David Harris: Reflection- Andrea Graham

Its interesting to see people drop their eyes and just keep walking
They don't seem to care about what i have in my hand and that I am talking
Or that I am trying to sell for those who have much less than I
They just keep walking
Lets think of others before ourselves for once
Take into consideration what we can offer those who ask us for some
Spare change on our busy way
We don't see those who are invisible
But they aren't
They are people just like you and me
It only cost a measly dollar which you could spare
- Andrea Graham

David Harris: Reflection- Jonathan Barnett

Tell me do you know what the homeless go through?
I live a nice life and so do you.
But do you ever wonder
about the people on the streets
Those who sell newspapers just to get enough to eat
Some people that i have met work hard to survive
But its hard when they don't have a home in their lives
To live a homeless life really must suck.
When people walk by and cant even spare a buck.
The way that people treat the homeless is a pity
But to me the homeless people are the toughest in the city
-Jonathan Barnett

David Harris: Reflection- Miranda Mullins

I learned many things from the people I have met on this trip
1) How to respect the oddest people
2) That every little thing counts.
3)No matter what I will remember the kindness I have been taught through my life so I don't end up like the cold s.o.b's that past us by on the street
- Miranda Mullins

David Harris: Reflection- Kayleigh Philips

Well over the last few days I have met people of all races and ages who are homeless. And Ive learned that homelessness is not always their fault.Well to do people should use their resources available to them and pass some to to the homeless to give them a chance at a normal life. But I have also learned that the homeless are looked down upon. People pretend they are not there because 'normal people' pretend that there isn't a problem, this doesn't mean that you don't exist. And I think the biggest stumbling block for the homeless is the fact that there is a lack of compassion among the human race. Just a smile or a kind word could brighten their day, and maybe one postive thinker can trigger more postive things for someone.

David Harris: Reflection- Daniele Hepler

You walk by in your shiny shoes
After your long day is through
You refuse to buy their paper without a 'no, thank you'
Not knowing they worked all that too
But their work day is different from yours
These people fight all day for a bite to eat
While you sit back in your office chair and prop up your feet
They worry all day of where they will rest for the night
And you argue with the Big man of who is wrong or right
Begging for a little change and waiting a little small talk
While you figure how to avoid these people and find a new route to walk
See they work just as you so
Maybe you should stop and think a few
At how these people are once just like you
Donate a dollar to help them out
And give them something to really shout about
Then just come and get you street sense
Which thought was torture and at your expense.
-Daniele Hepler

David Harris: Reflection- Ashleigh Gill

The Homeless

The city roars
Like the bones of a mechanical lizard
An inch to the left and an inch to the right
And you
Asleep on the scales shiver
Where the wide windows look
Where the cold soup sits
Where the green tongued gentleman pockets jingle
I have seen you
I have seen you and you are crouching
You are cold skinned and shade drawn
I have seen and felt the blindness of you
Rattling curling, brother sister daughter son
Tape your shoes cling tight
The lizard is moving on

David Harris: Reflection- Jennifer Bowman

Homelessness affects more than we know
It affects all types
Men, women children
The young and the old
Some become bitter, angry and mad
Yelling at others or just not caring at all
While other do the best they can
Helping people while they strive to survive
Dunny times, good days, bad days
Homeless people are no different than us
No matter what we choose to see
They all have a story just like you and me
Why are we so busy
Why do we rush
Is getting somewhere
really better than helping a fellow man
Look at me
When you walk by
Yes I may be homeless but
that's no reason not to say Hi
Why must we always use cellphones for talking
And ignore others while we are walking
If someone speaks to you Look!
Don't act as if they are some kin of crook
So why not do a little more giving
Different as we may be
It shouldn't be that hard to see
That they are trying to make a way
To find a better day
- Jennifer Bowman

Serving the people at DC Thrive was my favorite part because I was able to have some interaction with everyone that was there for a meal. It was a good feeling to be able to help feed so many and also just to smile at them and say hello, My favorite person wad a little old lady who was disabled. I went and gave her food and kept checking on her. She was so kind and appreciative of a friendly face that stopped to help.
When we passed out lunches at the park the older man at the park look as if he were about to cry all because we stopped and said Hi and noticed him.

David Harris: Reflection- Tanner Redden

This trip has shown me many new things and many things Ive already known. Ive learned that it takes a alot from the community to be able to help the homeless community. Donations from big companies whether it be food or money makes a huge difference.Even the smallest things can make a difference in someones life, such as the Bonner Scholars helping with the meals at DC Thrive. Without the big companies or the student colunteers the homeless could be without a meal. It kills me to see how many poeple are not willing to make any type of stabbing effort to help. It dissapoints me to say that I am from the 'Proud' the 'United' and the 'Free' United States when a total of only four people within the span of two hours out of hundreds that walked by were willing to help. Those that helped were tourists and possible women from the streets showed any kind of interest in helping.
From the homeless perspective I feel that if you want help from other you must first help yourself. You must be willing to be denied on the streets at your corner. I ran into many thankful people at the homeless community that seemed like they were trying their best, instead of just trying to get by till the next day. There were appreciative of out help and they were willing to communicate with us with a smile on their faces. I also saw the other side of homelessness when the homeless were negative towards others or would just sit around not willing to work with a pessimistic attitude.
The helping community is far runover by the homeless community while the largest community of all, ones who live in homes, could make such a differnce in the world to just volunteer a couple of hours a week.

David Harris: Reflection- Tad Binkley

The thing that had a great impact was seeing the insensitivity and ignorance of citizens from our country. Homeless or less-fortunate people are forgotten in our society and viewed with as much dignity as trash. I think that everyone should take the initiative to do something to lower the rate of homelessness. If everyone in this country donated 5 dollars, I think we as a country could help many of them. I really think this trip was an eye opener for me it showed me the different ways we can help combat homlessness. The fact is that homelessness rates are higher than what shelters can offer in food or sleeping arrangements, but I think it is good that there are many people willing to help. With no services rendered, there would be many homeless that would just die. Being able to somewhat get a feeling of how hard it is to make some moeny when you are homeless was a good experience.

David Harris: Reflection- Brittany Altizer

Im just a little girl loving in my little world
A world of boxes. old bags and blankets
I see you ignore me avoid my gaze and take the long way round
I have no home no family and no love
You walk where you wont meet my gaze nor my eyes
You don't want me to ask for what you will throw away
Not a glance not a stare
My eyes are moist in tears, My heart warm ache
I want know
Do you care?
Do you not have to give?
What will you do with the rest of your sandwich?
Do you want to talk to me?
Will you look at me and into my eyes
not just at my rags and my empty cup

David Harris: Reflection- Kelly Davis

Before this week I was not looking forward to coming at all, I was of the opinion that if people are homeless then they were more than likely doing drugs and that's why they were in the situation.All of that changed after i participated in Street Sense. Jennifer and I were standing there and the people would stare or just walk around us to avoid talking to us. Others would put their phone up to their ears so they wouldn't have to listen to what we had to say. After going through that I felt very much ashamed at the people of DC. In the two hours that we stood out there the two of us sold about 5-6 papers and the people that bought them were not the ones in business suits but the ones that looked like they needed the dollar they spared.
One girl was listening to her ipod and instad of just ignoreing us like the rest she stopped took of her headpohnes and actually asked me what I was selling she seemed very interested in what I was trying to tell her. Another man was pushing a buggy himself but he stopped and bought a paper from us ..... People shock me!

David Harris: Reflection- Brittany Wright

He sat alone on the bench
In the Mcpherson park
One shoe was wrapped with tape
His eyes were dark
He smiled as we handed him his lunch
His appreciation was much
We all gathered around to hear his story
to my surprise it wasn't full of fret or worry
A life of disease and anger had led him to this place
Sleeping outside in a cold dark space
He described his position as nice
This made me think twice
He said he loved to see the people and trees
But he really missed TV
The odd couple was his favorite show
If only people could know
But now i know
A man named Wayne who sits on a bench in Mcpherson park
While people walk by in disgust
This is cruel and unjust

David Harris: Reflection- Eric Thomas

He will never achieve fame
People can walk by in vain
And this is a shame
That he feels this pain
He is just another human being
And all he wants to do is eat
Why aren't we seeing?
What would we do if we were in his seat
Would be enjoy being ragged and dirty
If we were only thirty
Could we be able to cope
And had no hope
This is the huge stress
But this is how you feel when you are faced with homelessness
- Eric Thomas

On any given night there are 3 million homeless American. Homeless Americans come from all races and religions. Hose was an immigrant from Mexico he fled the country to escape the rule of the president and wanted to have a better life in America. Hose is homeless because his boss fired him it caused him to loose his job and his self esteem.
Frank came to America from Ireland, Frank loved to cook, play soccer, and to chill with friends. Frank came to America for better life, however, found himself homeless
James grew up in Washington where he was a successful young man. So successful that he earned a green Barret in the armed forces. But after turning to drugs and alcohol for 20 years he found himself homeless without friends family and food.
Derek was 19 years old, he had a kid found himself in trouble and then homeless. Homelessness is is like death it can happen any where, anytime and to anyone. It does not discriminate.

David Harris: Reflection- Robert Vess Furey

We are the Hand,
That help the homeless stand.
In this nation of homeless inflation.
We will prevail,
where the government has failed.
So don't be to proud,
like the rest of the crowd.
Shine your giving light,
and be sure to shine it bright.

- Robert Furey

David Harris: Reflection- Heath Sevy

Street Sense helped us help the homeless.
We witnessed how people walk by and seem to care less . They do not realize that a little help can make a change in their lives. A simple handshake is like a healing touch to these people who are ignored and avoided.
If I were you I would be thankful for a home with a door. Homelessness is like fighting an endless war. Think of what these people endure to survive day to day.

David Harris: Reflection- Jordan Cole

The day at the McPherson Park was my an unforgettable experience that I shared with my peers and to me was my complete understanding in the plight of the homeless. We set out to hear the stories of the homeless. We talked to several people as we handed them lunches and bottled water they reciprocated with a heartfelt 'thank you'. One man stood out in my mind, We walked toward his park bench and stood there to listen to his story. His name was Dewayne and he had been homeless and living with the HIV virus for 8 years as he continued with his story you could see and hear his emotions with every sentence.
When he had finished his story and thanked everyone for listening to him and for the lunch he had been given Kathy walked over to him and gave him a 50$ note. When she did this we could all see how it lit up his face and filled him with gratitude. He quickly stood up and gave Kathy a warm hug we were standing off to the side watching this and it was heartwarming to see how the man clutched the note in his hand beaming with happiness. At this point I pointed out to JB. amazed at what a 50$ note can really do for someone like Dewayne Seeing this made me relaize just how blessed I truly am to have my family and friends in my life and I will never forget that feeling.

David Harris: Reflection- Charlea Reed

I had two favourite places that we worked at this week; DC Thrive and Street Sense. At Street Sense we volunteered on the street corner and stepped into the shoes of the homeless for a couple of hours. During this time i realized that people treated them like they did not exists. This hurt my feelings when I asked them to support the homeless and they did everything to ignore me. It finally hit me they are invisible.
I was furious at the world that they avoided me or couldnt give a dollar for a donnation. The ones that were well dressed were the worse at ignoring and the ones that appeared to be of a lower stats tried to support even if they couldnt give a dollar but emptied their pockets full of change.
In DC i was able to interact with the homeless people and prepare food. Just their smiling and asking tjem how they are birghtens their day. Before this trip I was scared of them and would try to avoid contact. My perspective on the homeless was negativ. Once I arrived at DC Thrive we were able to partake in food preperations and serve the homeless. The opportunities to see the impact of the work done was one of a kind. Street Sense really opened up my eyes. We volunteered on the streets for a couple hours selling papers. During this time I realized that the perfect description of the homeless is 'invisible'. People will find a way to avoid you if at all possible or completely ignore you. I realize that the ones that appear to be upper class ignore the homeless more than the ones that dont look like they have much
Finally my viewpoint on the homeless being lazy compeletely changed. Homesless people are probably the strongest people I know. I personally belive if I was homeless I would give up from depression. I admire the homeless for dighting and trying to get their life back on track.

Jose

Question Eight: Combating Homelessness

8. Tell me one thing you will do- not could do or might do or would be able to do- Tell me one that you will commit to do to help end homelessness after you've returned home for the summer

Kelly Davis: One thing that is a huge problem is the fact that not many people realize how big an issue homelessnessis. So I will help to raise awareness about the problem.

Jenifer Bowman: I will do my part to raise awareness about homelessness back home, I know many people have false stereotypes about the homeless such as that they are lazy and alcoholics or all on drugs. While this may be true for some homeless people. While this may be true for some I have experienced that it is not true for all.

Kayleigh Phillips: I will always donate things such as clothing and food to the homeless.

Tad Binkley: I am going to donate clothes to one of the homeless shelters in Dayton. I will also give some bagged lunches in Dayton to some of the homeless people.

Question Seven: Combating Homelessness

7. Which service site did u find most meaningful? Why?

Tanner Redden: DC Thrive was probably the most meaningful site. They seemed like they actually connected the most with the homeless.

Kayleigh Phillips: The Central Union Mission because it gave the homeless an opportunity to turn their life around and take responsibility for themselves.

Ashleigh Gill: Street Sense was most meaningful and most discouraging but it impacted me on two levels. On one hand we were frightened and disgusted by the apathy we were met with by 90% of the people that passed us by. But there was the odd person that would come along and brighten up our day, for example, there was one man I remember who pressed a follar into my hand, he was a well dressed man. He didnt want to take a paper; all he said was 'You have a nice day' and he meant it. This stands out to me as one of the kindest acts of goodness shown to us.

Jenifer Bowman: DC Thrive was my favorite place ti work because I got to pass out the meals that we helped prepare. I enjoyed seeing all the new people and also the environment of the place

Question Six: Combating Homelessness

6. Whose face will you see when the issue of homelessness is discussed with you?

Jonathon Barenett: I see my street sense leader Martin, he is a hard worker who is homeless but does not let it stop hom from striving to surviving. He doesn't lay around and beg he works for what he gets.

Eric Thomas: James, because on the homeless challenge I met and talked to him for hours about this situation and how he was going to get out of it.

Robert Vess Furey: Probably David Harris and the guides i had when i did the homless challenge in both instances i experienced homlessness both physically and emotionally.

Heath Sevy: I will more than likely rember Wayne's face and how he brightened his day so much in the face of problems. I will also rember Davids face because he was able to use a special talent given to him by God to defeat homelessness.

Jordan Cole: Probably David Harris because he is an incredible man who overcame outstanding odds and will be an influence rto me to keep on doing my part in the struggle agaisnt homlessness

Brittany Altizer: Dewayne was homeless for a mistake he made but he was a good person. He deserves to have a home and family.

Question Five: Combating Homelessness

5. Tell me about one significant experience that you've had on this trip that would sum up the problem of homelessness in this country.

Jenifer Bowman: I realized when selling papers that many people are too busy or dont care to much about the homeless to even look at them. If more people would even smile or five a little to the homeless it would help them so much.

Ashleigh Gill: Working for street sense showed me that the number one issue at the heart fo this problem is apathy. People refuse to take a look at the situation they shrug at the problem. They go out of their way to take a winded route to get out the way or dilberately turn their faces away from them just so they can avoid seeing their state. Standing there trying to sell a paper I asked many ' Do you want to help the homeless?' and I got thousand nonchalant 'No'

Brittany Altizer: We were selling papers and people would just avoid me or they would stare . People would ask me how I had become homeless or tell me that they know I am not homeless. If people only cared a little then the homless on the street would be fewer

Miranda Mullins: When we took part in Street Sense I realized that people would not even look at me let alone help me. If people outside the homless poplation cannot help the problem cannot be fixed.

Robert Vess Furey: The way that David talked to us and read our poems it seemed to summarize our experoience with homlessness

Question Four: Combating Homelessness

4.Have you been to DC before? If so tell me about the homeless people you saw on that visit. If not tell me what you expect to see of homeless people in DC

Eric Thomas: The last time i was in DC. I was talking part in the Homeless challenge, therefore I was actually living as one of the homeless myself. It opened my eyes to see that they are real people and they deserve to be noticed and helped

Jonathan Barnett: Yes the homeless people I saw in DC. seemed more independent than the homeless people in New York. They work for the money they do have and they seem to have alot of street sense.

Robert Vess Furey: Well the last time i was in DC. I took part in the Homeless challenge and I learned living amongst them that they were truly the nicest and the most giving people. It is amazing.

Question Three: Combating Homelessness

3. Single mothers with children are one of the largest growing segments of the homeless population. Does this surprise you? Why do you think this is?

Jenifer Bowman: This does surprise me because when I think of homeless people I usually think of older men. It is probably this way because it takes a lot of money to care for children and it can be hard to do.

Ashleigh Gill:It is not surprising because in today's society women are still treated unequally. Women carry the most stressful job of working as well as caring for their children. Women who choose to stay at home while her husband works are dependent on income on him, due to unforeseen circumstances if she rendered a single parent she has no one to turn to and bears the responsibility of caring for her children as well as bring in enough money to make ends meet. With the additional stress of sexism, men are still more likely to be hired over women even if the latter is more qualified. The system has been stacked against them, it is no wonder that many of the homeless population are women and children.

Tanner Redden:This isnt surprisng to me. How is a mother supposed to take care of a child while having a job that can support them financially to afford food clothing and a home?. I do belive that these situations should be the first to be taken care of

Brittany Wright: No, it does not surpise me as single mothers tend to be teenages most of the time unable to fend for themselves and supoort themselves as they recieve no help from the fathers.

Miranda Mullins: Women have to care for the children and maintain a job, it is extremly difficult to manage both as a single parent.

Question Two. Combating Homelessness

2. Imagine that you've suddenly become homeless. You have no place to go back to at the end of this day. Where would you go? What would you do

Kayleigh Phillips: I would go to the Central Union Mission, because I would have bedding, food and a shower. This is a positive environment which would give me the means to help me get back on my feet

Brittany Altizer: I would go to a homeless shelter. Then would try to sell papers or try to find a job. If that were not possible i would try to raise money, call my family and friends and find someone to help me.

Brittany Wright: I honestly cannot imagine myself homeless. I dont think there is any where in my home town that I can go to. I know that there is a mission on my town where you can go and get clothes and food.

Jordan Cole: The first thing I would do is to find somebody or somewhere to go for help, for example the places we went to work in DC this week. The next thing I would do is to look for a job and a place to sleep in such as a shelter of some sort and then try to find somebody who could help me get back on my feet.

Eric Thomas: I would try to find the closest homeless shelter, find a job and get back on my own feet.

StreetSenseVideo

We created this video as a result of our trip. It features our community partner, Street Sense.

Question One. Combating Homelessness

1. Have you ever known anyone who lost their home a friend family member, maybe just someone you saw pushing a shopping cart around town?Tell me about his or her situation or your impression of that person.

Jenifer Bowman: I have seen homeless people by the interstate in lewisburg and I had thought that they were lazy. This was before the Nashville rescue mission, where I learned the true nature of homelessness and the problems faced by them.

Ashleigh Gill: Prior to this trip I haven't known anyone homeless. I have seen homeless people though a number of times in New York. I used to see a homeless woman sitting by a building barefoot in a tattered dress. She carried a sign begging for help. Besides her was a tin can. The saddest thing to me is that we all walked by her and never gave her a second look, i was part of the group that ignored her. Everytime I think of her I feel a twinge of guilt.

Tad Binkley: My grandparents and my great parents have experienced homlessness in world war I and II. They have told me about the hard times and the struggles they had to undergo. For instance when food was rationed sawdust was mixed in with bread. My imprssion is that it was hard to make ends meet and survice during that time

Jordan Cole: I have never actually personally known someone who has been homeless, nor interacted with someone who has experienced it until we heard Farnk from the Homeless Coalition tell us his story. My first impression of him was reluctant and questioning, I honestly wanted the meeting to end but as I started listening to his story I was intrigued and very interested in his story. I felt a connection and a compassion to this man and a saddness for the hard times he had been thorugh.

Jonathan Barnett: I have seen people with shopping carts around and before i came on this trip. I used to look at them as just bums. I now relalize that they are people too and everytime i see a homless person I feel ignorant for having thought that way about them.

Days2and3Video

Andrea

If I was to one day loose my home for some reason I'm not sure what I would do. If I was at home then there is no place for me to really go because we don't have an shelters, well not many that people know of, and people back home really don't seem to care to pay attention. Now knowing that there are places out there for those who have lost their home has made me become more aware of things that those people have options. If put in there situation I would seek advice from those who know and follow there guidance if given any. I would learn to live on the least amount a person can live on.

In the several places that we have visited while here in DC I think that the one that has had the most impact on me would have to be DC Central Kitchen. This one showed me that even when hard times are thrown your way you can make a come back and make your life better. The people there who are taking the classes, trying to make their lives better, and not giving up have shown me that even on my bad days things in my life could be a lot worse. While at the kitchen I made and cut ham sandwiches, which seems like something that any person could do, but knowing that the people who would be eating those sandwiches are in more need than me and will appreciate that sandwich I had made. While working in the kitchen it was also very interesting to see all the people in training joking around and having a good time make the food for others. This had the most impact on me and changed my opinion about those who are less fortunate than me.

This trip has opened my eyes to how others in the world are living their lives and getting by. It has made more grateful for what I have in my life that I take for granted on a daily bases.

Charlea

Before this trip, I didn’t show an open mind or passion towards the homeless. I always thought that there were resources available to them if they really wanted to change their lifestyles. Today we participated in Street Sense, and I realized that homeless people appear to be invisible. As I was trying to sell newspapers, people would completely ignore me, or ask why I was trying to make a few dollars. After this experience, I will have a more positive outlook on this situation and more willing to volunteer my time to make a difference.  Another favorite site was Thrive DC.  We were able to prepare the food and and serve to the homelessness.  The people greatly appreciated our service.   After these experiences, it will be hard for me to pass up a homeless person without giving.  If I have nothing to give I will at least talk to them.  They appreciate talking to someone who really does care and shows compassion.  

DayOne

Dwayne