OHC Tour
Meeting Mayela was great! She took the time to break down all the services they have to offer, which is amazing in its own! Then we went walking around their complexes. There is something for everyone! It was really refreshing to know that there are so many services out there and people who REALLY care what happens. Unfortunately they are loosing a lot of funding for their programs, like one that hired teachers to teach their clients English or Writing skills. I can't stress how amazing this facility is. They don't turn away any body! By day it's an activity center, dining hall, what ever it needs to be and at night everything is put away and the mats are laid so every one has a place to sleep. Talk about an eye opener. Mayela explained to me how their organization is really hurting, not only are they loosing funding, everyone usually donates around the holidays and they are all dried up! Donations anyone?
http://www.homelessopportunitycenter.org/default.aspx
http://www.homelessopportunitycenter.org/default.aspx
A side note...
"Stories from the Shelter"
Blake called me back! He mentioned that my project sounds like the book he just wrote and made the suggestion for me to meet the people in his book and paint them. Blake has done a lot of amazing things with his organization and I'm glad he's on board to support the arts but I don't think we're on the same page as far as what I want the final art work to be. I do plan to give his book a try but it's important to me to stay true to the Seed of Benevolence's goal, to feature individual life stories.