Shortage of affordable housing, temporary unemployment, a sudden medical emergency that bankrupts and uproots a family, disability that prevents someone from working or causes workplace discrimination, addiction, domestic violence and mental illness—these are some of the prevalent factors by which 4,5000 people find themselves experiencing homelessness in Rhode Island annually.
This semester, Writing for Community Service (WRT 304), taught by Professor Karen Franko, is partnering with the House of Hope Community Development Center of Warwick to organize an items donation drive to support individuals affected by homelessness.
In the past, WRT 304 students have sought out their own nonprofit organization to volunteer their time and create multimodal advertising campaigns to benefit that specific organization. This is the first semester where the class will work collaboratively for one organization and facilitate a campus-wide donation drive.
Junior film and media major, Frankie Watson, believes organizing the drive has given her an entirely new perspective on service. “I’m not just donating an item that I don’t need, I now understand the importance of my donation and the impact a small donation can make,” says Watson.
House of Hope is a nonprofit organization founded in 1989 with the purpose of preventing and ending homelessness in Rhode Island by offering affordable housing and advocacy services.
Students in the class have had the opportunity to listen to and coordinate with House of Hope’s Executive Director Laura Jaworski, MSW. “House of Hope has a long record of working with individual families impacted by homelessness through the development of quality affordable housing and the delivery of quality, compassionate supportive services,” says Jaworski.
One of their premier services is “Shower to Empower,” a mobile shower unit that partners with Team Williams, LLC and the City of Providence to offer complimentary showers, haircuts, case management, and medical navigation services.
People often fail to consider the trauma associated with homelessness. Unhoused individuals are required to think innovatively to protect and provide for themselves. In addition to food and clothing, a shower is a human necessity taken for granted—especially for those experiencing menstruation while unhoused.
The House of Hope is able to offer this staple in the hierarchy of needs and requires the assistance and support from donations like the drive organized by WRT 304.
Collection boxes will be available from Oct. 15 through Nov. 5 in the Memorial Union, Mackal Field House, Christopher House, Avedisian Hall, Gender & Sexuality Center and the Writing Office on the third floor of Roosevelt Hall. Additionally, students in the class will be accepting donations from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at a booth in the Memorial Union on Wednesday, Oct. 24.
WRT 304 has set a goal of collection 1,500 items and would appreciate toiletries, feminine hygiene products, laundry detergent, new men’s and women’s socks and underwear, canned and boxed food, winter hats and gloves, playing cards and board games.
“The drive provides an opportunity to help alleviate the physical, emotional, mental and social trauma that homelessness inflicts,” says Professor Franko, “our campus community can make a positive impact on the lives of those experiencing a devastating situation.”