The actual process of becoming a volunteer was most stressful. First, I was asked general questions about myself and about my interest in the foundation. They were eager to learn my intentions of volunteering my time. After filling out the 8 page document cautioning me of various possibilities, I understood the reasoning for trust issues in regard to volunteers. For many of the youth, having had personal experiences of loss, whether it be a relationship or a roof over their head, has made them vulnerable. For that reason, volunteers are encouraged to stay for a minimum of six months. While it is not currently a requirement for volunteers to make the half-year commitment, it is being looked into to be potentially implemented in the future.

I was also walked through a long list of “do’s” and “don’ts” for “[my] own safety.” Most of these guidelines were to ensure that the volunteer and the youth maintain a level of personal privacy. I am to refrain from answering questions about myself. This, I found to be one of the most difficult guidelines to follow. I am to always talk to the youth at eye-level. This means that if one of the youth comes to talk to me and they decide to sit down, I should also sit down. If they decide to stand up while they continue to talk to me, I am also to stand. This is a rule for the volunteers to prevent any possibility of a power struggle.

The final step to becoming an official volunteer required me get in contact with the police department. This particular organization requires the individual who wishes to volunteer to be fingerprinted and background checked. After leaving numerous voicemails, I was never returned a call about setting up an appointment for the screening. After a week and a half, I decided to physically go to the Redlands Police Department. I was told the screening would take several weeks to process, but happened to process the following day for a reason I am unaware of. This served as an true life example of how difficult becoming a volunteer can be which can explain the lack of help available at organizations.

On the first day, I had to manage the flow of high school students that would come looking to renew their bus passes while helping others create resumes with little to no experience. I assisted a young man create a resume. The young man was in his early twenties, fresh out of jail, illiterate, and in poverty. It was his first time at the organization, and it was my responsibility after we finished building his resume to do his intake.

In my time being at the organization, I have only heard the word homelessness once. That particular time was to explain that the youth that drop by either do not consider themselves to be homeless or don’t want others to know. Many of these children have cars, homes, are in school, etc. However, many lack the support that the organization offers. It is only a support system for these individuals.