by Natalia Valencia Zometa (UGA MSW Intern)

During my yearlong internship, I had the opportunity to witness our guests’ hardships and listen to many wonderful and sad stories. Their stories have prompted me to reflect on the causes of homelessness and the fortunate state of many. We never consider factors outside of our world, which revolves around us to provide our home and safety. We think it could happen to other people and never to us. We believe that we are safe and that we will never be experiencing homelessness, but after listening to the many histories of our guests, my concept of homelessness changed. Life changes, unexpected situations occur such as illness, accidents, natural disasters, and wars, and suddenly you could be without anything or anyone in your life. Families are becoming smaller and smaller, leaving fewer people to give you support. One or two changes can leave you alone in the world, without any support to help you navigate abrupt changes in your life.

During my experience at OAC, I learned that I should be more sensitive to our guests’ stories, understand their life situations, develop humility in the relationship with them and learn how to change the local and national structure that will lead to a stronger community.

We should not forget that life changes; some of our privileges could be fleeting, and someday we could lose everything and become homeless. I have heard the stories of persons who had all the things needed for a great life, but they regrettably lost everything in one second. They have found at OAC a voice of hope and an extended hand that wants to help them transition through the challenging moments of life.

by Amy Kirkland     

This year in 2022 I have a different perspective on the 10 miles that someone may walk in a day, especially our guests here at the OAC. than I did last year in 2021. As a team member on the OAC staff, I spend a great deal of my time at the front desk and front door constantly interacting with our guests face to face. I hand out walking directions to a variety of different places to several of our guests on a daily basis. These walking directions are to help them to get to where they need to be or obtain the correct information to get their identifying documents. Many of our guests walk to several  places in order to shower, eat, sleep, and to meet other basic needs. It is always our hope that the work we do here helps these steps add up to a big step one day and our guests are  able to find  permanent stable housing and employment.

As I participated in this fundraiser last year in 2021 I was mindful as I took my daily walks over the course of a week to complete my 10 miles. I was aware that my walks were completely my choice and there was not a necessary destination other than to make it back home. I had comfort in the fact that if I began to get tired I could probably reroute and get home sooner. I was grateful for nice comfortable shoes and weather appropriate clothing as well as a nice bottle of water. I knew that all of my choices and privileges were not extended to most individuals who  are experiencing  homelessness.

As I reflect on our In Their Shoes fundraiser this year,  I think about how my family has  moved across town so that we may be able to have access to more places that are within walking distance. We longed to be able to grab a bite to eat, get coffee, or even enjoy the relaxation of being able to walk and get errands done. Has there ever been a time where you had to WALK over a mile to get food, or WALk over a mile to take shower, or maybe even WALK several miles for a place to sleep. Can you imagine what it would look like to be IN THEIR SHOES?

For our neighbors experiencing homelessness walking  is a way of life and unfortunately many of the things they need are nowhere near the places they may call home.  If you find yourself with the privilege of making the choice to walk somewhere please remember our neighbors that are experiencing homelessness. Place yourself In Their Shoes, and choose to add a little more meaning to your WALK!!

by Sharita Stallings (GSU Bachelor of Social Work Intern)               

Interning at the OAC has been a rewarding moment for me in all aspects of life. On the one hand, I can connect with our guests experiencing homelessness by helping them obtain the necessary documents to help them move forward in life. While on the other hand, I can also connect with them by asking them, “How is your day going?” This opportunity has opened my eyes and allowed me to look at things differently. Interning at the OAC has developed me into a much more patient individual. It has shown me that every guest I encounter will always have a different journey and a different struggle to overcome. Because of this, I have become a better listener, and our guests feel as though they have someone who actively listens and cares about their needs.

Many of our guests come in for services and think that we’re the only ones helping and assisting them. However, I have received many blessings while working and supporting them. In addition to becoming a better listener, I’ve also become a more empathic individual in all of my personal relationships. Interning at OAC has improved my overall well-being, allowing me to give each guest an amazing experience while providing services.

I appreciate every guest and their story and the joy they bring to me while assisting them. Being at the OAC has positively impacted my life, and it has shown me that being in the field of social work is something I am called to do. I am beyond blessed to be interning at the OAC.