PADS - Jordan Brown - Project LINK

11.      I volunteered my time to help PADS – which is the homeless shelter in Mattoon, IL.

22.      While helping PADS I was able to learn more about homelessness. What really struck me was how much some people do not have. My five hours were split up into two sections. The first two hours I spent helping put together “to-go packs” for the families that PADS help. These “to-go packs” consisted of things like tooth brushes, tooth paste, shampoo, shower gel, razors, and other toiletries. This experience was great because I got an in-depth feel for how much the homeless do not have.

33.      During my time working with PADS I got to know the director really well. He was really involved with what we were able to do and would contribute to a lot of the ideas that my group had. What I gained from networking with the director is a better understanding of how the little things can help those who are homeless. We would talk a lot about the different situations that he has seen enter PADS and that homelessness can happen to anyone.

44.      The potential “to-go packs” can have on the community is that it will bring the hygiene necessities to those who do not have access to them. This may seem like such a small thing but it can help out in such a big way. The other three hours of my time was spent running a haunted house that my hall – Pemberton – put on. We raised $324 and collected 213 canned goods that all went to PADS. The canned goods will be used in food packs that the families at PADS receive and the money is being put towards building a new building so they can provide shelter for more families. From talking to the director of PADS I learned that they have to turn away quite a few families, so this money will really help them reach their goal to build a new building so they don’t have to turn away as many families.

55.      I really liked this assignment because it really allowed me to get a better understanding of homelessness. I know that I really didn’t do much to help one-on-one with those who are homeless but the impact of my – and my halls – actions speaks louder than I would ever think. Just being able to help, even in the smallest way, is a great opportunity and I appreciate every moment of it. I would not trade this experience for anything in the world.