Spring 2017 Class Project:
Students of the Spring 2017 class chose to work with Human Solutions, a nonprofit who's vision is to "Foster a prosperous and healthy community that is free of homelessness and of the devastating effects of homelessness and poverty." Following the lead of the Shelter's residents, in a request for an outdoor play area and an opportunity for a "fun" day, we helped to design and create the space and organized a barbecue event. Through the generous donations of family, friends and Olympia Provisions our class was able to accomplish the following:
- Create and install a caterpillar gym made of used tires
- Design, build and install an outdoor chalk board
- Collect donations of outdoor play equipment (table, wagon, etc.)
- Serve 200 meals (hotdogs, salads, chips, drinks, and ice cream sundaes)
- Create a photo booth with polaroid pictures
- Provide music
- Decorate the space providing an atmosphere of "fun"
- Create and install a caterpillar gym made of used tires
- Design, build and install an outdoor chalk board
- Collect donations of outdoor play equipment (table, wagon, etc.)
- Serve 200 meals (hotdogs, salads, chips, drinks, and ice cream sundaes)
- Create a photo booth with polaroid pictures
- Provide music
- Decorate the space providing an atmosphere of "fun"
Reflections:
"Wow, what a great experience. My time at Human Solutions really expanded my awareness of the way many struggling families are living. While the issue of houselessness is something I having been thinking about for some time, visiting the shelter and meeting those families really grounded the issue to a more tangible and personal level. I'm glad we were able to serve a few meals and play games with the kids, but I also wonder what can be done to support these people on a more fundamental level. How can we provide more long-term, sustainable solutions?
Another thing that came up for me from this project is immense feelings of gratitude. I hope to be able to continue to use my socioeconomic privilege and power to help others. Overall, it was a fun process and I enjoyed working together with everyone in the class to make this happen!" Jasmine |