Some of the volunteers had some thoughts about the March sleeping bag event and I think it's best to hear directly from volunteers about their experiences.
"I think the observation that most resonated with me was that of the huge discrepancy between the stereotypical 'homeless person' and the people we interacted with. Jim, Bill, etc were all seemingly normal, kind people with friends, a community, a routine, etc but simply had alternate living situations. I wish more people knew this for themselves because one of the harshest misfortunes of homelessness is the exclusion from society; people walk right by without even a glance."
- Sandra Flores
"This was my second time providing sleeping bags to the people in need within DC, and I for one thought that this past event made me feel more involved with the principle behind handing out sleeping bags. The area we focused on this time was Dupont Circle, and the recipients of the sleeping bags were much more engaging than those during the past event. We spent considerable time talking to these recipients and I for one gained a better perspective on their individual situations and other issues dear to their hearts. What I found fascinating is the community these people have established and how they view and respect their fellow friends. For instance, one man denied taking a sleeping bag from us but pointed out where others less fortunate than him needed one. Another recipient of a sleeping bag decided that he did not need his extra blanket and provided it to a fellow friend on the bench. I think those interactions are why I feel more connected to the event and connected to the people."
- Kirtan Parikh (KP)
These statements embody the volunteer experience with Be the Change in DC; it can be more intense and demanding of the volunteers, but the direct exposure to the homeless population of DC makes you realize the homeless are not very different from you or me. Remember that the next time you pass one by.
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