The Alternative Breaks Program in the Kernodle Center for Service Learning and Community Engagement offered the late January experience to introduce students to issues around hunger and homelessness in the nation’s capital.
Ten Elon University students and two staff advisers traveled in late January for several days to Washington, D.C., to engage in service and advocacy work.
The program between the end of Winter Term and the start of the spring semester was designed to help students explore the issues of hunger and homelessness by working in agencies that serve those experiencing homelessness, learning about gentrification, and hearing stories of those who struggle with poverty and homelessness.
While in Washington, the group spent a day on Capitol Hill meeting with lobbyists and legislators. Conversations with staff from the Presbyterian Church’s Office of Public Witness, the Center for American Progress, and Church World Service allowed students to learn more about poverty and homelessness on a national scale.
Students also met with representatives from the offices of Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., and Rep. Mark Walker, R-N.C., to discuss how these issues impact the state of North Carolina.
Many students said they were personally touched by their time in our nation’s capitol and plan to continue working with programs to address hunger and homelessness in Alamance County. The group also had the opportunity to connect with Elon alumni while in Washington.
Holly Smith ’15 and Tyson Glover ’17 coordinated the program, planning logistics, service sites, and the educational components of the experience.
“Seeing all of our planning actually turn into a hands-on experience gave me great joy. I was excited to share my passion for service with like-minded individuals during the experience,” Glover said. “We were able to experience both direct service and advocacy, making it a very well-rounded program. I really enjoyed the chance to hear the stories of those affected by hunger and homelessness.
“Understanding these personal stories made the service meaningful and allowed us to get a better understanding of how these issues affect everyday life.”
This program is one of 16 international and domestic experiences offered through the Alternative Breaks Program each year. For more information on the Alternative Breaks Program or for general information on how to serve in local communities, contact Evan Small at esmall@elon.edu or 336-278-7250.
– Information submitted by Evan Small of the Kernodle Center for Service Learning and Community Engagement