Jane Pereda Blog #1

We arrived early for our meeting with Mary Robinson.  While waiting for her, we got to see people arriving to get their breakfast. I have to admit I have never been in such a situation, so it was new for me.  I am certainly glad Brother Benno provides this basic necessity for the working poor and homeless, but they certainly don't stop there and this is what she wants us to address in the video(s).  She mentioned there were two directions we could approach this, and hence we suggested perhaps we can then do two videos, A longer (5 min) informative video of their facilities and services to the community, targeted towards the community, and a shorter video to highlight the importance of what they have to provide to the community and the fact that they are an all volunteer organization who do what they do out of love and compassion and monetary donations are certainly welcomed and necessary to continue to do what they do.

Some of what she mentioned she would like included in the videos:

* 90% of those served are working poor 

* Hopeful, compassionate tone (family like, loving approach)

* All volunteer run- 100% of donations go directly to the poor.

* Not just a soup kitchen- "Providing long-term solutions toward breaking cycle of                   homelessness"

     * Rental, utility, prescription assistance  

     * Housing- 8 homes allocated to: Emergency shelter for women and children, men and                   women in 12-step recovery programs through AA or NA and receive housing in exchange             for work (Volunteer Work Recovery Program), homeless individuals on a spiritual journey         who dedicate themselves to volunteering there for a year and receive a room and small               living allowance, and a home for Recovery Program volunteer leaders who provide                       guidance and support, oversee the men and women in recovery. 

     *Clothes 

     * Baby food

     * Laundry

     * Showers

     * Bus Passes

     * Food packs

     * Computer lab for creating resumes and job searching

     

*Brother Benno logo

* "Soup Soap

     Hugs Hope"