What I Want To Learn About My Cause

Because I don't know much about homelessness, I have a lot to learn. I want to know how many people are homeless in the Myrtle Beach area. I want to find out what shelters and organizations help the homeless here locally. I also want to know how many people are homeless around the entire country. I want to know if there are any cities that have great programs to reduce the number of homeless and work toward fixing the problem. I want to find out what basic necessities homeless people need the most. I want to know what I can best do to help them.

What I Already Know About My Cause

I have very limited experience interacting with those who are homeless. I really never gave them a second thought until recently. I remember my dad helping some homeless men when I was growing up, and I've given snacks and loose change to a few panhandlers. Last year, when I started going to Street Reach with the St. James Bible Club, I actually starting meeting homeless people right here in Myrtle Beach. I know many of them have had or currently have problems with alcohol and other drugs. Many of them have criminal records. If they are not accepted into the shelter, they live and sleep outside in the woods or under bridges. I also know they are people, just like me, my family, and my students. They want to feel loved and accepted. They can be hilarious and outgoing, not afraid to ask for help. Some others are quiet and reserved. Each one has a unique story and deserves help to get pointed in the right direction in life.

Homelessness Wordle

The Story Behind My Cause Choice

I have chosen homelessness as my cause for this project. I considered other causes, but homelessness is a problem that people face around the world and right here in our community. I know I take things for granted every day, and by serving others, I hope it will give me a better perspective on my own life. With the Bible Club, I have already worked with some homeless people. I have been amazed by their kindness, gratefulness, and humor. They are normal people, just like me in many ways. I want to find new ways to make a difference by serving these local people who do not have basic necessities, such as food, clothing, and shelter. Many homeless people are sad and lonely, so I want to find ways to give them hope.

Three Causes Striking Images

 Image source: personal photo

Image source: http://www.aboutdwi.com/blog/wp-content/themes/dwi/images//Healthy-Relationship-with-Parents-Can-Prevent-Teen-Drinking-Problems.jpg

Image source: http://www.safeharborrescuemission.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/url.bmp

Three Causes That Interest Me

I'm interested in homelessness, alcohol abuse, and orphaned children. I volunteer at the homeless shelter in Myrtle Beach, called Street Reach, with the St. James Bible Club. That has made me aware of the challenges that homeless people face right here in our community. I have family history with alcohol abuse. Two of my grandparents were alcoholics, and my father was killed in a drunk boating accident. I also have a heart for orphaned children. This summer, I went on a mission trip to the Dominican Republic, where my family and I worked at a boy's orphanage. I will choose one of these as my cause for this project.