Addressing Homelessness In My Community by Josephine

Addressing Homelessness In My Community by Josephine - January 2024 Scholarship Essay

Homelessness is seen in many places, but it has significantly risen in the United States over the past few years. As of now, there are almost 600,000 people in the United States alone who are without homes, and in my own community of Los Angeles, there are over 75,000 unhoused people in need. This impacts me because I have known people who have been impacted by this crisis.
I began volunteering and participating in my school's “Give ‘Em A Smile Club.” We collaborated with the Los Angeles Union Rescue Mission and supplied them with essential items, like toiletries and water, to help LA’s unhoused populations. I devoted most of my free time over the course of two years to the cause and was soon appointed club treasurer. This position allowed me to understand the community's needs better and supervise the preparation and distribution of resources, all while ensuring that the students who purchased items were reimbursed.

Many people see homelessness as something that is a choice when there are so many circumstances that could have occurred to cause it outside of one’s control. The purpose of the “Give ‘Em A Smile Club” was not only to help the unhoused but also to raise awareness about them. We were able to raise a substantial amount of money for the organization through the different fundraisers we hosted, as well as donations from students who wanted to help the club.

I believe that my contribution to the club and the people in need was valuable to the cause, and I proudly regard this achievement as one of my most significant contributions to my community. Being one of its first members, I was able to see how it grew and changed over time. It started as a small group with 3 friends that quickly became a full-fledged club. Planning fundraisers and activities with the club president, as well as organizing who was to buy the materials needed, were some of my main tasks. I spent hours upon hours throughout every week with the club, dedicating both my in-school and out-of-school time to this cause. Knowing that I was a part of this since its very first meeting has helped me truly understand the importance of teamwork needed in order to continue to help others.