education for granted. That's just one of the many experiences I enjoyed. I can't begin to describe my thoughts about the YSOP dinner. At first, I was a "waiter" and went around pouring drinks for people. One man asked for coffee, and while getting the coffee, I bumped into Stephen. Basically, our meeting was all through chance. lol. A good type of chance. The first thing he said to me was: "Do you know what a meniscus is? Bet you don't know the physics behind it." That made us connect right off the bat. (A meniscus is that convex surface a liquid makes in a graduated cylinder, pipet, etc). It wasn't too long ago that I went from a science major to an advertising major. Basically, it was one of those personal decisions that makes you think a lot at night. At dinner, he had such a charming personality that I didn't even get to finish my dinner because of how much I was laughing. At one point, he exclaimed, "The world is my home." That phrase stuck on my mind for the rest of that night. I'm quite sad that our time together was cut short that night because of curfew. I would've stayed longer if permitted the time. I'm so happy I signed up for this experience. Our ASB team is composed up of individuals who truly care. I feel that these individuals are doing more than volunteering with their hands, they're volunteering with their hearts.
Linda Nguyen
Linda Nguyen
crossposted// reflection on our time in d.c.
alternative spring break//DC : written 03/24/2008
this is much more of a reflection than a recount so i will start by noting that i will try to say as much about the past week as i can with the fewest amount of words... i feel as though this week i have connected with and grown closer to a group of individuals i may not have been fortunate enough to encounter otherwise, as well as strengthened friendships already established. i feel that my eyes, heart and being have been expanded. i feel that we made a difference in the organizations that we worked with this past week as well as in the lives that these organizations impact. I found myself wanting to be able to do more, but it hit me midway through the week while aiding in spring cleaning over in fort totten at milestone transitional housing facility, that changing the world and making a difference comes in all shapes and sizes and that without volunteer groups like ours these organizations would not be able to accomplish all that they do. i feel as though our group has become more educated to further address these major issues at home and around the globe.
i know i have been humbled, motivated and have gained insight. Also i have come home wanting to push myself and utilize capabilities i know that i once had, and still believe are buried underneath my lack of effort and motivation, as i once again have found value in the pursuing of this higher education of which i am nearing the finish line. Tuesday at KIPP charter school in Anacostia we ate lunch with 7th graders who were already planning for high school and college. Students with teachers who believe in them and are committed, students who are striving to excel even though many of them came into the school in 5th grade at a kindergarten reading level. Being in D.C. has left me with a less bitter and more hopeful attitude towards our nation..Of course there were hindrances on our journey, when are there not? But we laughed quite a lot, and we grew through them.
The highlight of the week was certainly the dinner we hosted at YSOP Tuesday night. There were about 40 of us hosting, including the other groups from Madison. Brittany and i sat and shared a meal and talked with Melvin. you can learn a lot through listening to people. Melvin educated us on what it was like to be poor and in D.C. while encouraging us to live and experience as much as possible while young and independent. No matter where we are in life.. we are all one step away from being in any of these people’s shoes...unable to make ends meet.. needing a hand.
As far as our leisure time while we were there... Even through these times i found a high level of relevance and was highly impacted. Thursday after playing frisbee until we froze on the national mall, a group of us journeyed up to Adams Morgan via the metro and feasted on ethiopian food. Friday afternoon we stumbled into a Good Friday reflection service at the national cathedral. The building itself was monumental but even more magnificent than the architecture...there was a sacredness and reverence there i cannot remember the last time i experienced. it was intense and it rocked me.
Staying in the hostel, was a good experience in itself. Late nights down in the lobby exposes one to numerous conversations in an assortment of languages. Bernd, our german friend from the hostel spent a good amount of time with our group. The last night of our trip sofia, kirk, and i sat atop the steps of the lincoln memorial gazing out over the reflection pool, soaking in life. As much as those we helped needed us this week.. I needed this week to leave some things behind and step out of my comfortable surroundings and be immersed...and i am glad i did. There is so much more to be said about each memorable moment from the week but i am just glad i can carry those memories with me. D.C. you taught me a lot.. thank you. I miss you already.
//sarah mccartan
this is much more of a reflection than a recount so i will start by noting that i will try to say as much about the past week as i can with the fewest amount of words... i feel as though this week i have connected with and grown closer to a group of individuals i may not have been fortunate enough to encounter otherwise, as well as strengthened friendships already established. i feel that my eyes, heart and being have been expanded. i feel that we made a difference in the organizations that we worked with this past week as well as in the lives that these organizations impact. I found myself wanting to be able to do more, but it hit me midway through the week while aiding in spring cleaning over in fort totten at milestone transitional housing facility, that changing the world and making a difference comes in all shapes and sizes and that without volunteer groups like ours these organizations would not be able to accomplish all that they do. i feel as though our group has become more educated to further address these major issues at home and around the globe.
i know i have been humbled, motivated and have gained insight. Also i have come home wanting to push myself and utilize capabilities i know that i once had, and still believe are buried underneath my lack of effort and motivation, as i once again have found value in the pursuing of this higher education of which i am nearing the finish line. Tuesday at KIPP charter school in Anacostia we ate lunch with 7th graders who were already planning for high school and college. Students with teachers who believe in them and are committed, students who are striving to excel even though many of them came into the school in 5th grade at a kindergarten reading level. Being in D.C. has left me with a less bitter and more hopeful attitude towards our nation..Of course there were hindrances on our journey, when are there not? But we laughed quite a lot, and we grew through them.
The highlight of the week was certainly the dinner we hosted at YSOP Tuesday night. There were about 40 of us hosting, including the other groups from Madison. Brittany and i sat and shared a meal and talked with Melvin. you can learn a lot through listening to people. Melvin educated us on what it was like to be poor and in D.C. while encouraging us to live and experience as much as possible while young and independent. No matter where we are in life.. we are all one step away from being in any of these people’s shoes...unable to make ends meet.. needing a hand.
As far as our leisure time while we were there... Even through these times i found a high level of relevance and was highly impacted. Thursday after playing frisbee until we froze on the national mall, a group of us journeyed up to Adams Morgan via the metro and feasted on ethiopian food. Friday afternoon we stumbled into a Good Friday reflection service at the national cathedral. The building itself was monumental but even more magnificent than the architecture...there was a sacredness and reverence there i cannot remember the last time i experienced. it was intense and it rocked me.
Staying in the hostel, was a good experience in itself. Late nights down in the lobby exposes one to numerous conversations in an assortment of languages. Bernd, our german friend from the hostel spent a good amount of time with our group. The last night of our trip sofia, kirk, and i sat atop the steps of the lincoln memorial gazing out over the reflection pool, soaking in life. As much as those we helped needed us this week.. I needed this week to leave some things behind and step out of my comfortable surroundings and be immersed...and i am glad i did. There is so much more to be said about each memorable moment from the week but i am just glad i can carry those memories with me. D.C. you taught me a lot.. thank you. I miss you already.
//sarah mccartan
a.s.h <3 d.c.
When I think about our trip to D.C. about two weeks ago, I can't help but smile and remember how amazing it feels to accomplish a goal we've been fighting for the past eight months or so. I recall last July quite perfectly: Lacey and I were adamantly discussing the next ASB trip to a location that would hype people, that would draw attention and would instill pride and enthusiasm into our members. Basically, we wanted some incredible experience. And now having returned, I must say that we may have just done that.
But it couldn't have been possible without all the members, all of you guys who put in so much effort, time, brain-power, and passion. Through the Benefit Concert, the Dog Washes (man, those were great...), the Yard Sale, the sponsorship chase, and just every activity in which everyone participated, we made it to Washington, D.C. and met the most incredible and persevering individuals.
Through everything that happened this past year for ASB, be it during all different high, low, middle points, I'm ridiculously proud of the group. I am yet in a state of awe at how far we've gone, and how great it feels to be a member of this group.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Lacey McLaughlin's experience in D.C.
I was hoping to update while on the trip- but wow there was little time to spare! We had such a busy and amazing week in D.C.!
Where to start?
Pre-trip
To capture the trip in a blog just isn't going to happen. But I will try to give an account of the things that really stuck out to me last week, and the lessons that I learned.
I had a rather large role in selecting the site we went to, and the issue that we wanted to work on this year. Since September we have been working to make sure this trip would happen. The biggest struggle was raising money, but in the end we met our goals. It felt great to work so hard for something, and see it all come together. I realize now that there are so many things that are possible, and having people work for a common goal can be difficult but even more so- very rewarding. I was thinking today about how crazy the yard sale was, and the days before it happened. We were worried that we wouldn't have enough items to sell, and then 24 hours before the sale started I was picking up donations non-stop. Sofia, Sarah, and I stood in Sofia's garage the night before with items up to our elbows. At 5:30 a.m. we had people lined up trying to buy things and we were barely set up. Its these crazy moments that made me appreciate this experience so much more. Had we not overcome the obstacles we did I don't think this trip would have the same meaning.
The Trip
I was surprised by how smooth everything went getting to D.C. the 17 hour drive went by really fast, and the group was able to get to know each other better than ever. Though we were all very tired, no one complained. When we got to D.C. a parade was going on for St. Patty's Day and all the roads to the hostel were blocked. I think it took an extra hour and a half to get to our hostel but that was the only trouble we had.
YSOP- Youth Service Opportunities Project is an amazing organization. Our hostel was so close to them, and that made everything really easy. We really didn't know what to expect our first day. The first morning we were there John Palinski- a volunteer at YSOP gave us a great intro and we broke into groups. John is such a great guy and very intresting he had worked for the Obama campaign and was a Wilco fan like myself ( and sarah!)
Over the course of the week my group and I got a really great insiders view to different organizations and their approach to dealing with the issue of homelessness.
We did administrative work in an Emergency Rental Assistance Program Office where I was able to help people fill out applications. I got to hear their stories first hand one mom needed help with a deposit and first month's rent totaling $4,400 for a 3 bedroom apartment. She has 4 kids and works as an assistant teacher at a Montessori. Without help from this program she would have two options 1) live in a one bedroom with her four kids because that's all she could afford or 2) move in with friends or a shelter until she had enough money saved for housing that would accommodate her and her family.
Many people face these kind of tough options, and the more limited their resources are ( help from friends or family, or child support from fathers) the more at risk they are to become homeless. Its programs like ERAP that keep people from becoming homeless. ERAP is mostly government funded. I am interested in researching what rental assistance programs are available in Pensacola, and if they are helping our citizens from becoming homeless.
We also worked in a charter school for low income kids in Anacostia called KIPP academy. This was one of the most favorite sites we worked at, and I am sure that other group members will add to our experience. The teachers at KIPP are dedicated to helping these students break out of the cycle of poverty and after this middle school they try to place them in charter high schools, and boarding schools. The school is really amazing- not the best technology or resources, but by far the most dedicated staff I have ever met. They put a huge emphasis on college, and putting the message to these kids that college is not only a possibility for them, but a way to meet their goals in life. We helped grade papers, and do more administrative work. We also got to have lunch with the students who asked us all about college, and what classes we liked the most.
We had a homeless dinner on Tuesday night. This was one of the best memories I have from the trip.
We were able to serve the homeless population in D.C. with a great dinner and conversation. We exchanged stories, and lots of laughs. One of the men I met, Eric made a lasting impression on me. he writes for a publication called " Street Sense" which is a newspaper staffed by homeless men and women in D.C. they are able to express their views and ideas about being homeless, and government action ( and inaction). They sell it on street corners and are able to make a small income. Eric isn't just homeless, he is an advocate for the homeless. He sits on a homeless council in D.C. and is an activist for the people who end up on the streets. He did not carry one ounce of self pity. His attitude towards life was inspiring, as well as his ability to overcome adversity.
We spent the last two days working in a transitional home. It was great to see all sides of this issue and how vital a transitional home is. We worked at place called Milestone, and their approach was very unorthodox. The resident manager, Barry cares a lot about the people who come into this housing unit. I think that its important for transitional living to be an environment in which individuals are treated with respect and encouragement. We definitely saw this there, and what a difference it made to thoseresidents. Many of them were getting their lives back together through working or going to school. They pay 1/3 of their income to live in the units and milestone matches their savings.
Post trip
These approaches all made a huge impact on me. I also started thinking a lot about what our approach to homelessness is in Pensacola, and I honestly can't say that I know that much. I know that there are different organizations doing great things, but I don't know where their funding comes from, or if there is much of aid for transitional housing, or rental assistance.
It is one thing to give people a meal and a bed for a night, but what about the long term? What about the people who can barely make their rent each month and then get laid off?
What about a homeless person who suffers from alcohol addiction, but is ready to get their life back together? I now know that transitional housing keeps people accountable, and detours them from drug usage. There are so many different avenues of homelessness, and I have realized that we have to look at each individuals and their needs. We can't just group them all together. Battered women, runaways, drug addicts, and those suffering from mental health all fall into different categories and that is a key issue. I see so many people suffering from mental illness on the streets in Pensacola, and now I have to ask why is this?
I hope to raise awareness in my own community, and ask hard questions to those who run homeless programs, and those who allocate funding. My group and I are hard at work trying to understand this issue and what we can do to make an impact in Pensacola.
Overall, this trip really opened my eyes to the bigger picture. With an economic down turn before us, this issue is as timely as ever and now its our job to be an advocate for those who can't advocate for themselves.
Where to start?
Pre-trip
To capture the trip in a blog just isn't going to happen. But I will try to give an account of the things that really stuck out to me last week, and the lessons that I learned.
I had a rather large role in selecting the site we went to, and the issue that we wanted to work on this year. Since September we have been working to make sure this trip would happen. The biggest struggle was raising money, but in the end we met our goals. It felt great to work so hard for something, and see it all come together. I realize now that there are so many things that are possible, and having people work for a common goal can be difficult but even more so- very rewarding. I was thinking today about how crazy the yard sale was, and the days before it happened. We were worried that we wouldn't have enough items to sell, and then 24 hours before the sale started I was picking up donations non-stop. Sofia, Sarah, and I stood in Sofia's garage the night before with items up to our elbows. At 5:30 a.m. we had people lined up trying to buy things and we were barely set up. Its these crazy moments that made me appreciate this experience so much more. Had we not overcome the obstacles we did I don't think this trip would have the same meaning.
The Trip
I was surprised by how smooth everything went getting to D.C. the 17 hour drive went by really fast, and the group was able to get to know each other better than ever. Though we were all very tired, no one complained. When we got to D.C. a parade was going on for St. Patty's Day and all the roads to the hostel were blocked. I think it took an extra hour and a half to get to our hostel but that was the only trouble we had.
YSOP- Youth Service Opportunities Project is an amazing organization. Our hostel was so close to them, and that made everything really easy. We really didn't know what to expect our first day. The first morning we were there John Palinski- a volunteer at YSOP gave us a great intro and we broke into groups. John is such a great guy and very intresting he had worked for the Obama campaign and was a Wilco fan like myself ( and sarah!)
Over the course of the week my group and I got a really great insiders view to different organizations and their approach to dealing with the issue of homelessness.
We did administrative work in an Emergency Rental Assistance Program Office where I was able to help people fill out applications. I got to hear their stories first hand one mom needed help with a deposit and first month's rent totaling $4,400 for a 3 bedroom apartment. She has 4 kids and works as an assistant teacher at a Montessori. Without help from this program she would have two options 1) live in a one bedroom with her four kids because that's all she could afford or 2) move in with friends or a shelter until she had enough money saved for housing that would accommodate her and her family.
Many people face these kind of tough options, and the more limited their resources are ( help from friends or family, or child support from fathers) the more at risk they are to become homeless. Its programs like ERAP that keep people from becoming homeless. ERAP is mostly government funded. I am interested in researching what rental assistance programs are available in Pensacola, and if they are helping our citizens from becoming homeless.
We also worked in a charter school for low income kids in Anacostia called KIPP academy. This was one of the most favorite sites we worked at, and I am sure that other group members will add to our experience. The teachers at KIPP are dedicated to helping these students break out of the cycle of poverty and after this middle school they try to place them in charter high schools, and boarding schools. The school is really amazing- not the best technology or resources, but by far the most dedicated staff I have ever met. They put a huge emphasis on college, and putting the message to these kids that college is not only a possibility for them, but a way to meet their goals in life. We helped grade papers, and do more administrative work. We also got to have lunch with the students who asked us all about college, and what classes we liked the most.
We had a homeless dinner on Tuesday night. This was one of the best memories I have from the trip.
We were able to serve the homeless population in D.C. with a great dinner and conversation. We exchanged stories, and lots of laughs. One of the men I met, Eric made a lasting impression on me. he writes for a publication called " Street Sense" which is a newspaper staffed by homeless men and women in D.C. they are able to express their views and ideas about being homeless, and government action ( and inaction). They sell it on street corners and are able to make a small income. Eric isn't just homeless, he is an advocate for the homeless. He sits on a homeless council in D.C. and is an activist for the people who end up on the streets. He did not carry one ounce of self pity. His attitude towards life was inspiring, as well as his ability to overcome adversity.
We spent the last two days working in a transitional home. It was great to see all sides of this issue and how vital a transitional home is. We worked at place called Milestone, and their approach was very unorthodox. The resident manager, Barry cares a lot about the people who come into this housing unit. I think that its important for transitional living to be an environment in which individuals are treated with respect and encouragement. We definitely saw this there, and what a difference it made to thoseresidents. Many of them were getting their lives back together through working or going to school. They pay 1/3 of their income to live in the units and milestone matches their savings.
Post trip
These approaches all made a huge impact on me. I also started thinking a lot about what our approach to homelessness is in Pensacola, and I honestly can't say that I know that much. I know that there are different organizations doing great things, but I don't know where their funding comes from, or if there is much of aid for transitional housing, or rental assistance.
It is one thing to give people a meal and a bed for a night, but what about the long term? What about the people who can barely make their rent each month and then get laid off?
What about a homeless person who suffers from alcohol addiction, but is ready to get their life back together? I now know that transitional housing keeps people accountable, and detours them from drug usage. There are so many different avenues of homelessness, and I have realized that we have to look at each individuals and their needs. We can't just group them all together. Battered women, runaways, drug addicts, and those suffering from mental health all fall into different categories and that is a key issue. I see so many people suffering from mental illness on the streets in Pensacola, and now I have to ask why is this?
I hope to raise awareness in my own community, and ask hard questions to those who run homeless programs, and those who allocate funding. My group and I are hard at work trying to understand this issue and what we can do to make an impact in Pensacola.
Overall, this trip really opened my eyes to the bigger picture. With an economic down turn before us, this issue is as timely as ever and now its our job to be an advocate for those who can't advocate for themselves.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Welcome
Welcome to the Alternative Spring Break at the University of West Florida's blog. We will be frequently updating this blog before, during, and after our trip this year to Washington D.C. were we will be working with the issue of homelessness. I am Lacey McLaughlin the president of ASB this year and I am so excited about the months ahead.
The next two months before we leave are going to be hard work, they will pay off once we get on our trip. We are currently planning our Yardsale, one of our biggest money-makers each year.
Our members this year are outstanding students who care so much about the issue that we are working with! heres to the hard work that lies ahead, and the biggest reward of all: a meaningful and fun Spring Break.
The next two months before we leave are going to be hard work, they will pay off once we get on our trip. We are currently planning our Yardsale, one of our biggest money-makers each year.
Our members this year are outstanding students who care so much about the issue that we are working with! heres to the hard work that lies ahead, and the biggest reward of all: a meaningful and fun Spring Break.
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