Day 348

SafeHouse was, once again, the perfect place for me to go to this evening to "get away" for a while. I started off with helping one gentleman fill out an application to get his ID. He wasn't sure about some of his info - I'm hoping he will get the last few details so we can finish that up tomorrow. He shared that he would like to get his ID so he can start looking for a job, and possibly learn more about computers.

Helping him with that then turned into a conversation circle. Each of the guys showed off their cellphones, we talked about ID photos and how horrible they can turn out, my trip home, food and cultures, and then everyone's favorite sports/hobbies. As the evening went on there were a lot of hellos and checking in conversations. One gentleman shared that he has orientation tomorrow for his holiday job; another shared details on his upcoming move to Florida.

Cindi and I also helped find clothes for a gentleman who was in need of clean clothes. While he was eating we hung out with him. He is very talkative but usually keeps to himself so it was great to be able to have a conversation with him, even one that was very tangential!

Day 239

Finally an evening at SafeHouse!! When I got there the gate was still closed so I wasn't sure if there was going to be a service today. But I waited for a bit and sure enough, they were open.

I started my evening talking to someone new - he has been on the streets for a month because his family "disowned" him but he is very positive that he will soon be off the streets. We talked for a while about school, his interest in fashion, Indian culture, and being respectful. He has been looking for a job for and is very persistent - I hope he finds something soon!

I didn't quite make it around to everyone but said hello to as many people as I could, and had several long conversations with some of the familiar faces.

Looking forward to going back tomorrow!

Day 162

Dreamy Gelato

At some point in our adventures, we met Sukai Crook of Dreamy Gelato. A wonderful woman that has a Gelato store at The Avenue in Cumming, GA.

Chandni and Sukai worked together to donate 150 cups of the creamiest, lightest gelato for our clients at SHO.

It was a long journey to Cumming, but we were able to catch up on our way there, which I was ecstatic about. We picked up the ice cream, packed it in our coolers, but still needed to get ice. Of course we kept missing every gas station and grocery store possible on our way to SHO before we finally got ice.

Chandni saw her little buddy at SHO before we even pulled up to the gate, and couldn't wait to go play with the adorable little 2 year old!

We passed out Caramel pecan and Chocolate cookies and cream out to everyone, and we had enough for seconds and thirds!!!!

Serving gelato

Chandni and her 2year old buddy :)

We hung out for the rest of the night, talked about basketball teams we were rooting for, used as many big words as we possibly could amongst ourselsves (lol) and laughed throughout.

It was a fabulous night, and we're both going to end it with some Netflix (Chandni) and a swim (me).




Everytime I head to SHO, I'm Always reminded of why we're doing everything that we're doing. It's not always convenient, but it's always humbling and rejuvenating.

It's selfish. I know. But I love being at SHO!!

I really, really, really hope you guys can make it out with us one day!

Good night!

Day 161

I had a fun evening at SafeHouse today. Stayed outside and had a couple of different conversations. Two gentlemen were telling me about their experiences in the army/military. They were sharing stories and explaining why they chose to enlist. They talked about how it builds your strength and character and that it is an experience they would recommend to anyone.

I talked with another gentleman about trust and what it takes for him to trust people. Of course there were the hellos and quick conversations. I saw a couple of people I hadn't seen in months. It was great seeing them there and being able to catch up with them. Hopefully get to see them again soon!

Day 160

After a busy day I went to SafeHouse, and was glad to be back :)

Again, it was a couple days since my last trip there, so it started with catch up conversations, and discussions on work, life, and the weather. My 2year old buddy was there too, so there was the usual running around.

The gentleman who always stays to clean up was there. So at the end of the night he and I picked up trash, put away chairs, and swept the lot. He's a quiet person, but we've bonded over cleaning and so I use the time to get to know more about him. Today we had a work-related conversation: he doesn't work and isn't currently looking for anything. He told me that he spends a lot of time in the library, reading up on environmental and global issues, and spends time in bible study. He said he is using this free time in a positive way and right now he is content with that.

That made an impact on me, and its refreshing to meet someone who values their time enough to do good things with their free time. Glad he was there today, and glad to be able to have these conversations with him.

Day 158

I was back at the Salvation Army this evening. There were about eight other volunteers helping out today, mostly kids, teens, and a pregnant lady who is due this Friday!!

One of the parents told me she brought both her kids so that they could learn to be responsible and learn to give back to their community. So they helped out with serving, cleaning trays, wiping down tables, and mopping! They are all regulars there and knew where everything was and what needed to be done.

Today we served barbecue chicken, green beans, potatoes, corn bread and sweet tea. And when that ran out there was pizza.

I saw the guy who is transitioning out so spoke to him for a few minutes. He told me he was pretty close to getting a job in a kitchen and he was really looking forward to it.

I had another good volunteering experience here and will be back the next time I'm in town!

Day 153

I had so much fun at SafeHouse today! After having to answer to some of my friends for not going there since Sunday, we spent some time catching up on how each was doing. I was told that I'm not allowed to "ditch" them for that long again. My 2year old buddy's mum then came up to me to tell me that he was there today and that he was taking a nap but would be up soon. That made my day!

Once he woke up I spent the rest of the evening chasing him around the lot. He has so much energy! We chased birds, ate chocolate chip cookies, played ball, ran around, and he was still playing at the end of the night when it was time for me to leave.

I'm exhausted, had too much fun, and now looking forward to a SafeHouse weekend :)

Day 149

It was a busy day at SafeHouse! There were so many conversations! All fun catch up conversations, and lots of laughing! There was a big group of volunteers there today so I got to stay outside and enjoy the company of some of the regular faces.

I ended my night there cleaning up the lot. One of the guys that comes by always cleans up with me; it's become routine for us to clean up together after everyone leaves. He's one of those people that does everything to the best of his ability. He doesn't just put away the chairs and take out the garbage. He goes up and down the block to pick up litter, he sweeps the entire parking lot, and then hoses down the garbage cans. And he doesn't expect anything back for doing all this!

Day 147

I spent the evening at SafeHouse today. I started off catching up with one of the ladies. We had been talking about her getting off the streets and today she had some good news for me - she has moved into transitional housing! She made my day! I am so excited for her and am keeping my fingers crossed that everything works out for her.

I also caught up with my fellow volunteer. He helped out at the food and wine festival last weekend and had a great time. He's volunteering at the jazz festival this weekend - can't wait to hear about it!

I'm looking forward to going back on Sunday - there were a couple people I didn't get a chance to talk to. Hopefully see them then.

Meet Vancouver - one of the guys collects cans to recycle - Vancouver belongs to him

Day 145

I volunteered at SafeHouse today. The church that was going to serve the meal canceled but one of the SafeHouse guys saved the day with lasagna and chicken with stuffing. He cooked enough for about 180 delicious meals! He's definitely got skills!!

We served till we ran out and had to start turning people away. But a SafeHouse friend dropped by just in time with hotdogs, bagels and muffins. So a couple of us made up some plates of food real quick and started serving that. It was a busy day in the kitchen but we did the best we could with what we had, so hopefully not too many people went without food today.

I also wanted to share something Dona sent me today - check out the link:
http://www.takepart.com/news/2011/05/25/gulf-spill-silver-lining-gm-repurposes-227-miles-of-booms-into-chevy-volt-parts
There's always ways to make a difference in the world, we just have to put some thought into it. GM is really making a difference!

Day 143

While at SafeHouse today I came across a gentleman who was having a tough day. I decided to sit with him all evening and just listen. He talked to me about what was bothering him and said that each time he thought things were going right, something would go wrong. We applied that to his current work situation and talked about what he could do to overcome the barriers he was facing. He was hopeful that his plans would work out and it was encouraging to know that he was positive despite all the hardships he faced.

We all have those days when everything goes wrong and while he was having that day it reminded me that it's important to have hope for tomorrow!

And as I was socializing Dona did some virtual giving on care2.com - thank you!!

It's easy to give back, you just have to do it :)

Day 139

Back to SafeHouse!!!! And it was just what I needed :)

As usual, hung out on the lot and chatted to all the familiar faces. I had been helping a gentleman get in contact with an old friend of his. All we had to go off of was a name and state. Well today we finally found him! I looked the name up on my phone, and gave him the phone number. He called right away and it was exactly who he was looking for! It made my day! He said to me "I didn't even know if he was still alive". The expression on his face, the smile - priceless!

I got to meet someone new today as well. He lost his job a couple of years ago and walked away from an unhappy relationship. He told me that he took to the streets to find himself because he couldn't figure out what he wanted from life. He is still figuring that out. But he also says he's content with life right now. He talked to me about life on the streets and your way of thinking about it...that there are resources (showers, food, train/bus passes) for people who are homeless available in the city, you just have to know about them and how to get them.

Great evening there, fun conversations, looking forward to going back tomorrow!

Day 135

Random evening at SafeHouse...there wasn't a big crowd today, probably because of the weather. But I did get to hang out with a lot of different people. Of course, there were the familiar faces, the catch up conversations (between yesterday and today :) ), the complaints about the weather (all me), and then the questions about what was being served for dinner.

I met some new people - a few were people I had seen here before, just hadn't got around to meeting yet. One gentleman in particular stands out...he walked by and said "kemcho" (how are you in Gujarati). We then got into a long discussion about the world, the universe, and all the religions being one. He went on to tell me that he could speak several languages but that he had never really studied them, and that this was possible because everything centered around "the one" (made me think of Jung's collective unconscious). Interesting conversation!  

Day 134

Continuing on with my SafeHouse run (since I won't be able to go this coming week, again!), I spent some time this evening talking with one of the ladies who comes by. I hadn't seen her there all week so it was catch up time. She told me she was trying to get into an apartment and is hoping that will happen in the next 2-3weeks...keeping my fingers crossed for her :)

We also talked about different programs in the city and the ways in which they help the homeless. She shared that she thought some of these programs enabled the homeless instead of empowering them. We talked about what an ideal program would be, and how communities can help homeless people get off the streets. The recurring theme from what she was saying: a lot of follow up. She talked to me about people taking advantage of the system and breaking the rules, which then messes up the program for those who are really trying to get their lives together. She had an interesting point of view, hoping to hear more from her soon.

Day 133

I had some good conversations at SafeHouse this evening. And saw some faces I hadn't seen in a while - that made my day!

I met someone new today. He sat down next to me, introduced himself, and asked the usual questions about me - where am I from? am I Indian? We got to birthdays - his is on February 29th (he showed me his ID just in case I didn't believe him). I asked how he ended up on the streets. His response - "I don't like commitment".

He went on to explain that it wasn't just commitment to a person, but also to places, and to jobs. He is the kind of person who likes to constantly move around and gets tired of the same scene. He talked to me about all the different places he has lived in; he's been in Atlanta a few years and has the next city he wants to move to already picked out. He acknowledged that being homeless meant he could move around whenever he wanted to...there were no responsibilities holding him down - a part of me envies that. When he left for the night he said good-bye, because he didn't think we'd see each other again, and thanked me for talking to him.

Day 129

SafeHouse was busy today! There were a lot of new faces, which means more people to get to know :)
But I hung out with a familiar face for most of my time there today. He had gone out of town to visit family for two weeks and today was his first day back, so there was lots to catch up on. We talked about his vacation, his family, and about mistakes. He told me he had made a mistake and while there was no way to go back in time and fix it, he could admit his mistake and show, through his actions, how sorry he was. 

I also spent some time talking to another familiar face. He was at SafeHouse yesterday and wanted to chat as I was leaving. So today I made sure to talk with him. We talked mostly about relationships and the difference between wanting to care for someone and wanting to control someone. We also talked about the things he wanted to change in his life and the steps he would have to take to make those changes. He's a good person and I hope he reaches his goal.

Lots of talk time today, looking forward to my next visit :)

Day 128

Happy Mother's day! The group at SafeHouse brought flowers for all the mums this evening - they were all surprised and touched. It was great watching as some of the kids handed flowers to their mums and the rest of the ladies there.

I was only there for a little while today and stayed outside talking to people the whole time :)
I spoke with one of the guys who volunteers around the city - we talked about work, relationships, and faith. He had some good news to share with me related to work, keeping my fingers crossed that it works out.

I also talked to one of the guys who had a (for lack of a better word) "normal" experience yesterday. It was amazing listening to him tell me about his day because he was so appreciative of things we take for granted. The smile on his face was priceless! Hoping he has more days like that...

Day 127

Finally made it back to SafeHouse! And had an amazing evening there - as always!

I spent some time in the kitchen this evening, helping today's group get started. They are an awesome group, they really make you feel like a part of their group, and they have so much fun while getting the meal ready.

I also spent time outside - of course! Had some great conversations and an opportunity to hear one of the SafeHouse guys play the drums. The gentleman who told me he was going to donate his hair to Locks of Love was there and he got his hair cut and donated it Thursday! Proof that no matter what your situation, there's always a way to give back! He inspires me to keep giving back and for that, I am grateful.

Day 121

Before leaving town this evening I stopped at SafeHouse for a few hours. It felt like I hadn't been there in a while (even though I was there for an hour Friday!) so I hung out on the lot and caught up with some of the guys and met some new people.

It was a busy Sunday and there were lots of conversations to be had. I hung out with one of the ladies, just catching up on our weekends; I talked with the gentleman who's shy for a while and he talked to me a little more today; I spoke with a gentleman from Salvador about life in Atlanta; I spoke to the stock market gentleman about his vision of transitioning people who are homeless; I spoke to someone else about donating his hair (when he cuts it) to Locks of Love - it was awesome! Of course, there were the regular hello's to familiar faces while helping clean up the lot.

Looking forward to my next visit there :)

Day 116

Chandni and Dona are letting me write the blog today! So here it goes.

Today was another eventful night at safehouse. I dont know what it is
about that place but everytime I'm at Safehouse (SHO) the everyday
hustle that we all have to be a part of, almost diminshes. Today we
met different groups of people from different organizations at
Safehouse that weren't just there to "help", but actually have a
purpose and mission to help bring all the "bad stuff" that goes on in
this world to an end. It made me think about how this world IS filled
with selfless people that our society and our world really needs. I
realized that we all get caught up in this everyday hustle of work,
school, family, friends and relationships, etc. But we forget to see
what some people really have to go through and how we take so much for
granted. I know we've all heard this before and we see it on tv and
our parents preach it to us everyday. But taking yourself out of your
own comfort zone and being a part of something selfless really can
change someones ideology on life and how the everyday "BS" that we
make such a big deal about is not really a big deal when you surround
yourself with people who's needs are greater than yours.

Today, we were inspired by a homeless man... and even though he had
nothing to give us, he offered us words of sound advice and
encouragement.

I think the biggest gift you can give someone, is the gift of giving.
Chandni has given me the opportunity to give back in ways I never
thought would be possible. I admire her in every way and can't be
thankful enough for letting me be a part of project 365. If anyone of
you have just one day to be a part of this project, take advantage of
it. It's something you'll never regret doing.


~ Raksha