Miami Hamilton students discuss spring break living in poverty, homelessness
Mar 19, 2010During their STAY-cation, students explored issues of classism, poverty and financial literacy. They slept on church floors and used food stamps to understand how others live in unfortunate circumstances, and were challenged to think critically about what they call “overwhelming issues.”
“We got up-close to the extreme poverty in the area, which was shocking and depressing,” said Ashley Hampton, a sophomore humanities major from Liberty Township. “We also learned about different places we can go and help out. (From what I saw), there can be as many organizations/foundations as we want but if you don’t have the volunteers and the donations to support them and keep them going, they won’t be able to do anything.”
Students looked beyond what needs to be “fixed” in Hamilton and established ways of leading in their community.
“We spent time looking at the positive assets, such as community leaders, buildings and history to gain a better understanding of the community’s potential,” said Jessica Reading, community placement coordinator, Ohio Campus Compact AmeriCorps VISTA. “Many of the students came away with various commitments to acting and serving the Hamilton community.”
At IMPACT, students conducted a seminar on “how to create a STAY-cation,” so other students can replicate the model in their communities.
For more information, contact Reading at 785-3234 or readinjj@muohio.edu.
