CAS Blog (10/17/21)

 CAS BLOG (10/17/21)

S - Service

Learning Outcome 6: Demonstrate engagement with issues of global significance.

This Saturday I went and volunteered for several hours at the Beacon, a non-profit organization that serves the Houston homeless community through daily services, civil legal aid, counseling and mentoring, and access to housing. Since my introduction to the Beacon almost four years ago in the Post Oak Middle School, I have considered the place a great place to volunteer for the impact it has on providing aid for those suffering from homelessness. Recently, I have made it a part of my weekly schedule, not just for college requirements, but also because I enjoy helping out these people that have nowhere else to go. At the Beacon, there are several tasks that volunteers can do, for example: cleaning up the lunch area, handing out meals, laundry, etc. 

During my Saturday shift, I was assigned to laundry, the one I usually do. Now laundry may seem straightforward, but it can sometimes be tedious. In some cases depending on how many volunteers show up to help me, I have to manage all six of the washing machines by myself! Usually, however, I have the opportunity to work with other volunteers and supervisors, some of which I have known for several years now. In my conversation with one of the supervisors during my shift, she explained that she initially wanted to go into a career to make a profit, such as a lawyer but decided to go into social services to directly help people instead. She said, and I quote "It was at a point in my life when I realized helping people is more important than making money." And that got me thinking, if everyone had this mindset, homelessness would not be an issue at all. The official statistic is 1.6 billion persons in this world live in "inadequate living conditions." That is a huge number, however, I'm glad I can do my part no matter how small.  


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