Washington DC, Mission Work, day 1

Today began with a time of orientation and breakfast at the YSOP headquarters near our hotel. We learned about the different service organizations we will work with through the week as well as some facts about hunger and homelessness in DC and around the country. During the time we are with YSOP we are divided into two different teams.

One team took the Metro to Silver Springs Maryland to an organization called "A Wider Circle". A Wider Circle works with individuals and families that are transitioning out of homelessness or those living without many of life's necessities. A warehouse is set up with a variety of furniture, household items, clothes for babies and children and toys and books. People set up appointments to have a chance to choose what they need to furnish their homes for no cost. Members of our team from Central sorted through donations to restock shelves, helped to load the furniture and household items into trucks and helped some of the clients as they made their decisions about what to take from the warehouse.

The other team worked with an organization called "Elder Buddies" in Washington DC. Elder Buddies helps people 60 years old and older who are in danger of being evicted from their homes due to infractions of the apartment community where they live. Usually it is due to the inability to care for some of the basic needs of their home. Members of the team from Central went into the homes of 2 different people this afternoon and helped with cleaning and organizing. Part of the time was also spent getting to know the people they were helping and others that lived in the apartment community.

Later in the afternoon, we met back at the YSOP headquarters for some time of reflection. We had the opportunity to meet a man named Jesse, who shared his story with us. Hearing Jesse's story about how his life changed drastically due to some unfortunate life experiences and a downward spiral into mental illness helped us have a better understanding of the problems surrounding hunger and homelessness. We heard about his life for many years as a homeless man. Because of a couple of key people who gave him compassion instead of judgement, he was able to receive the help he needed to change his life situation. Jesse went from being a well educated professional family man, making a very good salary to living on the streets. Now, with help from many people, his mental illness is under control and he is working professionally as an advocate for the homeless in the DC area.

Jesse's story was very powerful and a good way to start off our work week. Both mission teams had new experiences today and look forward to more as the week goes on. We all agree that the first day has already been meaningful. The last picture above is of the kids with Jesse after his presentation.

Tomorrow we have new assignments. One of our teams is heading to the Capital Area Food Bank and the other one will be working at A Wider Circle.