Homelessness and Public Policy $425.00

A Brief Overview...

Participants learn about and participate in direct service and advocacy work as they assist people who are homeless, hungry, and/or ill in the nation's capital.  Participants will gain additional information from visits to organizations such as the National Coalition for the Homeless, congressional and federal offices, and through discussions with resource people.  The central experience will be working with DC Central Kitchen.  When it opened in 1989, the kitchen's first order of business was recycling food.  Today, this is still at the heart of their commitment - reduce waste and provide opportunity iin the community.  DC Central Kitchen reclaims unserved food from restaurants, caterers, and other food service businesses and brings it to a central location, where it is transformed into nourishing meals at the hands of staff and volunteers.  The kitchen staff are trainees of DCCK's Culinary Job Training Program, many of whom were homeless and unemployed.  Gettysburg College students have a long history with DCCK, dating back to the 1980's.  The DC experience can be easily tied back to your Gettysburg experience, comparing rural and urban poverty through participation in programs such as DC Outfitters, Adams County Shelter for the Homeless and the Gettysburg College Campus Kitchen.

General Information

The group will stay in a hostel, sharing cooking and other responsibilities.  Transportation will largely be on foot or utilizing the DC Metro system.

Facilitators

Cassie Sanford '10

Political Science major, Sociology minor

Geneseo, NY

Winner of the 2008 United Way Callie Award for Young Woman for the Year

Cassie as a true motivator. Her passion and enthusiasm drive and inspire everyone she meets. Cassie has been the Program Coordinator for the Campus Kitchen at Gettysburg College for the past year, building the project from the ground up. She strives to mesh her interest in community development and politics while keeping the needs of people central.

Alendi Vidal '10:

Spanish and Latin American Studies major

New York City

Alendi is known for her positive attitude, ability to build community and her infectious laugh. She has worked with the migrant population in Gettysburg since she was a first-year student and will continue to lead fellow volunteers to do the same this year.

What to Bring

• Pants / jeans for work sites (no shorts).
• Short sleeve t-shirts / shirts / blouses for work sites (no tank tops or midriffs).
• Two nice, casual outfits for restaurants and other events.
• Outerwear as you feel appropriate for August in Washington, DC
• Hat to wear at work site (or a hair net will be provided by the agency).
• Seakers or shoes with rubber tread for work sites.
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Nightwear/pajamas (will be mixed-gender company in the hostel).
• Toiletries.
• Washcloth / towel / shower shoes.
• Sleeping bag or sheets/blanket.
• Pillow.
• Prescriptions and/or over-the-counter medications for your use as appropriate.
• Flashlight and travel alarm (optional, but recommended).
• Small container of laundry detergent and quarters, should you wish to do laundry during the project.
• Project Packet (manual/journal), pens/pencils. readings/handouts (provided upon arrival to campus).

What Not to Bring

• DO NOT BRING OR WEAR any clothing or other items resembling military paraphernalia, including olive drab, camouflage, or any item having army-issue characteristics.  Clothing advertising alcohol, tobacco, or other inappropriate products/wording should be left at home.
• DO NOT BRING any illegal drugs or alcohol, nor carry/pack firearms, explosives, knives, or anything that could be interpreted as potential weapons.
• DO NOT BRING expensive equipment or jewelry that you cannot afford to lose.

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