The following are quotes from our 2009 Count volunteers. These quotes serve to illustrate candid reflections of our volunteers' experiences as they searched the streets for people in need. You can also check out the 2009 Participant's Survey to view a survey summary of what our 2009 participants thought of their Homeless Count experience!
And read on....
"Shared experiences like [Count] night, I've long felt, are essential to building compassion, a greater sense of community and the collective will to find new solutions with renewed urgency. Once you put a personal face on homelessness, it becomes less of an 'abstract issue' and more of a 'human imperative'. Some things, once seen, cannot be 'unseen'." -Cary (North Region Volunteer)
"The Count helps to stop the sense of 'us' [those with homes] and 'them' [the homeless]... This was a great experience that every citizen should experience." -Anonymous (West Region Volunteer)
"Iwill never pass another bush, window well, park bench, stairwell, alley, etc. without thinking that "THIS" is someone's home." -Sherry (North Region Volunteer)
"Although they may not at first understand our intentions, after a few minutes or maybe a few days, those without homes will recall that there are still people who care about them. And although that notion alone will not provide them food or shelter, it may just give them an ounce of hope to keep fighting to regain the life they have lost. It is important to let the unfortunate know that they are not forgotten." -Anonymous (West Region Volunteer)
"...the Homeless Count was very eye-opening for me...I am very glad to have been a part of something so meaningful." -Ryan (South Region Volunteer)
"...this was so humbling... Ted* (one of the homeless persons we found) will be on my mind every cold night for a long time I think. The problem has a face now for me. I hope and pray that we can fix this sad problem." -Sharon (North Region Volunteer)
"Iwas excited to learn about the [Count] process and how it works. As a Count Team Leader, I felt that my group gained a better understanding of what exists in the community... I look forward to helping again!" - Anonymous (West Region Volunteer)
"Volunteering for theAlliance during the Count was truly a fulfilling experience. It gave me a hands-on perspective of the challenges homeless people face in the Chicagoland area, and made me more conscious of ways to assist those less fortunate." -Aubrey (West Region Volunteer)
"The Homeless Count was an invaluable experience for me. By traveling through the streets at night, we were able to visit [the homeless] in their 'homes'... the interviews become much more personal." -Maryrose (North Region Volunteer)