2009 marks the third year the campus opens its doors to the homeless for a week-long shelter.
By Heather Templeton '10
Ashley Roland '10 from Midlothian, Va., spends time with
a guest during the 2008 Winter Homeless Shelter.
Virginia Wesleyan College is once again partnering with the Portsmouth Volunteers for the Homeless and opening its doors to the homeless for a week of shelter services that include hot meals, a warm place to sleep and fellowship.
What started three years ago as a student service project, has been embraced by the entire College.
"Hosting Virginia Wesleyan's Winter Homeless Shelter for a third consecutive year means a great deal to me because our students have demonstrated the interest and ability in sustaining this effort," said Diane Hotaling, director of community service at Virginia Wesleyan College. "The shelter has moved from a project to a program, fully supported by not only our students but the entire campus community."
This year, more than 60 students are enrolled in Virginia Wesleyan's Winter Session Course, Service Learning: Streets, Shelters, and Stability. From Sunday, Jan. 4 through Sunday, Jan. 11 Hotaling and Virginia Wesleyan students will host an average of 60-70 guests in the C-MAC of the Jane P. Batten Student Center.
The outpouring of student volunteers has been extraordinary this year, said Hotaling. More than 150 volunteers gave their time to the Winter Homeless Shelter in 2008 and Hotaling had to put a cap on student volunteers and restrict walk-ins for 2009.
"Wesleyan's Winter Homeless Shelter means more to us this year than in the past because there is so much more need due to the economy," said Hotaling. "Students will not only have the opportunity to lend assistance to those in need during these tough times, but they will also be able to better understand the conditions that bring about homelessness."
Services including hair cuts and basketball buddies are back again this year. New services for 2009 include a computer allowing guests to write and print out resumes, a Wii for evening entertainment and Salsa dancing.
Kirk Jeter '09 from Herndon, Va., participated in the 2008 Winter Homeless Shelter and described the week as one of the greatest experiences of his life.
"My experience makes me more thankful for everything I have and it has made me realize how close each and every one of us is to being homeless," said Jeter. "Our guests are real people with real problems, not statistics, not a plague as some may treat them. They have names, stories, and are so appreciative for whatever little help we can provide. The experience will transform you if you let it."
Throughout the week Shelter volunteers are asked to write down thoughts in a Volunteer Reflection Journal. Below are volunteer reflections from each night at the shelter.
Volunteer Reflection Journal
Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7
Reflections from Sunday, Jan. 4 (Day 1)
"All of the positive energy is absolutely amazing and heartwarming. Can't wait until the next days."
"I noticed all of the guys were really friendly and everyone was helping each other out."
"Another fun first day of the shelter!!! Looking forward to more laughs and meeting new interesting people throughout the week!"
"Our late-arriving guest remarked that if the world had more helpful people like us it would be a better place. Nice to hear; nicer yet that he felt that good about being here!"
Reflections from Monday, Jan. 5 (Day 2)
"Last night I had a chance to talk to a few of our guests. One of my favorite things was staffing the piano while an elderly gentleman played. He kept asking me to sing with him, but I couldn't think of what to choose. Today, I've been thinking about it, so I already have a song in mind for tomorrow!"
"As a VWC staff member, my most memorable impression has been the incredible enthusiasm of our students! I am proud to work alongside the best of Wesleyan."
"I met a woman who just got in contact with her daughter and got word that she has a two-day old grandchild! I felt happy for her and relieved that she was able to get that news." (A phone is provided for local calls.)
"Tonight was my first night working in the Shelter and I just cannot believe how fun it was; how these people have such good relations with each other is so nice; and how nice and thankful they are toward us was wonderful."
"Today was avery interesting experience. I met several interesting and nice people. BB and Rose were wonderful to talk to. Rose gossiped about celebrities and BB told us about his future plans and daily routine. I can't wait to come back and meet more people."
"I enjoyed doing hair. It makes me feel good to see someone else happy because they feel and look better."
"It was great to be able to serve behind the scenes, to know that I can do something without being recognized for it, it's very humbling."
"I enjoyed being able to work and interact with the people in the Homeless Shelter. I was able to get to know many of the people here and was able to see their different personalities despite their situation. I just wish we were able to do more with the people here, even when it's after hours because not everyone is ready to go to sleep."
Reflections from Tuesday, Jan. 6 (Day 3)
"All of the guests have been an inspiration to me... They inspired me to continue to thank God for all the blessings he has bestowed on me. Meeting these wonderful people keeps me motivated to want to do more in the future. I have made new friends, from the volunteers to the guests."
"It was my first night at the shelter and it was definitely an experience. I met a 21-year-old trying to join the Merchant Marines when I was working the computer station. It has been a great experience and I can't wait for tomorrow."
Reflections from Wednesday, Jan. 7 (Day 4)
"Today was a great experience for me. Playing basketball with the group of guys made me feel myself instead of out of place. After basketball, I listened to "Ray Ray" play the piano and we all had a great time singing along."
"So I missed the season premiere of Desperate Housewives and all my shows... Met some great people and it was worth it! I met a guy from Columbia. He spoke Spanish to me... didn't understand a word though!"
"...I feel a little out of place when I give orders or restrict adults from going in certain areas because they are a lot older than me... well, most of them. Besides that feeling, the staying up all night was not a problem because I am a night owl and l love staying up. So I would definitely enjoy doing this again in the near future."
"So tonight I worked from 6 p.m. to the morning. It was definitely an experience interacting with all the guests throughout the night. I am glad I had this experience, though I am slightly tired. Ha!"
Reflections from Thursday, Jan. 8 (Day 5)
"I knew working this shelter was going to be a great experience. Meeting all the different people and listening to their stories was interesting. It was a good time and the overnight shift was not as bad as I thought."
"This is my second year with the homeless shelter...It's nice to meet people and find out who they are. It makes it so much better knowing that I can help the people that I meet...Too often a place to sleep is taken for granted."
"This experience was an eye-opener. It was a very humbling experience."
"It was a very good experience. I learned that stereotypes are often misleading and very false."
"I really enjoyed myself during my overnight session. We played a lot of fun games. It was hard not to smoke a cigarette all night, but I made it okay."
"I thought that the homeless shelter was one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever been a part of. It was touching to know that if even for one meal, one conversation, one sleeping mat, etc., we did something that made one out of the 365 days in the year really amazing for them. I can't wait for next year."
Reflections from Friday, Jan. 9 (Day 6)
"The Shelter is like family now. After being here all week everyone knows everyone and we are comfortable. I will miss them and always treasure this experience. I can't wait until next year!"
"Working tonight was a lot of fun because I had a lot of interaction with the guests. I learned a lot about some of the individuals' personalities and lifestyles. I was also surprised that many of the guests were close to my age and we had so many things in common."
Reflections from Saturday, Jan. 10 (Day 7)
We Are Gone But YOU Are not Forgotten
by Larry Thomas Maye-Moore
from the men and women young and old of the homeless shelters
From the very moment you step foot on this wonderful campus,
The students and faculty greet you with their warm embrace.
A true feeling of calmness and tranquility surrounds your soul,
With love that glows on everyone's beautiful face.
The wisdom and knowledge that we give and receive,
I would not trade not even for a priceless pearl.
The little time that you spend with us means so much,
And I wouldn't change none of it for the world.
Even when some of us were not at our best,
There was always a certain bond we could feel.
The one sure thing I can say from all of us,
No matter how you felt, you kept it real.
We laughed together when times were going good,
And cried together when times got stormy and rough.
You lent a shoulder to lean on,
Especially when life seemed unbearable and tough.
I can only imagine the thoughts going through your heads,
About how so many got into the situation that they're in.
But it's not about how you arrive in these situations,
It's about getting out of it and bringing along a friend.
It's an experience that no one should have to go through,
But it is a lesson that we all should remember and learn.
God is only taking us on a special journey,
So for God's sake, make it everyone's concern...
Initially posted 01.05.09