One of the things I liked most about this project was the
moral issue it targeted. Having lived in or around Memphis and the greater
South for all of my life, I’ve been exposed to this issue at great length and
contributed as much as I could, but it’s a problem that only ever seems to
improve marginally if at all. When I lived in Little Rock, there were even laws
passed that homeless individuals couldn’t sell things or ask for money at
intersections or street corners within the city, otherwise police officers
would escort them away. The discrimination and prejudice homeless individuals face,
many of whom are also mentally ill, POC, veterans, LGBT individuals, or part of
some other marginalized group, is unacceptable. So I think in terms of societal
issues, there aren’t many worthier of discussion than this one.
I think the strength of this project was its effort to reach
out to as many people as possible (within reason) and the breadth of different
tactics used to provide assistance in obtaining jobs. I think the videos shown
were powerful and touching, specifically the one of the gentleman receiving the
haircut and the makeover. His gratitude was heartbreaking, and I think it works
very effectively to highlight just how many things we take for granted that
they don’t have access to, such as basic grooming. I do have to agree with Dr.
J that at times, the tactics can be patronizing (moral training, etc) and that
the most paramount issue homeless people face is, well, being without a home. I
think putting more thought into partnerships with homeless shelters, halfway houses,
food banks, as well as local transportation would be effective in creating a
network that allows homeless people to have a sort of interim home period in
order to get on their feet long enough to get some sort of job. I also think
partnering with local churches or charity groups to build some form of
affordable housing for the participants of Second Win would be paramount in
getting them back on their feet. The cost of even a 1 bedroom apartment in
Memphis is incredibly hard to swing making minimum wage, and basically
impossible when supporting more than one person.
Overall, I think this project was well done, and I enjoyed
the presentation.
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