Generously sponsored by:

WHO CARES? WE CARE!

http://www.bu.edu/csc/http://www.bu.edu/csc/http://www.bu.edu/csc/http://www.bu.edu/csc/

…………Afterschool: Afterschool: Afterschool: Afterschool: Volunteers tutor, offer one-on-one homework assistance, make arts and crafts,

tell stories, and lead educational games at a variety of local Afterschool programs. Such programs

have been shown to reduce juvenile delinquency. Time Commitment: 2-4 hours per week …Alternative Spring Breaks (ASB): …Alternative Spring Breaks (ASB): …Alternative Spring Breaks (ASB): …Alternative Spring Breaks (ASB): The alternative to the traditional spring break.

Volunteers travel to sites throughout North America to assist with community service projects

ranging from disaster relief, environmental protection and restoration, and many more.

Time Commitment: Week of spring break

…Children’s Theatre (CT): …Children’s Theatre (CT): …Children’s Theatre (CT): …Children’s Theatre (CT): Volunteers create original variety shows that they perform for

young children in hospitals and shelters. Shows range from storybook adaptations to improvisation

and feature lessons and morals relevant to today’s youth. Time Commitment: 2 hours per week

…First…First…First…First----Year Student Outreach Project (FYSOP): Year Student Outreach Project (FYSOP): Year Student Outreach Project (FYSOP): Year Student Outreach Project (FYSOP): First-year students come to campus

one week prior to the start of the fall semester to volunteer for ten different issue areas: Children,

Disabilities, Elders, Environment, Gender Focus, HIV/AIDS Awareness, Homelessness and Housing,

Hunger and Urban Renewal. Time Commitment: Week before classes start …Joining Hands: …Joining Hands: …Joining Hands: …Joining Hands: Volunteers work with people with disabilities and elders in a variety of

settings in the Greater Boston Area. Volunteers may serve organizations including Newton Special

Athletes, Best Buddies or Winners on Wheels. Time Commitment: 2-4 hours per week ...Making Music:...Making Music:...Making Music:...Making Music:Volunteers teach instrumental music, vocal music, and dance to school children

who do not have access to a formal music education program. Both students and volunteers have the

opportunity to perform on campus at the annual Making Music Recital.

Time Commitment: 2-3 hours per week (full year)

...Multicultural Advancement Partnership Program (MAPP): ...Multicultural Advancement Partnership Program (MAPP): ...Multicultural Advancement Partnership Program (MAPP): ...Multicultural Advancement Partnership Program (MAPP): Volunteers work

with refugees, immigrants, and international students to enhance their understanding of English and

their experience in America. Special emphasis is placed on literacy, English and their experience in

America. Time Commitment: 2-4 hours per week ...Project Hope: ...Project Hope: ...Project Hope: ...Project Hope: Project Hope seeks to show compassion, gain understanding and educate

others about the HIV/AIDS virus. Volunteers may work with organizations such as the AIDS Action

Committee, Cambridge Cares About AIDS, the Boston Living Center and others.

Time Commitment: 2-4 hours per week ...Siblings (Sibs): ...Siblings (Sibs): ...Siblings (Sibs): ...Siblings (Sibs): Volunteers are paired with elementary school children in one-on-one

mentoring relationships. Siblings pairs meet regularly and participate in activities such as an annual

Halloween party and “Siblympics,” museum trips, days at the park, Fitrec adventures and dinners at

BU dining halls. In the past, Siblings has received free tickets to Disney on Ice and Celtics games.

Time Commitment: 3-5 hours biweekly (full year) ...Student Food Rescue (SFR):...Student Food Rescue (SFR):...Student Food Rescue (SFR):...Student Food Rescue (SFR):Volunteers collect food from local restaurants, supermarkets,

and bakeries and distribute it to meal programs, food pantries, and shelters. Volunteers also serve

meals at community suppers and prepare food baskets for distribution. Time Commitment: 2-4

hours per week

...Student Studio: ...Student Studio: ...Student Studio: ...Student Studio: This program seeks to bring a visual arts education to area students whose

schools do not have art programs. Volunteers will design lesson plans about an artist, movement, or

technique and develop a fun, hands-on project for the students to express their creativity and show

the skills they have learned through that week’s lesson. Time Commitment: 2-3 hours a week

(more if you’re planning that week’s lesson)

...Voices from the Middle (VFM): ...Voices from the Middle (VFM): ...Voices from the Middle (VFM): ...Voices from the Middle (VFM): Voices from the Middle volunteers work with middle-

school students to write and perform their own plays. This creative outlet gives the students the

opportunity to voice their concerns though a productive medium in a positive environment. Time

Commitment: 2-3 hours per week

...Wizards: ...Wizards: ...Wizards: ...Wizards: Volunteers travel to various Boston-area schools to introduce children to the wonders

of science. Volunteers teach weekly experiments that allow the children to make real connections

between scientific principles and the world around them. Time Commitment: 2-3 hours per week

32

Table of contents

The Circle of Life

Letter from the PM… 2

Letter from your H&H Co’s… 3

Meet your Coordinators… 4

FYSOP 21 Schedule… 5

Meet your Staff… 6

FYSOP time

Education Day Info… 13

Site Profiles… 14

Group Site Schedule… 18

Introduction to H&H…. 19

Children & Homelessness… 20

Teenagers & Homelessness… 21

Veterans & Homelessness… 22

Healthcare & Unemployment… 23

Health Complications… 24

Myths & Facts… 25

Negative Perceptions… 27

FYSOP Fusion… 28

It’s only the beginning

Stay Involved After FYSOP... 30

Sources … 31

CSC Programs… 32

1

2

August 23, 2010

Dear FYSOPers,

Welcome to FYSOP 21! By taking part in FYSOP you are joining the ranks of

FYSOPers who have been doing service for the past 21 years. FYSOP started in 1989

when Stephen McMahon had an idea to unite a group of first-year students through a

shared experience of community service. McMahon’s initial program involved ten

staff leaders and 60 volunteers arriving at Boston University a week early to com-

plete a house with Habitat for Humanity.

This year, FYSOP 21 has 1,000 volunteers, 220 staff members, 20 coordinators

and ten issue areas! This year, FYSOP has gone green with online registration,

added a brand new issue area: Urban Renewal, increased its impact by adding

educational content on the web and will broadcast live during parts of FYSOP. You

couldn’t have picked a better time to join FYSOP!

FYSOP will not only introduce you to Boston, but you may find it opens doors to

you—be it new friends, passions and opportunities. Whether this is your first time

doing service or you are a seasoned volunteer, you are about to join a quarter of the

incoming freshman class who are giving their time and service. You will be amazed

by the volunteers in your group, your staff leaders, your coordinators and the sites

you will work with.

In this next week, I challenge you to let go and be yourself. Seize every moment

and truly let yourself embrace every hour of service, every minute you “ride the

pony” (you’ll learn what that is soon enough) and every second you take in

reflection. If you let it, FYSOP can build a solid foundation for your career at Boston

University. This week is just the beginning.

Thank you so much for joining the coordinators, staff leaders and myself for

FYSOP 21. We have been eagerly awaiting your arrival all summer! As you venture

out into the JUNGLE that is Boston, don’t forget the bare necessities. Bring an open

mind, compassionate heart and willingness to branch out (pun intended) and try new

things. Don’t be afraid to ask for directions, share your sunscreen and mind your

lunch. This is going to be a safari you will never forget. So, ….welcome to the….

Jump into something that is

Unique and

Nothing you have experienced before.

Get to know yourself, your group and staff leaders.

Learn to let go and

Experience FYSOP and your new community!

FYSOPlovin’,

Colleen

When I w

as a

freshm

an…

FYSO

P 17!!

SOURCES

31

http://www.mahomeless.org/Resources/shelter/experiencinghomelessness.html http://www.familyhomelessness.org/

http://www.nhchc.org/Curriculum/module1/module1D/H3MythsandFactsaboutHomelessness.pdf http://www.bridgeotw.org/pages/whybridgeworks.html http://www.nchv.org/background.cfm http://www.nationalhomeless.org/factsheets/veterans.html http://www.nationalhomeless.org/factsheets/health.html http://www.nationalhomeless.org/factsheets/education.html

http://www.nationalhomeless.org/factsheets/employment.html http://www.fanniemae.com/media/pdf/GP_Citiesfinal.pdf http://www.thetaskforce.org/reports_and_research/homeless_youth http://www.usmayors.org/hhsurvey2007/hhsurvey07.pdf

http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/lib.nsf/db900sid/LGEL-5JVE4E/$file/wb-home-may01.pdf?openelement http://www.delmar.edu/socsci/rlong/problems/chap-06.htm

Stay Involved After FYSOP:

Pine Street Inn -

Prepare meals and other services for the homeless! http://www.pinestreetinn.org/

Our Wonderful H&H FYSOPERs —

We hope these next four years bring you everything you

want and we are so excited you chose to begin your

Boston University “Safari” with FYSOP. The next four

years will certainly be an adventure as you enjoy the

concrete jungle that is Boston. You are now tied to the

BU Circle of Life as you have already begun to make your

mark with the service you have done this week. Thank

you so much for all your dedication and hard work!

30

Bridge Over Troubled Waters - Mentor homeless teens working to earn their GEDs! http://www.bridgeotw.org

Boston University Habitat For Humanity -

Build houses for those in need and make new friends at BU!

http://people.bu.edu/habitat/

Birthday Wishes -

Help give a homeless child an incredible birthday! http://www.birthdaywishes.org

Women’s Lunch Place -

Provide meals in a positive atmosphere for homeless women! http://www.womenslunchplace.org/

JAMBO JAMBO JAMBO JAMBO from your H&H Safari Leaders!

Hey young FYSOPers!!

Welcome to the concrete jungle of

Boston. You are about to embark on the

most exciting journey of your life, and it

all begins here with FYSOP. The Pride

Lands, better known as Boston

University, have been deserted for

months now and we’ve been anxiously

awaiting your arrival.

This new home of yours is a special place, and we’re so proud

of you for dedicating your last week of summer to making it a

better home for all of us. Enjoy yourself this week as you will

be doing admirable service, getting acclimated to BU and

Boston, and meeting exceptional people.

There is more to see than can ever be seen, more to do than

can ever be done - but this week will have a lasting impact not

only on the city and the people you meet, but on you. You are

bound to have many eye-opening experiences and the best

way to take them in is with an open mind and heart.

Learn as much as you can not only about the issue area, but

also about yourself. Have a blast – FYSOP is an

incredible experience and we can’t wait to share it with you!

After all, everyone has a place in the Circle of Life, and we

hope that as you help others find their places, you too will

find yours.

Feelin’ the H&H love tonight,

Chelsey Kaufman & Christine Bolton

FYSOP21 Homelessness & Housing Coordinators 3

4

C H T S I R

C

E N I

H E L S Y E

Christine Bolton, a junior in SMG, hails from the riveting one-light town of

Stow, MA!!! As a former apple orchard employee, she now has an

impressive knowledge of all things apple-

related. She spends most of her free time

running, concert-going and learning about

lindy hop (a really fun kind of swing dancing

— YouTube it!). Among her other favorite

things are summer thunderstorms, avocados,

manatees and Daft Punk. She’s also afraid of

movie theatres? Yeah it’s weird. If you ask

nicely she will play “Piano Man” on the

harmonica for you, but don't ask for any other

songs because that's the only one she knows. Enjoy this week and enjoy

your college years—try new things, find your niche, and learn everything

you possibly can about yourself! It’s gonna be awesome. GET EXCITED!

Helloooo H&H FYSOPers! I’m Chelsey Kaufman from Massapequa, NY - a

lovely little suburb outside of New York City. While I love New York City,

Boston stole my heart. If I am not running on the

Esplanade, wandering around the city, or shopping

on Newbury Street, I am in class. I am a senior in

Sargent College majoring in Occupational Therapy.

I LOVE hockey, baseball, and football, baking

cupcakes, anything with peanut butter, and I have

a slight obsession with weddings. I have seen

every single episode of Boy Meets World, Full

House, and Saved by The Bell and October is my

absolute favorite month of the year. As you begin

these next four years of your life - be open-minded,

take chances and always be true to who you are.

The next four years are what you make them -

enjoy them to the fullest! Welcome to Boston!

C O R O T A N I D R O S

E M T E U O Y R

29

Hiv/aidsHiv/aidsHiv/aidsHiv/aids

Human rightsHuman rightsHuman rightsHuman rights

hungerhungerhungerhunger

Urban renewalUrban renewalUrban renewalUrban renewal

Gender focusGender focusGender focusGender focus

Rising urban homelessness is caused in part by a shortage of

low-cost housing. This shortage might be caused by

gentrification (converting run-down housing into upscale

apartments), slum lording (buying property and renting it until

it falls apart) or warehousing (real estate investors buy property

and allow it to sit idle in anticipation of gentrification.

The U.S. Conference of Mayors 2007 Status Report on Hunger

and Homelessness reported that the major causes of hunger in

the surveyed cities are poverty, unemployment and high housing

costs. The hunger crisis is exacerbated by the recent spike in

foreclosures, the increased cost of living in general and increased

cost of food.

Criminalization of homelessness has been on the rise in cities

over the past 25 years. This trend includes measures that target

homeless people by making it illegal to perform life-sustaining

activities in public, including prohibitions on sleeping/camping,

eating, sitting, and begging in public spaces. There are often

criminal penalties for violation of these laws.

The National Alliance to End Homelessness estimates that 3.4

percent of homeless people were HIV-positive in 2006, compared

to 0.4 percent of adults and adolescents in the general

population. Since people living with HIV/AIDS are in greater

danger of losing their jobs due to discrimination or health-

related absences, up to half are at risk of becoming homeless.

In 2009 it was estimated by National Coalition for the Homeless

that 20 percent of homeless youth are LGBT (while the general

youth population is only 10 percent LGBT). Additionally, the

National Gay and Lesbian Task Force reports that 26 percent of

LGBT youth who came out to their parents/guardians were told

they must leave home.

28

F O P

F U S I N O

Y S

childrenchildrenchildrenchildren

disabilitiesdisabilitiesdisabilitiesdisabilities

environmentenvironmentenvironmentenvironment

elderselderselderselders

Children account for 39 percent of the homeless population (1.35

million of the 3.5 million homeless people in the U.S.)

Approximately 50 percent of these children are under the age of

five. Fewer than one in four homeless children will graduate

from high school.

In a 2008 survey performed by the U.S. Conference of Mayors,

25 cities were asked for the three largest causes of homelessness

in their communities. Mental illness was the third largest cause

of homelessness for single adults (mentioned by 48 percent of

cities). For homeless families, mental illness was mentioned by

12 percent of cities as one of the top 3 causes of homelessness.

Homeless people are among the most vulnerable to natural dis-

asters. Nearly all those made homeless by natural disasters in

the world—97.7 percent of the total—are from developing

countries. Since 1980, 138 million people in those countries have

been affected. The numbers are growing year by year.

Among the Sheltered Homeless Persons in 2008, 16.8 percent of

them were 51 and older according to the 2008 annual homeless

assessment report to Congress and 30.6 percent of the

individuals who stayed in emergency shelters for more than 180

days were 51 and older.

7

Monday, August 23rd 7:15-7:45 Meet your Groups! (Location: Marsh Plaza) Look for your Issue Area sign! 8:00-10:00 Opening Ceremonies (Location: GSU, Grand Ballroom) 10:00-10:45 Group ice-breakers (Location: Ziskind Lounge/Marsh Plaza)

Tuesday, August 24th 7:45-8:45 Breakfast (Location: SAC gym, next to the GSU) 9:00-10:00 Opening: FYSOP Fusion (Location: GSU, Grand Ballroom) 10:00-5:00Education Day Children Ed Day: (Guitar Center, COM101) Disabilities Ed Day: (GSU, East Enclosure/SAC Gym) Elders Ed Day: (GSU, BU Central) Environment Ed Day: (GSU, Room 224) Gender Focus Ed Day: (GSU, Conference Auditorium) HIV/AIDS Ed Day: (GSU, Terrace Lounge) H & H Ed Day: (CAS, Room B12) Human Rights Ed Day: (GSU, Howard Thurman Center) Hunger Ed Day: (GSU, East Enclosure) Urban Renewal Ed Day: (Law Auditorium, Guitar Center) Museum: (GSU, Ziskind Lounge) 11:00-2:00 Lunch (GSU, Union Court-staggered) Time will vary for Issue Areas 5:00-6:30 Dinner (Location: Warren or West Campus Dining Hall)

7:00 & on SOCIAL EVENTS TBD

Wednesday, August 25th 6:00-8:00 Breakfast (Location: SAC gym) 9:00-5:00 On-Site Service (Location: Out in Boston!) Lunch on Site 5:00-6:30 Dinner (Location: Warren or West Campus Dining Hall) 7:30-9:30 Program Night (Location: GSU, Grand Ballroom)

Thursday, August 26th 6:00-8:00 Breakfast (Location: SAC gym) 9:00-5:00 On-Site Service (Location: Out in Boston!) Lunch on Site 6:30-7:30 Dinner (Location: Warren or West Campus Dining Hall) 7:00 and on SOCIAL EVENTS TBD

Friday, August 27th

6:00-8:00 Breakfast (Location: SAC gym) 8:00-5:00 On-Site Service (Location: Out in Boston!) Lunch on Site 5:00-6:30 Dinner (Location: Warren or West Campus Dining Hall)

7:00-10:00 Closing Ceremonies (Location: TBD)

5

FYSOP 21 SCHEDULE

Alexa MauroAlexa MauroAlexa MauroAlexa Mauro

SMG/SHA 2012

Mount Laurel, NJ

Advice for Freshmen: Don’t limit yourself to

anything or create rules for yourself—it’s the only

time in your life when you don’t have to.

Biggest Pet Peeve: The word “panties.”

Most Embarrassing Moment: I was a pumpkin one

year for Halloween. When the bus came to pick me

up to go to school, I couldn’t fit on the bus. My mom

came outside and tried to squeeze me on, but it

didn’t work.

Adam WeaverAdam WeaverAdam WeaverAdam Weaver

SED 2013

Bethlehem, PA

Favorite Place in Boston: The Esplanade because

it’s really beautiful and fun to say.

Advice for Freshmen: Try everything. Expose

yourself to as many opportunities as possible and

take every chance that comes your way.

Biggest Pet Peeve: I am not a fan of people who

constantly shuffle their feet while walking rather

than actually picking their feet up.

Mary Beth PicarellaMary Beth PicarellaMary Beth PicarellaMary Beth Picarella

CAS 2011

Massapequa Park, NY

If You Could Live Anywhere: Paris! There really is

something magical about that city.

Favorite Place in Boston: Newbury Street, if there

is money in my bank account.

Advice for Freshmen: It’s okay to be undeclared

or switch majors. If you know what you want to

study, take some random classes anyway!

M E E T H T ! D R E H E

SLAMMIN’ SIMBAS

6

Many people don’t realize the barriers that homeless

people face which prevent them from escaping their

living conditions. The most common misconception

is that homeless people bring homelessness upon

themselves by choosing to be lazy and unemployed.

Negative stereotypes like this one prevent many

from having compassion toward the homeless.

-When encountering a homeless person in a safe environment, be

cordial and respond with kindness.

-Make eye contact, acknowledge them and give them respect.

-You can also offer to buy them something to eat, socks,

essentials, things like that (that way you won’t be wondering how

the money is spent).

-You aren’t obligated to respond in any way that makes you

uncomfortable, but if anything, homeless people just want to be

acknowledged and not ignored.

“For beautiful eyes, look for the good in

others; for beautiful lips, speak only words

of kindness; and for poise, walk with the

knowledge that you are never alone.”

— Audrey Hepburn

27

Advice for how to behave towards the homeless:Advice for how to behave towards the homeless:Advice for how to behave towards the homeless:Advice for how to behave towards the homeless:

Negative Perceptions Negative Perceptions Negative Perceptions Negative Perceptions Of Homeless People

26

MYTHS & FACTS

Myth: Homeless people don't work and get most Myth: Homeless people don't work and get most Myth: Homeless people don't work and get most Myth: Homeless people don't work and get most of their money from public assistance programs.of their money from public assistance programs.of their money from public assistance programs.of their money from public assistance programs.

Fact: “Homeless people do work, and a relatively small

percentage of them receive government assistance.

Additionally, a study done in Chicago revealed that 39

percent of homeless people that were interviewed had

worked for some time during the previous month.”

Myth: All homeless people are mentally ill or sub-Myth: All homeless people are mentally ill or sub-Myth: All homeless people are mentally ill or sub-Myth: All homeless people are mentally ill or sub-stance abusers.stance abusers.stance abusers.stance abusers.

Fact: “Around a quarter of homeless people are men-

tally ill, and about 40 percent are alcohol or substance

abusers, with around 15 percent suffering from both

mental illness and substance abuse. A study found that

between 20 percent and 25 percent of those homeless

people studied had at some time experienced severe

and disabling mental illnesses such as schizophrenia,

clinical depression and bipolar disorder. Another study

projected that 13 percent of homeless people are drug

abusers, and 38 percent of homeless people are

alcohol abusers (as opposed to 10 percent of the

general population). The Center for Mental Health

Services states that between 10 and 20 percent of

homeless people suffer co-occurring severe mental

and substance use disorders.”

From National Health Care for the Homeless Council

http://www.nhchc.org/

Joe ColomboJoe ColomboJoe ColomboJoe Colombo

SED 2011

Valhalla, NY

Favorite Place in Boston: The Commons when it’s

warm outside.

Biggest Pet Peeve: Bad lighting and sound at

events.

Best BU Memory: Being in D.C. for the

winning of the hockey National Championship.

Sarah LattrellSarah LattrellSarah LattrellSarah Lattrell

CAS/COM 2012

West Newbury, MA

Advice for Freshmen: Get involved, especially with

the CSC! BU is what you make of it so do what you

love and you will love it here!

Greatest Talent: Giving piggyback rides! I'm really

good at it.

Biggest Pet Peeve: I hate it when people cut their

nails near me.

Samantha GordonSamantha GordonSamantha GordonSamantha Gordon

COM 2012

Fair Lawn, NJ

Favorite Place in Boston: Downtown Boston—you

get Boston Commons and some really fun shopping.

Advice for Freshmen: Go to SPLASH and figure out

what you really enjoy doing. Join the club you find

most intriguing and meet people that way. You can’t

just expect people to come to you!

Best BU Memory: Ice skating at Agganis Arena

when BU won the Men’s Ice Hockey Championship

M E E T T H E H E R D !

TENACIOUS TIMONS

7

Suchie RavindranSuchie RavindranSuchie RavindranSuchie Ravindran

SAR 2012

Baltimore, MD

Advice for Freshmen: Try something you’ve

never tried before!

Role Model: My parents.

Biggest Pet Peeve: Soup slurping.

What Disney character would you be? Genie

Matt MesserMatt MesserMatt MesserMatt Messer

SMG 2012

Briarcliff Manor, NY

If You Could Live Anywhere: Hong Kong, just

to say I did and I love rice.

Advice for Freshmen: Be as social as possible,

meet people, join clubs, be active in the CSC,

explore Boston!

Best BU Memory: ASB Cumby when 15 people

tried to sleep in the six person tent.

Rachel SzostakRachel SzostakRachel SzostakRachel Szostak

SMG 2011

Northampton, MA

Favorite Place in Boston: Quincy Market

Best BU Memory: FYSOP!

Biggest Pet Peeve: Messes

Favorite Movie: Sixteen Candles

T E H T E E M D R E H !

NOTORIOUS NALAS

8 25

MYTHS & FACTS

Myth: Homeless people commit more violent Myth: Homeless people commit more violent Myth: Homeless people commit more violent Myth: Homeless people commit more violent crimes than housed people.crimes than housed people.crimes than housed people.crimes than housed people.

Fact: “Dr. Pamela Fischer, of Johns Hopkins University,

studied the 1983 arrest records in Baltimore and found

that although homeless people were more likely to

commit non-violent crimes, they were actually less

likely to commit violent crimes against person or

property.”

Myth: Homeless people are a fixed population Myth: Homeless people are a fixed population Myth: Homeless people are a fixed population Myth: Homeless people are a fixed population who are usually homeless for long periods of time.who are usually homeless for long periods of time.who are usually homeless for long periods of time.who are usually homeless for long periods of time.

Fact: “The homeless population is quite diverse in

terms of their length of homelessness and the number

of times they cycle in and out of homelessness. Re-

search on the length of homelessness states that 40

percent of homeless people have been homeless less

than six months, and that 70 percent of homeless peo-

ple have been homeless less than two years.”

Myth: Homeless people are mostly single men.Myth: Homeless people are mostly single men.Myth: Homeless people are mostly single men.Myth: Homeless people are mostly single men.

Fact: “Families constitute a large and growing

percentage of the homeless population. In fact, a

recent study found the families comprise 38 percent of

the urban homeless population. Other research finds

that homeless families comprise the majority of

homeless people in rural areas.”

From National Health Care for the Homeless Council

http://www.nhchc.org/

24

IN NUMBERS —

Homeless people are 3-6 times more likely to become ill

than housed people.

Homeless people are 3-4 times more likely to die than the

normal population.

Average life expectancy for homeless population is 42-52

years (compared to 78 years for normal population).

(NHCHC 2008)

People who are homeless

suffer from: heart disease,

liver disease, cancer,

kidney disease, skin

infections, pneumonia,

HIV/AIDS and

Tuberculosis. HIV/AIDS

and TB are nearly

impossible to control

because they require

routine treatment.

People living on the

streets are at risk for:

frostbite, immersion foot

and hypothermia

(hypothermia increases

risk of death from compli-

cations eightfold).

Health Complications of

Homelessness Alyssa PeltzerAlyssa PeltzerAlyssa PeltzerAlyssa Peltzer

SMG 2011

Edison, NJ

If You Could Live Anywhere : Spain—I love the

culture, the food, the sun, and of course, siestas.

Favorite Place in Boston: Trident Booksellers &

Cafe, a café with amazing food hidden inside a small

bookstore so you can read while you eat.

Advice for Freshmen: Try various spots around

campus to study, like the top of Stuvi I or II.

Paul BrownPaul BrownPaul BrownPaul Brown

ENG 2011

Norwalk, CT

Advice for Freshmen: Find a good place to study

away from your room.

What Disney Character Would You Be? My

favorite Disney movie is The Lion King, but I’m

going to say John Smith because of my dashing

good looks and rugged manliness.

Most Embarrassing Moment: In 4th grade I fell

off a swing which caught on my pocket and I was

left swinging with my pants around my ankles in

my tighty whiteys for the whole world to see.

Kiera Vinson (KiKi or Keeks)Kiera Vinson (KiKi or Keeks)Kiera Vinson (KiKi or Keeks)Kiera Vinson (KiKi or Keeks)

CAS 2013

Atlanta (aka HOTLANTA), Georgia

Greatest Talent: My ability to create the most random

and oddest noises in the world at any moment.

Favorite Place in Boston: Berry Freeze! It is a 5 star

world-renowned restaurant - at least to me. They

serve the best fro-yo on the planet. Trust me, I know.

Advice for Freshmen: Try something completely

new. Don’t hold back from exploring your interests.

D ! R E H T T E E M E H

MAJESTIC MUFASAS

9

Rachel WellfordRachel WellfordRachel WellfordRachel Wellford

COM 2012

Richmond, VA

If You Could Live Anywhere: Boston. I always

want to be back here when I’m gone.

Favorite Place in Boston: The Harbor, Public

Garden and Esplanade.

What Disney Character Would You Be? Jasmine,

nothing cooler than living Agrabah and magic

carpets.

James ShalhoubJames ShalhoubJames ShalhoubJames Shalhoub

SMG 2012

Chatham, NJ

If You Could Live Anywhere: New Jersey, but I bet

everybody says that.

Favorite Place in Boston: Beijing Café.

Advice to Freshmen: Be proactive about trying

different clubs and activities. There is a lot of

opportunity at BU and you might surprise yourself

doing something you never thought you'd like.

H ! H E T T E E M D R E

PROGRESSIVE PUMBAS

Emma WaltersEmma WaltersEmma WaltersEmma Walters

CAS 2013

Winslow, ME

Which Disney Character Would You Be? Alice

Most Embarrassing Moment: When I was 12, my

cousin and I got lost in IKEA which resulted in a “Code

99”: a shut-down of the ENTIRE store.

Best BU Memory: Getting 3rd place at the Quidditch

World Cup at Middlebury! GO BU QUIDDITCH!

10 23

OTHER BARRIERS TO HEALTH CARE — -Lack of knowledge about where to get treated

-Lack of transportation access

-Lack of identification

-Psychological barriers i.e. embarrassment,

nervousness about filling out forms/asking

questions, self-consciousness about appearance/

hygiene

THE VISCIOUS CYCLE — Poor health and inadequate health care are both causes and

effects of homelessness. Those without health insurance have

lower incomes and might not have the resources to pay for their

own health services. A family barely managing to make ends

meet may be at risk for homelessness if serious illness or injury

occurs because they might be forced to choose between paying

rent or hospital bills. Illness or disability can also prevent people

from coming in to work, resulting in lost income and eviction.

Health Care & Unemployment

Half of all personal bankruptcies in the US

are caused by health problems. (National Health Care for the Homeless Council 2008)

BARRIERS TO EMPLOYMENT —

-Limited access to education and training programs

-Competitive environment

-Challenging application process

-Mental/physical conditions (i.e. substance abuse)

-Incarceration

-Lack of access to technology or knowledge of computers

The homeless conundrum doesn’t end with employment...in

addition to the homeless population that can’t get jobs, 44 percent

of homeless people have jobs — but still can’t escape homelessness.

VETERANS COMPRISE ABOUT 1/3 OF THE

ADULT HOMELESS POPULATION

AND NEARLY 1/5 OF THE

TOTAL HOMELESS POPULATION.

WHAT SEEMS TO WORK:

-Community-based, non-profit, “veterans helping veterans” groups

-Transitional housing

-Camaraderie in a structured, substance-free environment with other

vets who are making progress

-Since government money is limited, must rely on community groups

to reach out and provide basic resources like housing,

employment and health care

WHAT HOMELESS VETS NEED:

-Secure, safe, clean housing

-Supportive environment free of

drugs and alcohol

-Coordinated effort: secure housing,

nutritional meals, basic healthcare,

substance abuse care and aftercare,

mental health counseling, personal

development and empowerment

-Guidance to obtain and sustain

employment

-45% need help finding a job, 37% need help finding housing

22

HOMELESS VETERANSHOMELESS VETERANSHOMELESS VETERANSHOMELESS VETERANS

Veterans often experience post-traumatic stress disorder

(PTSD or “shell shock”), a psychological condition associated

with severely traumatic events. PTSD often leaves victims

mentally crippled, detached from reality and suffering from

serious anxiety and emotional pain. Those who have been

affected may turn to substance abuse, which can leave them at

risk for homelessness especially when coupled with a lack of

support networks.

Missy GoldbergMissy GoldbergMissy GoldbergMissy Goldberg

CAS 2011

Circle Pines, MN

If You Could Live Anywhere : Chicago, because I

love the Cubs!

Advice for Freshmen: Join CSC programs! –

Especially Afterschool :)

Which Disney Character Would You Be? Belle,

because I like to read and I kind of look like her.

E H T T E E M ! D R E H

Karen BernabéKaren BernabéKaren BernabéKaren Bernabé

SAR 2011

Bronx, NY

If You Could Live Anywhere: Australia in order to

develop an Australian accent.

Advice for Freshmen: Don’t be afraid to be

yourself, people like making new friends.

Best BU Memory: Just having fun with friends,

watching movies, exploring the city and going to BU

hockey games!

David N. AbreuDavid N. AbreuDavid N. AbreuDavid N. Abreu

CAS 2013

Teaneck, NJ

If You Could Live Anywhere: Israel for the belly

dancers.

Favorite Place in Boston: The Massachusetts Ave.

Bridge at night.

Advice for Freshmen: Explore and find things to do

throughout the city.

RIGHTEOUS RAFIKIS

11

Margaret PurdyMargaret PurdyMargaret PurdyMargaret Purdy

CAS/COM 2012

Medford, OR

If You Could Live Anywhere: I'd stay in Boston.

Favorite Place in Boston: Fenway when baseball

season is coming.

Advice for Freshmen: Do FYSOP!!! But don't stop

there—continue joining clubs and organizations.

! E H E H T T E E M D R

Saikrishna KugabalasooriarSaikrishna KugabalasooriarSaikrishna KugabalasooriarSaikrishna Kugabalasooriar

CAS/SAR 2013

Burlington, MA

If You Could Live Anywhere: Canada so that I could

hang out with a friend who moved there after high

school.

Favorite Place in Boston: I love walking around the

City of Boston—particularly around Faneuil Hall and

the Aquarium.

What Disney Character Would You Be? I would

like to be Mufasa - he is so powerful and fierce but

also benevolent and wise.

ZEALOUS ZAZUS

Rosie MongeauRosie MongeauRosie MongeauRosie Mongeau

COM 2013

Chelmsford, MA

Advice for Freshmen: Calm down, you’re already

here.

Best BU Memory: Alternative Spring Break in

Macon, GA!

Greatest Talent: Memorizing TV quotes and then

relating them to everyday life.

12 21

Instability: Having no

permanent address makes it

virtually impossible to

attend school, obtain

employment, secure food

and shelter, and survive.

Mental Disorders: likely to

suffer from anxiety,

depression, posttraumatic

stress disorder, and suicide

due to the exposure to

violence while living on

their own.

Juvenile Justice System:

Homeless youth are

frequently arrested for

nuisance crimes like

loitering and trespassing.

Substance Abuse: More

likely to use and abuse

drugs, and to engage in

other dangerous and

illegal behaviors.

TEENSTEENSTEENSTEENS Homeless teens, many of which are runaways or considered “at

risk,” are left with very few options to escape living on the streets.

They often feel uncomfortable and out of place in most of Boston’s

homeless shelters, which are geared toward the child, adult or

elderly population. The situation may seem inescapable to them,

and many move into adulthood without education or any prospects

for employment.

Homeless young adults have

increased dramatically over

the past two years.

What are some of the health

problems homeless children face?

• Lower birth weights and

increased risks

• Malnutrition; Lack of exercise

and recreation

• Exposure to lead poisoning

and other toxins

• Increased risk for tooth decay

• Increased risk for mental

health problems due to high

levels of stress and trauma they experience

Education Obstacles:

• Proficiency rates for homeless children in reading and

math fall sixteen percent lower on average.

• Less than one in four homeless children graduates from

high school.

• Poor general health are all endemic conditions of poverty

and can result in different educational outcomes between

poor children and their non-poor peers.

• Regular attendance - 87 percent of homeless youth are in

school but only 77 percent attend regularly

• Homeless children are:

...NINE times more likely to repeat a grade

…FOUR times more likely to drop out of school

…THREE times more likely to be put in Special Ed

20

HOMELESSNESS & CHILDREN

3.5 million people in the United States will be homeless tonight...

...1.35 million are children.

13

Ed day info

Featured Movie: An episode from the TV Documentary Series 30 Days, by Morgan Spurlock (you may recognize him from Supersize Me). In the episode we’re showing, Morgan and his wife leave their luxurious lives behind and try living 30 days strictly on the minimum wage. The obstacles that they encounter reveal how easily someone might be forced into homelessness, especially when costly health problems arise. The episode aired in 2005 when the minimum hourly wage in the U.S. was $5.15 (only 5 years ago!). That figure has since increased, but many still face the same kinds of adversities today as they struggle to just barely making ends meet.

Faces of Homelessness: A panel from National Coalition for the Homeless. Their presentation will feature a panel of speak-ers from Washington DC and Boston who have had personal experiences with home-lessness. The National Coalition for the Homeless is a national network of activists and advocates dedicated to ending homelessness as well as meeting the short-term needs of the homeless. Their Faces of Homelessness Speakers Bureau strives to

educate the public about homelessness and what can be done to pre-vent it. Many of those working with the NCH have had personal experiences with homelessness. The organization focuses on four main issue areas: housing justice, economic justice, health care jus-tice, and civil rights.

Casa Nueva Vida was founded in 1987 in the basement of a local church and is committed to helping homeless families find their own housing as well as helping them build necessary skills to stay out of homelessness and become active members of society. What should I bring/wear: Work gloves, close-toed shoes/sneakers, comfy clothes, water, sunscreen What will I be doing during FYSOP? Outdoor landscaping, yard work, hanging out with some kids.

14

Cradles to Crayons was founded in 2002 with the mission of providing children ages 0 to 12 with some of the basics of life, free of charge. They partner with organizations to connect communities that have such resources with communities that desperately need access to those resources. What should I bring/wear: Wear comfortable clothing and close-toed shoes as you will be on your feet for the day. What will I be doing during FYSOP? Sorting through toys and clothing and helping to assemble bags of items to be donated.

S E T I S

Casa Nueva Vida http://www.casanuevavida.org/

Cradles to Crayons http://www.cradlestocrayons.org/

Who is Homeless?

Vets comprise

1/3 of the adult

homeless

population (and

about 1/5 of the

total).

About 1.7

million people

under 18 will

experience

homelessness

each year.

Children account

for 39% of the

U.S. homeless

population; 50%

are under age 5.

What is Homelessness?

19

Homelessness is defined by the U.S. Department

of Housing and Urban Development as an

individual that… -lacks a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence

-has a primary nighttime residence that is a supervised

publicly or privately operated shelter designed to provide

temporary living accommodations (including welfare

hotels, congregate shelters and transitional housing for

the mentally ill), an institution that provides a temporary

residence for individuals intended to be institutionalized,

or a public/private place not designed for, or ordinarily

used as, regular sleeping accommodations.

GROUP SITE SCHEDULE

AUGUST

25th

AUGUST

26th

AUGUST

27th

Slammin’

Simbas

Casa Nueva

Vida

Habitat for

Humanity

Cradles to

Crayons

Majestic

Mufasas

Habitat for

Humanity

Serving

Ourselves

Farm

Haley

House

Tenacious

Timons

Cradles To

Crayons

Habitat for

Humanity

Casa Nueva

Vida

Zealous

Zazus

Serving

Ourselves

Farm

Margaret

Fuller House

Habitat for

Humanity

Notorious

Nalas

Just—A —Start

Corporation

Cradles To

Crayons

Habitat for

Humanity

Righteous

Rafikis

Red Sox Home

Base

Foundation

Just—A—Start

Corporation

Serving

Ourselves

Farm

Progressive

Pumbas

Habitat for

Humanity

Casa Nueva

Vida

Just—A—Start

Corporation

18 15

The Haley House started in 1966 and has expanded into a full service soup kitchen. Haley House serves to support people in their move toward economic independence and meaningful lives. What should I bring/wear: Closed toed shoes/sneakers and comfortable clothing. What will I be doing during FYSOP? Preparing meals or assisting with any tasks needed on that particular day.

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell is a nonprofit organiza-tion that works to strengthen families and communities through affordable homeownership opportunities. HFHGL works to develop communities with people in need by building and renovating simple, decent, energy efficient, affordable homes. What should I bring/wear: Sneakers, comfortable clothing, water bottle, sunglasses, sunscreen, hat. What will I be doing during FYSOP? Volunteers will be working on houses at a Habitat Build site.

S E T I S

Haley House http://www.haleyhouse.org/

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell

http://www.lowellhabitat.org/

16

Just-A-Start Corporation (JAS), established in 1971, is a non-profit community development corporation, which operates primarily in Cambridge. JAS focuses on three major program activities for the benefit of low- and moderate-income people: the stabilization of occupied housing, education/training/placement, and the development of affordable housing. What should I bring/wear: Sneakers, comfy clothes, sunglasses, sunscreen, water bottle What will I be doing during FYSOP? Working with the YouthBuild program alongside Just - A - Start students to help build an affordable housing unit.

The Margaret Fuller House works to strengthen and empower youth, families and community residents. They work to address the economic, social and political inequities that shape the lives and futures of residents. What should I bring/wear: Sneakers, comfortable clothing, water bottle What will I be doing during FYSOP? Working in the pantry, painting projects, doing chores around the house and maybe hanging out with some kids!

S E T I S

Margaret Fuller House http://www.margaretfullerhouse.org/

Just—A—Start Corporation http://www.justastart.org/

Serving Ourselves Farm is a 2.5 acre certified organic vegetable operation. It serves as a vocational program for homeless men and women for the Long Island Shelter in the Boston Harbor. Sixty percent of the food grown goes directly to the shelter kitchen.

What should I bring/wear: Sneakers, comfy clothes, sunglasses, sunscreen, water bottle What will I be doing during FYSOP? Farming activities i.e. weeding, planting, and harvesting. The produce will be donated to a local homeless shelter. 17

Red Sox Home Base Foundation: is a partnership between the Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital dedicated to improving the lives of veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan and getting them back to “Home Base” What should I bring/wear: Sneakers, sunglasses, sunscreen, water bottle. What will I be doing during FYSOP? Selling 50/50 raffle tickets during the Red Sox game. All the proceeds will go to the Home Base Foundation.

S E T I S Red Sox Home Base

Foundation http://www.redsoxfoundation.org/

Serving Ourselves Farm http://www.fobh.org/the-farm--long-

island