Working at a homeless shelter has broaden my perspectives of humanity.  I decided to do my internship in my local community.  The organization was founded in 1990, by two women, after serving hot meals to their homeless neighbors in a parish kitchen.  The demand of relief, drove these women to continue their services. Now, after serving 34 years of services, the shelter continues to change the lives of the homeless.

I am grateful to be part of this contribution that helps aid the people in need.  During my internship experience working as a volunteer, I have meet wonderful people that have change my perspective of seeing homelessness.  Working in the career and education center has taught me the factors of homelessness people struggle to maintain a stable life.  I meet a volunteer who works part-time assisting the people with access to resources.  I admire his determination and kindness in striving to change lives of the people. He treats the homeless people with respect and dignity, and in return he receives their loyalty and appreciation. Therefore, I consider him as a true hero.

I am amazed in how our local food markets supply the kitchen department with groceries that makes 4 meals served for 700 people daily.  The residents and the public have the opportunity to enjoy a delicious meal cook from the employees and served by the residents and volunteers.  I am thankful to be accepted by the homeless community, and it brings me pleasure to work with them closely to manage their problems with possible solutions.

I meet a sister who welcomed me with open arms, and she has educated me with the recovery services she offers to the residents and homeless people in fighting addiction and sustaining a healthy life.  She offered to show me around the shelter to meet homeless people and expose the circumstances homeless people face in their daily lives.  In my eyes she a very caring and loving person that devotes her profession to make the best possible attempt for homeless people to seek therapy.  I notice that she follow up with people to identify if their issues have been resolve through the support system the organization provides with respect and dignity.

Connecting with the homeless as a volunteer has helped me understand profoundly the circumstances that drives the people to become homeless.  Hunger and homelessness is a devastating issue that needs to be addressed with public awareness in order to alleviate the cycle of misery.  I believe the weakness of my experience is watching the resident’s children play with the homeless men outside the building.  Children have innocent minds that are not aware of the situations they live, but they give that special bond that makes the homeless men feel affection and happiness.  Every time I go home after working at the local shelter, it increases the desire to do more for my community.  As well as to encourage my family, friends, and acquaintance to get involve to join the organization to prevent the cycle of homelessness.