Carver Volunteer Project to Help the Homeless

Budget for this project: $400 - bus and transportation for 100 students $10 - cost per student to participate (includes cost to pay for student lunch at Safehouse Outreach). TOTAL: $1,400

The problem you want to help solve?
Issue: Homelessness - A roof over your head. A warm meal to eat. The comforts of home we often take for granted are often unaffordable luxuries for many Americans and their families. Millions of people are likely to experience homelessness in a given year. According to the 2009 Tri-Jurisdictional Area (City of Atlanta, DeKalb County, Fulton County) Homeless Census and Survey There are over 7,000 homeless people in the Atlanta Area. However, the 2009 housing crisis and the recession hit the poorest Americans the hardest, leaving more families homeless. Cities once reporting declines in homelessness are now reporting increases. The need for affordable housing is even greater amid long-term economic turmoil. Rents are rising faster than incomes for low-wage workers, and the number of renters with housing hardships is rising. What Youth Will Learn - Around 40% of Atlanta’s Homeless hold steady jobs but do not make enough to afford housing. Many homeless men and women are educated, veterans, or have families, but for one reason or another they are financially unstable. We hope that this day smashes stereotypes that you may hold about Atlanta’s homeless.
Why is it important?
The more teenagers are involved in service learning and helping others, the better prepared they are to stay in school, get into college and succeed in life! Did you Know: there are... ... 2,164 people living unsheltered on the streets ... 2,357 people living in emergency shelters ... 2,498 people living in transitional shelters ... 7,019 counted homeless people in Atlanta
Who will benefit?
The students at Carver and the homeless in Atlanta will greatly benefit! Why Safehouse? – Safehouse Outreach is an urban outreach committed to affecting real change in the lives of those in the margins of society, by providing a hand up, not just a hand out. Safehouse, a shelter in Atlanta, provides practical, emotional, and physical assistance to those living in the margins, and help integrate them back into society – to lead healthy, functional lives.
What will you be doing?
Preparing meals, talking to homeless people and showing the community we care! With your investment, hundreds of students will be able to participate in the Picnic in the Park Program, which consists of: 4 hour mission trip to one of Atlanta’s Parks, as well as one-on-one interaction with people in need. This is also an opportunity to donate clothing and other items that homeless people may need. Cost: The cost to participate in this program is $10.00 per volunteer. This money is given to Safehouse Outreach to help pay for the meals for the homeless. In addition, it costs approximately $400 to pay for the buses and $5 per person to pay for the student lunches. Schedule for the Day: 9:15 am- Arrive at Safehouse 9:30 am- Brief Introductions and Instructions for the day 10:00 am- Walk to the park and engage the homeless in conversation, Frisbee, football, checkers etc, take some give-aways such as white socks and hygiene items. Invite homeless to Safehouse Outreach for lunch, conversation and washing their feet. (NOTE: In the case of bad weather, we will sit up the large meeting room, go out and invite folks to come inside for the meal.) 12:15 pm – Lunch/ Breakdown Discussion 12:45 pm – Reflection 1:15 pm – Group Photo 1:30- Board buses and return to school