Why I Volunteer and Work with the Homeless

The reactions I receive vary when someone asks what I do.

Responses range from blank stares to quizzical looks. The comments vary from “That’s nice”, “Ok”, “That sounds like hard work”.

The truth be told, why I volunteer and work with the homeless comes down to the community where I grew up. I grew up knowing poverty where you helped someone when they were down. You didn’t make assumptions that they were a bad person or they should have known better. I am sure you have heard some of those comments and are thinking of some right now.

I grew up learning you do something about a problem, no questions asked. If a family was short on money for food, you made a nice dinner or pie (or cookies for the kids) and bring it over. You did not ask why the family was short on money and belittle them. You help by doing something, by taking action.

Being in a community that cares, such as the one where I grew up, is important. It touches your life without you realizing it. Yes, I have a degree in Economics and one in Business Administration. Why is it far fetched to be working in this field and volunteering my time? It should not be.

Growing up around poverty and caring individuals made an impact that has forever shaped my life. I volunteer and work with the homeless because I care and can do something.

~ Edward Everett Hale~

I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do.