Sore Feet for the Homeless

Here is my interesting day which I hinted about yesterday: today I volunteered at Project Homeless Connect. It was an all-day event for homeless people. They come to one place and get services all at once, such as help getting a state ID, housing information, employment information, applying for county services, legal assistance, medical and dental help, free haircuts, a free lunch, plus lots more.

I was an intake person. Each intake person meets with an incoming client, takes down some info, and then accompanies the person around the room, to make sure the client finds the services he or she needs (or the person can go around alone if preferred).

What an interesting day! Some of the people obviously have some challenges that make employment and/or daily living difficult. Others were just down-on-their-luck folks. They all appreciated the help and were polite and fun to work with. I was also pleased to see that through my regular job I have learned a lot about the agencies that were there; I felt very comfortable and knew how to refer clients and answer some of their questions.

Now I have sore feet, but it was worth it. If you get an opportunity to volunteer at a similar event where you live, I recommend giving it a try. You'll learn a lot about your own community.

I'm thankful for:
1) interesting opportunities to help others (which also helps me)
2) riding the bus both ways with my husband today
3) American Sign Language
4) two lovely wedding invitations came in this week's mail!

5) a beautiful, cool summer day