Olya works on her grill cheese making skills at PATH
Today I realized that I can make a bigger impact than I thought. I’m not talking about writing a billion dollar check but I’m talking about making a meal and playing games and putting a smile on someone’s face. That’s how I can contribute. It doesn’t have to be material objects, it can be just as easy as spreading a little happiness. Seeing how happy everyone was today and seeing how everyone was enjoying and basking in the holiday spirit and being jolly and happy regardless of their situation. It made me realize that I should be thankful for every little thing in my life and every gift I am given and blessed with.
Today I talked to this man for about an hour. He was around the age of forty, and regardless of the age difference between us, we were able to carry a long, wonderful conversation about nothing in particular. We weren’t discussing anything heavy, the two of us were merely talking and joking. I was able to talk to him as if I was talking to someone that I’ve known for years. I got to know quite a lot about him and other residents at PATH, and I’ve really come to appreciate their stories and the perseverance that they have shown through their hardships.
I really admire everyone that I was blessed to have met, I feel like the experience has helped shaped my understanding of what our society has become today and what my position in helping is. I didn’t realize time was passing by while talking to him, and I’m so appreciative of the little time that I did get. This trip has made me come to the conclusion that not only have I been blinded and turning my head the other way when it comes to the tragedies in our society, but it has also made me realize just how much I’ve been missing out on various opportunities to interact with people just like me.
Marni (far right) takes a break from PATH to see the sites in LA
When I decided to go on AWB I knew right away that I wanted to go to Los Angeles. The work that was described appealed to me; the idea of helping people get on their feet and into the world was wonderful. But I was also afraid.
When people volunteer like this, they tend to assume all those in need of help will be grateful for it. I was afraid of this trip turning into that and becoming White Man’s Burdenesque.
Tons of questions ran through my mind: what if the people we help are ungrateful? What if they don’t want our help? And worst of all; what if we weren’t actually helping them, but simply convinced ourselves we were?
I felt like this especially when a member of PATH (People Assisting The Homeless) came to talk to us about how amazing our contribution was. She said nothing about how what we were doing would help the people who lived there, only told us we were doing good.
Since then I have been pleasantly surprised, and my outlook has brightened in the four meals since we were told that. Sure, we essentially just cooked some meals and spent some time talking, but those hours we spent there did so much.
Our counselors asked us today whether we thought our work at PATH did more for us than for them, and our entire team struggled with that question. One of our group even said that we were all jerks for thinking that our food and visits to PATH really did so much for the residents. “Most of them are already set up for permanent housing,” one girl said, “and all the rest aren’t trying to get out of the streets.” She went on to explain that our work didn’t change any of that. The people who were grateful for us already had permanent residence in their near future, and those who weren’t grateful didn’t have and didn’t want permanent housing.
My own experience leads me to disagree with her. I spent most of my time in the kitchen- peeling and chopping vegetables, stirring food, washing dishes, and sweeping the floor. The work in itself was satisfying; I could literally see our hard work come together and take shape before my eyes. But when the meals were brought out, I ventured into the lounge where the residents and AWB volunteers would eat and speak together.
My fears came true in that some of the residents didn’t talk to us, some complained about the food, one woman even told us she would spend the whole day away from PATH when she heard we would be there until the evening. But for each of those people who did not like us, there were others who praised us for our work. Deep in their heart every person wants someone to listen to them speak. This is true for everyone, young and old, conservative and liberal, homeless or sheltered. Having someone listen to you makes you feel worth something. Many residents told us they were grateful we spent our time with them. A man named Harold told me we made his Christmas night better, Michael took some of us to the garage to play with his dog, Manman. Others simply said that the food was good and that they enjoyed it, that ninety percent of the people who were in the room wouldn’t have been there if we hadn’t been there.
What feedback! Not only were we productive, but the residents of PATH enjoyed the food and our company!
These last few days will be forever etched in my memory, and I know that the people of PATH Hollywood have done more for me than I for them, if only by allowing us to hear their stories. By listening to them I have heard some of the best advice I could ever hope to receive.
“Don’t feel immortal,” one woman told us. “But don’t be afraid.” And another man’s last words to us were to “Always be strong.”
These people have been through the worst misfortunes and still they manage to find the strength in themselves to continue on and impart their knowledge to us. In my eyes that is the greatest gift one can receive.
Hannah (with glasses) as a participant on AWB New Orleans 2011
Over the past few days in Los Angeles the LA AWB group has been volunteering at an organization called PATH (People Assisting the Homeless). For me personally, as well as the teens and my fellow staff, we have had such a meaningful experience, whether it was actually cooking food with fresh ingredients for the residents, or sitting down and talking to them about all sorts of things. We were able to personalize the issue of homelessness as well as get to know these people because we returned to the same place three days in a row. Even upon seeing us there day after day, the residents had smiles on their faces. It was also even more meaningful for me to be able to see these high schoolers really converse with and care about these individuals.
After having such meaningful experiences we were able to unwind with Shabbat. We took this time to really reflect on our experiences and relax before we started more volunteering on Sunday. Part of Shabbat was also the ability to incorporate certain YJ traditions into the trip. We did Kabbalat Shabbat, Oneg, Parsha Players, Havdalah, Rikud, etc. Doing these activities strengthened the community that we already had formed volunteering during the week. In addition, we were able to really learn and think about all that we had done on the trip
already. We really took Shabbat to be the way it should be, a chance to stop what we are doing and just relax as well as reflect. We did an activity where we asked the participants on a scale of 1-10 how much they agree with different statements. It ranged from reasons why they were on this trip, the issue of homelessness as a whole, and the importance or impact of the stuff that we have done so far. It was really interesting and important for everyone to see what the kids have been thinking about the trip and how important the issue of homelessness was becoming to them.
I also felt the impact of the trip for myself. I haven’t thought about homelessness like this before now. I know that I will be more involved with this issue after our trip is over because it has opened
my eyes to how big this issue truly is. When I was a participant on AWB NOLA in 2011, I remember my experiences very well and still remember it to this day. I hope that these participants will feel the same way.
~ Hannah Greenwald attends Rochester University and is from Westchester, NY
Today was the best day I’ve had so far during this trip. I volunteered to go to Lantern Light, which is a place where facilities are provided to the less fortunate people of this community. As we toured the whole place, I realized how thoughtful this place actually is. It has bathrooms, food, doctors, lawyers, and other important things available to the homeless and less fortunate people. It made me feel so satisfied that this amazing place exists in our world of less privileged people and unfair opportunities. We met this homeless man who I do not know his name, but I wish I did because from one simple act of his, I learned such a big lesson. He was given his lunch, and then asked us if we wanted some of his food. This act of kindness and generosity struck me because this man was willing to give all that he had, even though he had so little for himself. Going to Lantern Light taught me so much about how important it is to live life grateful for what you have and to always be willing to help others in need.
Jonathan (4th from r) hanging with Wayne and friends
Our day began bright and early at 7:30 and although many of us were late, we still managed to break off into our groups and head to our volunteer sites on time. I chose to join the group which was going to help out at Lantern Light Mission, an organization which was founded by collaborative parties in order to meet the need of the poor and/or homeless. When we arrived we were first brought on a tour of the building. As we walked around, I was astonished by how well thought out and efficient the site was built. For example, they provided everything from good to medical attention. As lunch started and the guests arrived, we were quickly put to work by singing Christmas carols for the guests’ enjoyment. It was such a great experience watching how to us, our task was just symbolic and insignificant, but it meant so much to them.
My favorite part of the visit was interacting with a man named Wayne. Wayne was one of the most joyful and enthusiastic people I have ever met. He has recently gotten back on his feet and now lives in his own home. As the guests received their hot meals, Wayne came up to our group and offered us his lunch, we obviously declined, but Wayne then turned to a woman sitting next to him, who were obviously less fortunate than he, and handed his meal to her. She graciously accepted his gift and went on with her business. Watching this scene truly warmed my heart. It did so because although Wayne might be in better circumstances than this woman, he is still in need of support, yet so willing to give up his only meal of the day. This really urged me to do and give more because I know that Wayne has so much less than me, but still was eager to help others. The day was a huge success and an amazing Christmas.
Today volunteering at the Animal Rescue New Orleans animal shelter I had a great time. This animal shelter was created to rescue and aid abandoned animals no matter how old or young, sick or healthy, mistreated or loved. They also find family’s for the animals or return animals to their care takers if they were separated. The organization was founded in October 2005 by Jane Garrison and two of her friends. Since then they have found homes for 8,000 animals and continue to save, help, and find homes for animals. There I had a chance of interacting with dogs and cats ranging from puppies and up. The animals were all very friendly.
On our visit I cleaned cages so when the dogs came back they would have a clean cage ready for them, I got to walk the cutest puppy ever named Kato, and cleaned the litter boxes for the cats so they were clean. When we walked in and I saw all the animals I was amazed. I did not get how people could just give up animals or beat them. I personally would never be able to do that. All I wanted to do was be with the animals and give them attention and just hold them. I was glad that people gave up there time to come volunteer and walk the dogs and be there for them even though today was Christmas. It was the sweetest thing ever.By doing this we helped the shelter get a lot done in a short amount of time. All the people working at the shelter were volunteers and just did it because they loved animals and cared for them. We made a difference and got a lot of work done and helped the animals so they had a clean place and were happy.
