Bare Necessities: Helping Heal Homelessness

By JJ Hall
RANCH & COAST MAGAZINE

July 1, 2006

While many high school students approach volunteering with college applications in mind, two Scripps Ranch High School juniors have found much richer rewards as long-term, committed volunteers. Alex Farella and Anna Nanigian became volunteers at the San Diego Rescue Mission three years ago. At the time, "It just seemed like something I should maybe do, it didn't seem like a big deal," recalls Farella. But after three years, the two teens changed their views on homelessness. "Volunteering opens up a whole new perspective," Nanigian explains. "I've become more open-minded. Most people think that homeless people are lazy and can't get a job, but there are a lot of situations that get people there."

As volunteers, Farella and Nanigian noticed a lack of consistency in the shelter's supply of basic hygiene goods like soap, deodorant, and tampons. They responded by forming their own club, Bare Necessities, which raises money to keep those basic items in stock. Bare Necessities is now 20 members strong and holds fundraisers at school and in local restaurants. "We always choose inexpensive places so that students can afford it," says Farella. The club creates and distributes flyers, which, when presented at the participating restaurant, earmark 20 percent of the bill for the Rescue Mission. The last Bare Necessities fundraiser at Souplantation was a success, bringing in over 60 people.

But beyond providing toiletries and socks, Farella and Nanigian make personal connections at the shelter. "I have a connection to the people now," says Farella, "I feel like I can help them in the long run just by listening to them."

"Alex and Anna are so consistent," says Molly Downs, emergency shelter director. "That's one of the things I try to tell all of our volunteers. The women and children in the shelter need those relationships, that's what changes their lives."

Rescue Mission CEO Jim Jackson agrees, "Molly and the other volunteers are at the forefront - the first line of contact with homeless folks. For them to build a sense of trust with these folks is really critical, because then they trust people to help them find the resources to get their lives back together again."

The San Diego Rescue Mission operates solely on donations, and offers a variety of programs for homeless people, including an emergency night shelter, as well as a more comprehensive semi-permanent program. (619/687-3720, www.sdrescue.org) - JJ Hall

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