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.
