During the Honors Alternative Spring Break trip in 2014, I had the opportunity to meet and interact with the homeless, needy, and drug-addicted populations of San Francisco’s Tenderloin neighborhood. Volunteering at Glide Memorial Church (GLIDE) thrust me into an environment that was intimidating yet insightful.
I was timid at first, unsure of how to interact with people in an area notorious for high crime rates. Entire street blocks were filled with homeless people lying on the ground, and hundreds lined up at GLIDE each meal (GLIDE serves three meals a day nearly every day of the year). Throughout the week, I greeted everyone as they entered the cafeteria, served food, and cleaned up tables. I took it upon myself to talk with anyone that
I was timid at first, unsure of how to interact with people in an area notorious for high crime rates. Entire street blocks were filled with homeless people lying on the ground, and hundreds lined up at GLIDE each meal (GLIDE serves three meals a day nearly every day of the year). Throughout the week, I greeted everyone as they entered the cafeteria, served food, and cleaned up tables. I took it upon myself to talk with anyone that