The Streets of Hope San Diego gives a special thanks to the the Air Force ROTC cadets at San Diego State University for joining the Streets of Hope San Diego on several Monday nights in downtown San Diego to serve the homeless.
“… simply being able to listen to someone living on the streets and create a personal interaction with them also has had such a huge positive affect on us, the volunteers, as well.“
We asked cadet Jane K. to write up a short summary for the Air Force ROTC about their experience in serving downtown’s homeless with the Streets of Hope San Diego. Jane wrote:
“This fall semester, the Air Force ROTC cadets at San Diego State University were given the opportunity to volunteer for Streets of Hope once every month. In each cadet’s own personal growth, we’re always focused on our mental and physical status and rarely on our spiritual well-being. Volunteering for Streets of Hope has been a valuable way to develop our own spirituality as we directly impact, improve quality of life for others, pray and connect with people on the streets. By just listening to the stories of the homeless, creating small conversations, and meeting new people, it has created a positive effect on each cadet. That’s the biggest takeaway from volunteering with the Streets of Hope San Diego: simply being able to listen to someone living on the streets and create a personal interaction with them also has such a huge positive affect on us, the volunteers. From this small act of giving, we have seen a growing number of volunteers in our detachment continue to come serve the homeless because of the unforgettable experiences each cadet volunteer takes away; and then, ends up sharing those experiences with others.
In addition, Detachment 075 loves that this community service opportunity opens doors to break generalizations and stereotypes about homeless people. The cadets love how this non-profit organization brings equality and a sense of community and home to those who are experiencing homelessness. We hope to continue to volunteer for Streets of Hope and create relationships with people in the San Diego community.
A big special thanks goes out to our Detachment Community Service Officer Cadet Captain Kleinendorst for setting up this opportunity to join this organization!”
Thanks Jane for a great write-up. And thanks again to all Air Foce ROTC Cadets. These weeks that you’ve been out on the streets serving the homeless side-by-side with us have been some of the best Mondays all year.