SDSU Black Resource Center Volunteers

Brandon Gamble hit the ground running (and the streets of San Diego) in his second year as Director, Black Resource Center, SDSU. 

The year began with his group’s participation in the annual  Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade (01.15.23) on which he commented: 

“If we’re going to do a parade, let’s also be of service.” 

Gamble extended the invitation to volunteer with Streets of Hope San Diego with the broader campus and showed up Monday night with over 30 student volunteers. 

“We actually had an even bigger turnout” Gamble comments, “of over 60 Students to help make the food (peanut-butter and jelly sandwiches) and this half was also able to stay and help deliver them.” 

Rain or Shine

Ignoring threats of a downpour, we marched the 7 blocks from Smart & Final (15th & G) to San Diego Central Library where large communities of homeless neighbors tend to gather. We learned a lot about the BRC student volunteers as we walked. 

Deontae, also a writer, joked that he wouldn’t be writing tonights story (fair!). Another two picked up a rap about delivering “PBJ to 14&K.”

In addition to food, water, and the warm clothes and blankets we had to offer, many had requests for prayer. Tonight, prayers for safety where especially prevalent. 

We ended the night as we always do back at the parking lot. Tonights volunteer circle was especially large so first time volunteer, Xavier had to speak loudly when sharing the nights events. 

” This was a really cool night and a great opportunity to come out and help people in need when they need it. There were so many people who were so grateful even for just a little thing.” 

Thank You

Brandon and Team and all of our regular student (and non-student) volunteers. We had an impressively large turnout on one of the coldest, rainiest days, which let our homeless neighbors know we’re here for them rain or shine.

During these times, additional resources are key. Many homeless neighbors are still without tents and warm blankets. Others have tents that are not waterproof, so tarp donations come in handy. 

The Church of Nazarene Living Water graciously opened up space for 28 people to stay warm and dry tonight.

Still dry ourselves, I wanted to get a few words from Gamble while I still could. I wanted to know how he thought the night went and if they’d be back again. 

” The best part for me, is watching the students really get engaged. Because it went so well tonight, we are planning to do at least one volunteer night per month with different organizations.” 

With that, the clouds opened up and started to pour so we ran to our cars. Till next time!