High Schooler: “A wonderful, truly gratifying experience”
“Hi! My name is Andrew and I am currently a freshman in college, all the way across the country in Maine (I can’t even believe it)! I want to share my experience volunteering at UEO.
I started volunteering in November, 2021, when I was in high school. I initially reached out to Wei, one of the founders, regarding an independent research project focusing on the local unhoused population. She graciously allowed me to conduct a survey with UEO’s clients, where I asked them to share their unique stories and outlook on life. I came out of this project with a better understanding of the vulnerable state unhoused individuals were in and a desire to contribute more of my time towards alleviating homelessness.
As I began directly volunteering under UEO, I was trained to help clients enroll in the Lifeline (free phone) program. At first it was difficult - my lack of understanding with issues concerning documentation, technology, and the program itself made the process take longer to complete. Despite this, I helped many unhoused people get free phones and accumulated valuable experience which we used to improve the quality of service. I can say that simply sitting down and helping clients one-on-one, face-to-face, furthered my capacity to empathize with these individuals.
About a year in, Wei asked me to help clients look and apply for housing. It definitely is a tedious process since there are many hurdles that unhoused individuals have to overcome to successfully become housed. For example, one client who I began helping more than a year ago was called by a housing group that had processed his application; however, his phone was non-functional and, very sadly, he missed the call (so they went on to the next person). Finally, a few months ago, he was housed at Wesley Manor and I had the privilege of accompanying him to sign his lease forms. It was a wonderful, truly gratifying experience to be a part of. I was filled with hope: the road to housing can be cruel (abnormally long wait times, barriers such as criminal record, etc.) and a single success means the world (to the person finally getting housing, and to me as a volunteer).
To conclude, my time at UEO has been eye-opening. I believe the most important aspect of volunteering at UEO lies within the conversations between people. I was able to receive a glimpse into the lives of such a vulnerable population, which made me not only more aware of systemic barriers that deny individuals housing or employment, but also blessed me with an increased sensitivity to their problems and lives. I would like to mention James, Charlie, Wei, and Claire: These volunteers are some of the most compassionate and selfless individuals I have ever met. I am beyond grateful that I could be a part of The United Effort Organization’s development, and I wish everyone who is a part of this wonderful group, volunteers and clients alike, good luck!”