During the Hunger and Homelessness course I have had many moments were I have felt emotionally struck and stuck by the content. I have felt trapped by structural constraints. I have felt overwhelmed of where to start. At times I have experienced deep sadness and a loss of hope. Tuesdays and Thursdays class offered much needed hope.

The organizations discussed on Tuesday from Heise’s book The Book of the Poor offered ways of dealing with the problems of hunger and homelessness. The fact that many of the organizations are still running and making a difference is reassuring. Despite the small staff size the organizations are able to offer assistance to many.

I am grateful that Nickeled and Dimed will be brought to University of Redlands by the theater department. The production will provide a way to educate students, faculty, and community members about the impossible nature of living off of a minimum wage job. The production provides an opportunity to reach out to others who would not otherwise learn about the real life struggles of having a minimum wage.

ABCs and Rice is an example of a nonprofit organization that saw a problem and a way to help. ABCs and Rice picked a target group- impoverished children living in Siem Reap, Cambodia. They then developed a mission of breaking the cycle of poverty through education. They recognize barriers that prevent children from going to school and seek to find solutions to break barriers.

A lesson I have taken away after Tuesday and Thursday’s class is find a cause that you are passionate about. This might mean joining a nongovernmental organization or creating your own. This requires recognizing your skills and limitations. Develop a vision and mission of what you hope to accomplish. Hard work is an ingredient in this process. Yet, one must find a healthy balance between working and taking care of you yourself so that burnout is avoided.