Andre House Homeless Research Paper

In the year 1984, October 1st, two Holy Cross Priests had the mere idea of creating a foundation to help the poor and homeless. By renting a house they started their own idea, by bringing in their first guest and creating something that will forever remain to offer hospitality. Slowly but surely, this organization formed many new members of volunteers to help as well. Not only did the volunteers increase, services were established that this organization offers, and many people from all over the Phoenix area started to send in donations such as clothes, blankets, and medical needs. Andre House of Hospitality is a non-profit organization, and because of this, they rely on “us”, the community, to do our part to help the less unfortunate. There

“The two biggest factors driving homelessness are poverty and the lack of affordable housing” (Watson) which is why the Andre House started off with this idea of transition housing. With no one to turn too, one can be isolated all alone in this world and lose faith in humanity. Anyone can be homeless, “It affects men and women of all ages, and involves single people, married couples and those with families” (pg. 59, Crane). The Andre House has daily interviews with individuals who show that they are clean of drugs, employed or at least seeking employment to show that they can be in these houses that offers meals, and no charge of rent. By getting this offer of housing, the “guests live together in community, supporting one another on their journey and helping each other transition into permanent housing” (andrehouse.org). It’s hard for many homeless people to get back on their feet, and with this support group, it makes it easier for guests to get their life back on track. Andre House does a satisfactory job helping many individuals to get a life they deserve through the use of

Volunteers are needed in the dinner services by chopping up or cooking all the amounts of foods they need. Not only preparing it, but distributing it as well. Through simple ways of volunteering, it is a way to help one another through love. A way of knowing you are helping many people out there, and feeling good about it. One of the Core Community Staff expresses the way she sees service and what the Andre House has to offer by saying, “This is how I think of André House. It is a corner of the world that, to the best of its ability, dignifies every person who enters, no matter whether they are the giver or receiver – and often achieves this through blurring these roles. I think the energy of love and acceptance created here ripples out and affects the world in ways that are known only by God” (Megan Mcdonald). Volunteering creates a satisfaction of joy and happiness, not only to the volunteer, but to the guest as