Hunger and Homelessness in America

37 million below the poverty line....
-at the risk of hunger
- we waste 27% of all food made
-this could all be avoided
Requests for emergency food service increased
-by 13% last year alone even in our economy
- 20% of requests are NOT answered
- most requests made by families
-emergency shelter requests increased by 7% last year
causes of hunger:
-low-paying jobs
-high housing costs
-poverty or lack of income
-cost of medical needs
-substance abuse
-high utility costs
-mental health problems
-high child care costs
-many more
"Lack of affordable housing was the leading cause of homelessness"
Homeless: 41% sngle men, 40% families, 14% single women, 5% unaccompanied youth

http://www.endhunger.org/usa_hunger.htm
http://www.namiscc.org/News/2004/Fall/HungerIncrease.htm

Community Service Reflection

So, I didn't exactly get the opportunity to sleep outside.....my homeless experience was cancelled. I can't lie and say that I was completely disappointed, but I was upset due to the fact that I had collected money and had done nothing to deserve it. My family was very supportive though, and understood that I still needed to turn in the money, since it was going to a great cause.
Those donations accounted for some of my hours, but the other hours, I needed to make up myself, actually doing something. So, I decided to donate non-perishable food items and clothing items to the pantries and homeless shelters. This is not something new to me-I was actually president of the Student Service Commission in high school. We used to visit poor schools in the area and donate toys, food, and clothes to the children and their families. This was something I hadn't done in a while though and it felt good to give my efforts to the less fortunate.

This really changed my view on my own life too. I realized that had I not had a job at the moment, I would have been much less likely to buy all those food items that I purchased. I now appreciate my job more and recognize that those families without jobs, who need to support more than 1 person, must be completely stressed out and having a really rough time feeling inadequate. My heart goes out to them and I will continue to donate as long as I am able.

Maslow had it right. Wiithout food adn warmth, tehre can basically be no life. Homeless people sadly are not "living". They are surviving, and it's very sad to say it like that. If they had food and money, they would have the strength to look for a job and be a participating member in society. We can give them these basic essentials and support our communities through donating.

I think the hardest part of the homeless experience would have been maintaining a homeless mindset. Sure, we could go lay outside for a few hours but all we'd be thinking about is what we're going to eat in teh morning when this project is over. We'd think about the bed we have to go back to. It would be very difficult to put yourself in homeless shoes and stay there for 12 hours. The best part would be that we'd walk away really appreciating all the things we have.

Everywhere you look, there are homeless people. Some stay in homeless shelters, others wander, and some choose to just live on the street until they are moved along. If they are at every end of the earth, we all need to help in some way. It can't just be in New York or California. The nation needs to join together to help all these people, who either by circumstance or choice, became homeless. Especially in this down economy, we need to pull all our resources together and find a solution to this problem. This won't be an overnight thing though; this will take time. Acting now means saving now. And i do always say, the more the merrier.

Homeless Experience Pre-flection

The service learning project I chose to do is called the Homeless Experience. A group of kids from my school sleep outside with no phone and nothing but cardboard underneath us. It's completely safe because the police will be informed that we will be sleeping outside, but we will truly have a homeless experience, well a group one at least.

Well, you can always understand people better if you put yourself in their shoes, even if it's just for one night. If we try to connect with a homeless person on a mental level, than it will be easier for us to motivate ourselves to help them. It will give us more initiative to donate our time and money to help this growing cause. And since homeless people usually don't have adequate food, then we will realize their need and give even more to them so they'll be healthier and happier.

I feel that this project is going to benefit me spiritually and give me more knowledge about the subject of homelessness. I've always been very fortunate in my life and I've never even gotten close to being homeless so it will be a real eye-opener for me.

Well, since I have to raise at least $150 that will go toward certain charities that benefit the homeless, then the homeless in my community will hopefully get warm winter clothing and food from the donations I am asking people to give. Also, it will boost the morale of all the dedicated volunteers that help the homeless each day. And it will make the homeless people happy!

I will grow spiritually and emotionally from this experience because I will be practicing empathy and willingness to help, by donating my time, money, effort, and love to the unfortunate in my new neighborhood. All community service is beneficial, but when you learn by doing service, that is all the more important.

Hierarchy of NEEDS

Abraham Maslow wasn't kidding around when he came up with this triangle of human survival needs. It lays the foundation for how a person can be a real human being and be comfortable with him or herself. The person can eventually figure out his or her full potential and be successful is all he or she does. Isn't that the goal for everyone's life--to find one's purpose and excel?

Biological and physiological needs: People may not notice that these needs aren't always met. The basis of life-food, water, warmth, shelter-are things the homeless people of America do not have. Can you imagine that? Those first necessities aren't even granted to some of our neighbors (in a sense). So, how can they excel in life? The homeless should have the same opportunities like everyone else but fall short because they have no foundation to start a meaningful life. This can be avoided and we can play a major role in helping the homeless obtain these necessities, so they can move forward with hope in their hearts.

I chose this picture to represent the lost faith of the homeless in America. Hopefully, we, as a nation, will pull together and strive to make a difference, so we can return those necessary elements of life to the homeless.

Safety needs: Do you think the homeless feel secure and protected? Absolutlely not.
They need to live outside, with no locked front door and no roof to shield them from bad weather. The life of a homeless person is anything but stable. Could you think of your life without parents or a lock on your door? The fear of not being protected would be enough to get to you, and keep you from moving forward toward better things. And without those basic needs, you definitely can't have stability. That's just a scary thought.

I chose this picture to represent a lack of protection. This tree isn't shelter but it's all some homeless people have. We could provide them with much more and maybe that fear can dissimate over time.

Belongingness and love needs: How many times have you seen a homeless person with an entire family? Very rarely. He or she is usually alone and doesn't say much. They definitely don't have that love and support that we sometimes take for granted. They don't have people telling them they can succeed. It's just, "hey, you can't stay here." Without close family or affection, the heart of a person cannot grow, which means that person can't truly figure out who they are or

what they're meant to do with their life.

I chose this picture because it reminded me of how fish, or just sea creatures, swim in schools and that's how they survive. They find safety and survival in numbers and homeless people just don't have that.

Esteem needs: Where do you think the homeless fall on the status scale in America? They are pretty much on the bottom, which is completely unfair since some people did not choose to be homeless. So, without recognition from society, that must take a devestating toll on the self-esteem and confidence of the homeless person. To not be viewed as a citizen, or even a whole person-that must be the worst way to see yourself. Without any confidence in the future, how are you supposed to move forward?

I chose this picture because it just looks lonely. It seeems as if this antelope has been looking for love, food, and shelter for days and it just hasn't worked out. It's a terrible thing, but that's who our homeless people are. Lost.

Self-actualization: This "personal growth and fulfillment" may never completely happen for a lot of people. We try our hardest to be all that we can be, but frequently we fall short and give up on ourselves. Homeless people may NEVER achieve this because they don't have any other basic needs met, so where do they start? It's depressing to admit that some never even have the chance to succeed, but we take plenty of chances for success for granted each day. How can the homeless be fulfilled if they have nothing to work for?

I chose this picture because it displays all that is pure-water, earth, the flow of nature. It represents the balance of life, which most homeless people don't have. That is something we definitely don't realize is present because amid the chaos of everyday life, lies order. Shocking, isn't it?

Lifeline

My Kairos group in March 2009.

My friend and I at graduation.

A group of friends at Cedar Point in August.

The best camping trip of my life.....

My 4 best friends and I at a grad party.

The best way to describe my entire life is it's a roller coaster, but I'll start from the beginning...



I grew up with two loving parents, who are still married, in Clinton Township, Michigan. I am an only child, but I have lots of cousins who are like siblings to me, along with some great friends. I grew up nextdoor to my aunt and uncle, and even though we're in a different city now, she still lives down the street. Then when I was 7, all of us moved "up north"; this being where my mom and her sisters grew up in their early summers. So, I don't view it as up north, but some people do.
I liked living out in the country for a while but I'm extremely exciting about living in a larger city. The best part about my house was definitely the summers on the lake, so it wasn't all bad. We had parties out on the boats, went tubing, and had countless campfires, so I had a great childhood. These last few summers haven't been as exciting but it's just because my cousins, including myself, are all growing up.

School: I've been in Catholic school my entire life and happy to say that I actually enjoyed all those years in a uniform. My elementary and middle school in my hometown is where I met my 4 best friends, who are still a huge part of my life today. Three are attending Michigan State and the other is attending Mott Community College. For high school, I started out at Flint Powers Catholic, but transferred to Notre Dame Prep after 2 years--it was just a better fit for me. So, as I left one of my best friends behind, I joined 2 others and am so glad I made that decision to switch. I was much more welcomed and accepted at NDP than I was at Powers. And presently, I'm here; still in Catholic school.

Background: I am 100% Polish and nothing else. Both sides of my family are purely Polish and I love it because of the great food! And Poles are known for being loud, which my family is, and using food as a remedy for almost anything. Even though there are a lot of us, we still all get along really well and love coming together for special occasions.

Setbacks: Well, I guess you could say that illness has been a very prevelent part of my family's life since I can remember. My grandmother on my mother's side died of breast cancer before I was born. Who knew that 2 of her 4 daughters was also going to get it. My aunt was diagnosed in 2006 and went through harsh treatments for 2 years, but is doing well today. Then my mother, who has been battling Crohn's disease since she was 16, also contracted the disease. Thankfully she didn't need chemotherapy, just the surgery, but it was still hard to watch her go through so much pain. My other grandma also had breast cancer but has been in remission for a while now. Needless to say, I am at a very high risk of contracting breast cancer myself, but hopefully won't ever have to go through something so terrible.
My father also has a heart condition that affects his thyroid, vision, and blood pressure. He's doing well and he was told it would regress over time.
And my grandfather has also had issues, especially recently. He had lung cancer, not from smoking, about a year and a half ago. He actually had half of a lung removed at the age of 80. Now, at the age of 82, it has returned and he has decided against treatment and surgery, but we are trying alternative medicine to help cure him.

My parents have also had their fair share of issues and separated around the time I was 13. Only about 3 months later, did everything get resolved and I was out of my aunt's house, and my mom and I were back at home. They haven't separated ever since.

Personality: As a person, I like to say I'm laid-back, but I also have my priorities straight, so I know what to be aware of. I've been told that I'm a good listener and a good friend so those are two things I pride myself on.
I am VERY organized and like to keep my room clean, but I won't be upset if other people are messy.

My favorite color is green, as you can tell by the text. I cannot choose my favorite food because I like too many, but I could definiteyl tell you that my weakness is sweets. : )

I never judge people because I would never want them to judge me.

I am loud at times, but it's usually because I'm enthusiastic or excited about something. I make friends pretty easily and I'm not afraid to start conversations with new people I just met.
I am athletic and I've played softball for the past 8 years, but I won't be playing here at Madonna. I was also on the swim team for 2 years at Powers.
I work hard to achieve my goals because I know it'll pay off in the long run, especially passing my CPA exam and having many job opportunities after graduation.
I do have a very vibrant personality. My friends like to say I talk with my hands and my facial expressions. : )
My family is a main importance of mine, because they've always been supportive and loving, throughout all kinds of trials and ordeals.
I am a practicing Catholic, but I would never force my views upon someone else. Religion is an individual decision and I am very tolerant of others' beliefs.
I am an independent when it comes to political parties. I may be more of a Republican, but when I vote, I will just weigh the good and bad of each candidate and then choose.
I do not procrastinate at all! I like getting my work done and then having down time after to do whatever I want.
I love to dance and sing, even though I have a terrible voice. Don't worry, I usually only sing when I'm alone.
I am not artistic or musical, instrumentally, whatsoever. This is something I'd like to change but I'm in no hurry right now.
I watch way too much T.V. I love cooking shows like Top Chef and the fashion show called Project Runway. Also, the show my mom and I watch together is called Army Wives. I wouldn't say we're addicted, but it's close.
I am very metaphorical and I believe that there are signs in everday life if you just keep you're eyes open. And I love finding quotes or lyrics that pertain to my life in some way too.

And I've had my own terrifying moments these past two years, but I gladly say that I am moving forward and trying to regain my handle on life.

We all have our ups and downs but I always say that what doesn't kill us only makes us stronger.