Unfortunately, it seems like the number of organizations in the Redlands area that serve those living in poverty or who are homeless are decreasing rapidly. The first internship organization I was assigned seemed great. It seemed like it was inclusive, like it was serving a large amount of people, and was making a name for itself in the community. However, it just recently shut its doors and is now allocating its services and resources to other organizations in the area. As sad as it is to see a great nonprofit close down, what is even more sad is that it is not the only one. Just in the Redlands area alone there seems to be a recent decrease in the number of agencies providing services to the homeless. As we have talked about in class, Redlands and nearby San Bernardino are definitely not predominately wealthy communities. I think being on campus all the time disallows us from seeing the reality of the area we are living in. If places like even the Salvation Army are not able to stay open here, who is serving and helping the homeless and near-homeless? I have been thinking about this a lot lately, especially after watching the film in class on Wednesday. In the city of Santa Monica, there was only one shelter people could stay in, and one recourse center that would help them get jobs or housing. In places like Santa Monica, or the Greater Redlands area, there must be the need for such shelters and organizations, but yet they are barely able to stay open in large numbers. This seems to just fuel the discouraging cycle of homelessness and poverty.
2 thoughts on “Decreasing Social Service Organizations”
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I grew up in San Bernardino, in one of the worst parts. I would see at least 3-5 homeless people everyday on my way to school, between my house and the freeway onramp (about half a mile in distance). I have seen a man urinate on the street corner by my house. At the time, I found that disgusting. Now, I realize what else can he do? Closing shelters will only further the problem, and San Bernardino needs some major help. It is an incredibly unsafe neighborhood, and no one should be left outside overnight.
I agree with your comment about how us being on campus allows for us to be ignorant of our surrounding area. Just the other day I overheard someone mention that you can get free meals at the Salvation Army and was left feeling discouraged for them as we’ve been told in class they are shutting their doors.