A Letter from the Co-President

Walking out into Harvard Square, I was reminded of just how many faces there are- young, old, women, men – each with a different story to tell. And if you look too quickly, too caught up in the hustle and bustle of a busy night out, with too many places to go, they might just slip right by. But these faces are not just faces, not just part of the city scenery. They are people. People with thoughts and hopes, people with emotions, people with needs just like the ones that we experience each and every day. They are not the faces we walk by on Tuesday night; they are the people that we have the privilege of meeting.

Brown bags in hand, the students of Lesley Delivers set out on Tuesday night, sandwiches in hand to offer to anyone who might want to take one. With such a large group of students joining us on our first Tuesday night, our two groups walked separately into the Square – one group taking the route towards the Tannery and the other taking the route past Au Bon Pain. After crossing the street, my group gathered by the Pit, the sunken stone area so famously named for the main hub of the Harvard Square T Station. Here, everyone was encouraged to grab a sandwich if they felt comfortable handing one out – and so we began our run.

Although I have been participating in Lesley Delivers since the beginning of my freshman year, there have never been two runs that are exactly the same and this first run of the year was no exception. While the uncertainty can be a little nerve-wracking at times, I think it is what makes the experience so powerful. Life can only be scheduled and planned so much before it begins to take on a mind of its own – and those unexpected experiences can often be the most gratifying of all. As a group, we can anticipate meeting any given number of people, but then we miss the opportunity to make a personal connection. Walking by Au Bon Pain and past other storefronts as we made our way up the street, I was reminded of exactly that when a few students in the group brought something to my attention.

On our way up the street, a few girls had noticed a gentleman lying down alongside one of the stonewalls of Panera on a side street. Wondering whether or not they should offer him a sandwich, they asked me if it might be a good idea to go and leave one beside him. As focused as I had been on making sure the group stayed together and approached anyone we might have seen on the main part of the street, I had not even been aware of the man that they had seen. Taking the three girls over with me to leave a sandwich, it was a pleasant surprise when the man woke up. We were then able to ask him himself if he wanted the sandwich, juice box, and granola bar we had to offer, and he took it with a smile and thanked us. After wishing him a good night, we walked away to join the group, but the experience is something that has still resonated with me, even a few weeks later. I can’t thank our wonderful Lesley Delivers students enough for the reminder they gave me – to look for the people and not just the faces – and I can’t wait for a wonderful year ahead J



~ Hannah W.

Thoughts from VIP Night.

Thank you for inviting me to join you last night for Lesley Delivers.

While it was called VIP Night, the true VIPs are you, the students!

I was impressed with your organization, your enthusiasm, and most of all, your sensitivity to the needs of the people we visited. Your thoughtfulness, respect, and kindness to the individuals in Harvard Square you have come to know is amazing, and I was never prouder of Lesley students than I was last night.

Thank you for inviting me, and thank you for what you are contributing to the Cambridge community each week.

Alice Diamond

Wise Words from the "Standing Around Committee"

We all have a routine. We all wake up with some sort of idea of what we are going to be doing that day.

On Tuesday nights on campus we make sandwiches. On average they are peanut butter and jelly that go into a bag that has been decorated with pretty designs. We call this weekly act Lesley Delivers. Every Tuesday, (pretty much) I go out with my fellow classmates and give out sandwiches to the homeless. It’s something I look forward to and really enjoy doing. It’s a very active way of helping people. For the most part, we normally only interact with each other, and the people we are serving. Very rarely do we interact with random bystanders going about their day. We head out to Harvard square in Cambridge at around 10 at night so the streets are normally pretty dead. Normally. 

This past Tuesday we were expecting a big snowstorm. It was cold out and the streets were more packed with bystanders then I was use to. I found myself bumping into people on our route and surprised at how many people there were. One this particular route, we stop at the Harvard T stop. There are usually people there and we stand there for a bit and talk to them. We ask if they want a sandwich or any of the other items we had with us: hats, a blanket, or hand warmers. As we stood there, a man walked through us, sort of shoving us out of the way. While he did this he said “What is this the standing around committee”

I really want to give this guy the benefit of the doubt. I want to think he was just having a bad day, he wanted to get home and was just tying to get to the train.

I want to believe that he was just having a bad day and his comment just came out of frustration of the day and not directed at us. I really want to believe all that.

But the thing is, for whatever reason he said it. That we were the standing around committee. That a bunch of young college students who were feeding the homeless, were just standing around in the cold for fun. We were helping. We were serving. We were helping people. He was not.

I don’t want this to come off like we are all that matters or something. I don’t want this is even come off like it was even that big of a deal. He just looked at what was going on, a made a judgment about what he saw that was not accurate at all. He was just trying to get home, and we were just trying to help people. I’m sure he got home, and I’m even surer that even though we didn’t give out many sandwiches that night, we helped 

people.

I know that every Tuesday we will continue our service in helping. I also know that there will be people there and might be wondering what we are doing. My hope is that the people we encounter see the good we are doing and not just as "standing around".

-Brittany

Homeless Need Help

I’m a “Site Coordinator” for a tutoring company called Tutor Plus, but tats not really important. At the end of the two and a half hours that I work on Tuesdays Zaenab, the “Site Manager”, asked me if I would be going through Harvard Square on my way back home. When I said I would be, she asked me if I would be willing to take the extra sandwiches of the day to the homeless who rest their heads there.

I got off the bus at the usual stop, Holyoke Gate. Before, riding the bus down the street, I saw a man in a heavy coat sitting on the corner, my first victim.

“’Evening sir. Can I interest you in a few sandwiches?”

“What kind have you got?” Came from somewhere between his mustache and his beard.

I ended up giving him two roast beef and one turkey sandwich. We spoke for a bit. I asked about his life; he asked about mine; normal conversation for two people who are getting acquainted. Before long he looked up from where he was sitting and asked if I was in a hurry and when I said no he asked if I could watch his few belongings while he took a trip to the bathroom.

I stood there alone looking at the spot where he had just been sitting. He had made himself a seat there, which consisted of a sleeping bag and a blanket, folded and placed inside of a black trash bag that rested on top of a backpack. This makeshift chair was located next to a bookstore and behind his sign which read “HOMELESS need help”.

I sat down in his chair deciding that I wanted to keep it warm for him. I realized I was going to get weird looks. Here’s a young guy wearing a nice leather coat with headphones around his neck … who’s homeless? No, that doesn’t quite add up.

I found myself amazed when no on took notice of me. You see, people almost turned their heads as they walked by. No one wants to make eye contact with the homeless. No one wants to stare deep into the darkness.

I looked up and saw him looking down at me, chuckling. I stood up, laughed at myself, and admitted, “I just wanted to keep your seat warm.” He thanked me and pointed out what it was comprised of before he sat back down, lowering his head.

He looked back up and asked me what my name was. I said it was Shane and extended my hand. Seeming quite surprised he looked up at me, gently clasped my hand with his and said his name was Allister.

During a conversation that started by Allister asking me where I am from, I said, “Luckily I have a roof over my head but I come from a very lower class family. My house is basically a bunch of wood that my grandfather and a group of his friends nailed together and put shingles on top.” Awkward chuckle…

“What do your parents do?”

“My mom actually makes less money than I do. She works in a factory.”

“Wow, working class huh? What does she do in the factory?”

“They label bottles, bottles of water, Windex, floor cleaners, stuff like that.”

“How about your dad”

“My parents are actually divorced, but he’s disabled because he has Hepatitis C.”

“Does he work?”

“No, he can’t, he’s too sick.”

“Does he get help from the state?”

“Yes, thankfully, though it’s not nearly enough. He’s behind on all his bills; he doesn’t even have heat in his house; he uses an electric space heater instead.”

“Wow. I am sorry to hear that about your dad. But you just have to keep looking up and hoping for the best, you know?” He sounded like me grandfather, Manny, to me.

I smiled and eased the conversation into its conclusion before heading deeper into Harvard Square. I got to “The Pit” and saw a man with a pointed beard leaning on a cane. When I asked him if he would like any sandwiches he said, “I don’t now, we might.” as he turned to the woman in the corner and said, “Hey Bee, do we need any sandwiches?” When she said yes I reached in my bag to give him a few and he said, “To the wife please” and smiled. I’ll never forget that.

The next man I found was someone I had seen before. He usually stands outside of the 24-hour CVS politely asking for change. He tried to turn me down but I walked away with three less sandwiches.

The last guy, who I decided would be the last because I was freezing (I know I shouldn’t complain), was also someone I had seen. He stands in front of a church and is so cordial that he almost bows as he asked every passerby the same thing:

“Do you have any change you could spare? Perhaps a –“

“No but I do have sandwiches. Would you like them?” Holding up the bag.

“Oh, certainly. That is a lot though isn’t it?”

“No, its fine, I already gave out a bunch of them.”

He thanked me before I smiled and walked away. We made eye contact when I looked back.

- Shane

A New Perspective

Tonight on Lesley Delivers, some things just hit me and stirred this passion in me, which I could probably go on about forever.

All these thoughts came into my head as our group was conversing with Allister, who is usually found by the Harvard Book Store corner. I was sharing some of these thoughts with Natalie as we were walking back through the square, and I wanted to expand on them for the blog.

Tonight it just hit me how INCREDIBLY lucky I am to be at Lesley; at a place and in a community where I have these opportunities and experiences which so few other places have. After seeing how generous Allister was, and to hear how kind and sincere he is I just feel SO strongly that we are doing great things here at Lesley. And I also started to feel so upsets that really very few people get to have an experience like this, and get to be exposed and educated on the real needs of so many people in the world and in our own communities.

I was saying to Natalie how I wish I could just take everybody from my hometown, just everybody I know, and get them down here and put them into Lesley Delivers just for a night so that they would see firsthand a) the harsh realities of hunger and homelessness and b) that there are incredible opportunities to learn more and to help people who could use some human kindness. I just want to start a chain of positive actions in this community and in the rest of the state, and the country, and just anywhere that needs help. It makes me so frustrated and so grateful and so motivated all at once. I'm filled with all these emotions, they really bubble over and even sitting here writing this I'm red in the face and crying because I just wish that more people could receive help and care that they so greatly deserve, and that more people like students and those who do have more could be more generous and take the time and find opportunities to be exposed to the needs of others.

I'm not speaking very eloquently I realize, but basically I'm just rambling and have a lot of strong feelings about all this, and they are all kind of hitting me at once. I also really want to add, that I think Lesley is doing an amazing job of providing opportunities for students to grow and give back and just do great things for this world. I'm so unbelievably grateful for where this life has taken me and for the OCS and Lesley Delivers and Lesley University, for providing me with meaning and direction for my life. I'm becoming a better person thanks to all of these opportunities that have been provided here. I only wish that everyone I know could have a similar experience and recognize that we are capable of helping so many people and making a difference in this world, for people who have so much less and need so much more. I honestly think I am going to end up dragging everybody I know, down here to Lesley to see what they are missing.

I hope we all can recognize our potential to inspire others to provide more service and kindness in our communities.

Thank you all, from the bottom of my heart.

Lots of love,
Becca

On Warmth and Hope and How They Aren't So Different

As the weather gets cooler, I get to thinking. I think about our homeless friends in Harvard Square. I think about how difficult the winter can be. And I think about the importance of doing little things on the way to reaching a greater good.

I love going out on Tuesdays and providing a meal for someone who may be hungry, but this week we had another event take place: Warm Blankets from Warm Hearts. Another aspect of Lesley Delivers, Warm Blankets from Warm Hearts is a blanket wrapping and card decorating event. In addition to passing out sandwiches on Tuesdays, we will start to hand out these wrapped and decorated blankets. Although this may seem like a small gesture, in reality it can mean so much more.

To me, warmth isn't just a physical reaction. It is something that can comfort your soul, make you feel secure, and put your mind at ease if only for a moment. In short, it can make you feel hopeful. I'd like to think that as winter slowly makes its way to New England and we begin to pass out these blankets (graciously donated to us) that we are doing something good. We are providing people with the opportunity to experience that soul-warming sensation. I hope that we give people hope; Hope for humanity, hope that things will be o.k., and hope that they can keep going. All it takes is a blanket and some love.

-Audrey

What can we do?

Rest easy, Colleen.

Homelessness is a struggle. When paired with addiction, it is even harder. Finding support around both of these issues is difficult. There are organizations available in the area, but these places are not always utilized.

Colleen was always out in the Square with her boyfriend. We saw her daily, brought her sandwiches every Tuesday, coffee & ice cream on other days out on our own time.
Last week, we saw what homelessness can do to people. We see this every day, but never to this extent. We have hope that building connections can change the way homelessness is seen, and erase the stigma from such a prominent issue.

Seeing so many new students come out to our weekly runs gives me the hope that we can do something really great here. Lesley Delivers strives to break down the barrier that homelessness creates. Homeless people are humans, just like you and me. Going out and having conversations is the first step. Sooner or later, you'll find yourself speaking to them on a day-to-day basis, giving these regular people who are ignored day in and day out the connection they long for. The next step is spreading this awareness, and talking about it. Say hello when you're walking by with a friend. When they ask why you did that, say why. Call people out for being rude and disrespectful. Be an advocate. Join an organization dedicated to issues around homelessness.

We can all make a difference. Breaking this barrier is the first step. The rest is up to you.

~Theresa

Two Extremes

Something very surprising happened on Tuesday's run. We asked a women we had seen before on our runs and at Harvard Square Meals, the soup kitchen in the area, if she would like a sandwich. She walked by us, staring straight ahead and said nothing. When she reached the end of the street, she turned around, so we asked her again, "Would you like a sandwich?" She asked us what authority we had to be handing out sandwiches, where we came from. "Lesley University," I answered cheerfully. She quickly walked towards us, focused in on one of our members. She came up inches away from her face and asked, "Who do you think you are giving out sandwiches in Harvard Square?" She yelled; she was furious and rude. She told us we should not make such broad generalizations, that she was working to get her PhD and was so insulted to have such an assumption made about her. She told us to go back to Lesley University where we belonged and to stop bothering innocent pedestrians in the square.

It goes without saying we were extremely upset and hurt. All we do is feed the hungry; our intentions are good. We were shocked at her extreme reaction. Typically, when people do not want sandwiches for whatever reason, they simple say, no, thank you. I have never experienced such a response. I was also baffled and confused as to why she would behave in such a way. We discussed ideas: maybe she was in denial or was too proud. But then why would she suddenly only stop accepting food now? Maybe she was on some sort of drug or was drunk, or maybe she has some sort of disorder. Perhaps she just did not appreciate being judged based on her looks, something that we are still learning to avoid as a club. Just because someone is carrying a suitcase or wearing old-looking cloths does not make them homeless. Even those in a suit could be homeless, vulnerably housed, or hungry, and so it is our job to ask if they would like something to eat. Our policy is that it is always better to offer a sandwich than not if we are not sure, because we pledge to feed anyone who is hungry, and this experience will not change our approach.

The polar opposite of that negative interaction were the two groups we came across. The space outside Bank of America was full of people huddled around, because those typically at the pit had to change locations due to the snow. They were extremely grateful and appreciative, just like the positive and happy individuals by the church next to Harvard Law. The man, who two weeks before had brightened our evening by making us laugh over the turkey sandwiches he imagined eating, made us feel cheery once again. He and his friends, the men who danced and sang Peanut Butter Jelly Time, made jokes, which made us smile. It is people like these that keep Lesley Delivers not only meaningful but also bright and wonderful. It does not matter if one person does not understand or appreciate what we are doing in Harvard Square so long as so many others have a good time, a friendly conversation, and a nice sandwich.

- Alex :)

What constitutes being homeless?

Being homeless is hard term to define. To many, it is not having enough food, or enough money to heat your home. To other is it physically living on the street, begging for money or food day in and day out. It is different for everyone and can be confusing try to classify what it means to be homeless. People most often think of them as those people who live on the street. who's clothes are ragged and dirty, and they haven't showed in many days. It is important to understand that is not always the case.

On our run tuesday night, this question was brought up. As we were finishing up handing out sandwiches and making our last stop in the pit, there were two women there. Usually there is a large group of younger adults, but tonight the pit was quiet. We stopped and offered them their sandwiches and talked with them for a little while. As we were about to leave, we asked them if they would like any blankets and they said yes. They then asked us if we had any down pillows. It was hard to tell if they were joking or not, so we went along with it. We started talking more and they asked for fitted sheets to her bed because she had never had fitted sheets before. It was strange for all of us to have requests such as these. We didn't know whether or not it was really needed. We discussed in our small group what we think it meant to be homeless and we all had different opinions. I believe that even if you have a home, you can still be homeless in a sense because you dont have the money to pay for heat or food, which I think are essential to life. So I ask you, what does "homeless" mean to you?

Overall, the night was great. The group going by the tannery ran into a man in a wheelchair. In their conversation with him, he was saying he was mostly blind. Yet, he was pointing out all the things he could see on the group, like the scarf was red, or she was wearing glasses. The thing that stood out to them the most was what he said about snow. As a child, he loved to play in the snow and he really wanted it to snow 8 feet with the upcoming storm. Winter is his favorite time and it reminds him of his childhood. He said that "everything would be good if it snowed this weekend". It was nice to hear that even in their situation when you think snow and cold would be the worst thing, he was extremely excited because it meant that he was going to be truly happy. 

-Meryl :)

Peanut Butter Jelly Time

Starting Lesley Delivers back up this semester was wonderful. We had a great turn out, as it was the beginning of the semester. I really hope that everyone returns.

Tuesday's run was a pleasure. While some nights can be emotional or intense, this run was just a lot of fun. There were a lot of people over at the pit having a good time. When one young guy asked Theresa and I what type of sandwiches we were handing out, and we responded, "peanut butter and jelly," he burst into song, singing Peanut Butter Jelly Time. He and his friends started singing and dancing. I bopped my head along and laughed. It was really encouraging to see everyone staying so optimistic and having such a great time. I thought back to the time we watched members of the pit get into an argument over food and was so pleased to see they also have nights were things are just overwhelmingly good as well.

There was one women at the pit who was very passionate about a cause called StandUp For Kids (standupforkids.org) that delivers backpacks of materials to homeless in the Greater Boston area. They need to have two volunteers, not just one, she kept telling us, in order to bring backpacks to Harvard Square. They are no longer able to bring resources there, because there is only one volunteer available, which is a safety hazard - not because the homeless will intimidate the volunteers, she assured us, but because one person cannot carry two backpacks. The prejudice against homeless people there was subtle, but it made me sad to think she needed to clarify that in volunteering to help those living on the streets of Harvard Square you would not be attacked or intimidated. This was a cause she was very passionate about. She explained that they helped bring textbooks to her to help her with her disability and credited them with being the reason she was off the streets and in an apartment now.

Everyone at the pit was gracious, of course, as they usually are. One man made everyone smile as he imagined we'd bring him a full roast turkey, allowing it to soak in its juices for four days, carve it up with love, and bring him each turkey sandwich so he could deliver it to everyone he loved. The people at the pit are wonderful, and it was delightful bringing them sandwiches - although not turkey - on Tuesday.

- Alex :)

WELCOME BACK!

            It has been a hectic past couple of weeks for all of us, but we are excited to get this blog up and running. We are excited to start the year off with a new executive board, new routes, new events and new volunteer opportunities! 

We have already started planning our first event: A Peanut Butter Jelly Jam. This will occur the evening of October 27^th. It will start with making sandwiches in the student center followed by LD run through Harvard and Central Square. More details will come soon! Other events that we would like to hold are a coat drive and an event to make Birthday Boxes for Horizons for Homelessness.

            

   

          In addition to these events, Theresa and I are also leading groups to volunteer for Harvard Square Meals every Thursday either from 2-4 or 6-8. Harvard Square Meals is held at Christ Church Cambridge on Garden Street. The organization provides meals to the homeless every Thursday night. The first “shift” (2 pm- 4 pm) includes preparing the meal whereas the second “shift” (6pm-8pm) consists of serving the meal to the homeless “waiter style”. There will be more information tomorrow at Lesley Delivers! We will also be sending out emails with opportunities to sign up.

          

           The last two runs have had a high turn-out of students. In response we have developed a third route. This route goes down JFK Street by Staples and going around the block. There have also many people who are accepting sandwiches! Many Lesley Deliver members have gotten a chance to talk to these peoples and make connections. We appreciate everyone coming out and hope to see everyone tomorrow!!!!!

-Claire

Animals

Sorry for such a late post!

Last week on our run we came across a group in the pit. Upon handing them sandwiches, one man stated “oh someone is here to feed the animals”. The group ignored the comment. He then said “thanks, we are just the outcasts of society here.” This idea of being social outcasts is a common thought among the homeless. Each day thousands of people pass the homeless deliberately trying to ignore them. This feeling of being ignored and negative stigmas can make anyone, who is down on their luck, feel like an outcast of society. At Lesley Delivers, we try not to pity others so after he said this, we felt a bit awkward. I tried to stay positive and said “well, you’re not outcasts to us”.

Among the group there was also a woman with a dog. I offered the dog a sandwich as well. She told me that the dog has extreme allergies and cannot eat any grain. My dog has the same condition so I immediately felt a connection. She continued to tell me how her dog easily gets sick and needs to go to the vet about once a month. Knowing how expensive vet bills are, it amazes me that someone who is struggling to feed and house herself, will make the effort to take care of a sick dog. Many people often characterize the homeless as selfish and lazy; however this is far from the truth. Every time I go on a Lesley Delivers run, I learn about selflessness and good-hearts of the homeless. This woman breaks all stereotypes and I have great respect for her ability to continue to care about others (even dogs) throughout personal challenges.

~Claire

We Are All Still People

Hello everyone!

This week for Lesley Delivers I went on the route that goes by The Tannery. We saw a few familiar faces or spots with familiar boxes and some new ones. There was one person who was kind of hidden behind a pole in a spot across from the t entrance that is accessible and has an elevator. Luckily someone in our group spotted the person, so we went over to offer him a sandwich. The person had appeared to sleeping but as soon as someone put a sandwich down beside him his head snapped up. He seemed surprised we were offering him a sandwich, and grateful too. We were also able to give him a hat, which was awesome. We saw another person who remembered us from the week before. I was glad that he got to see that we do give sandwiches out regularly.

During the reflection, the other run shared an experience they had when giving out a hat. When they offered a woman her choice of a hat she began trying on the different ones, posing, and asking how they looked. I think that this is a great example of how even though someone may be homeless, they are still people just like this. I am sure most of us pose with a new piece of clothing when we get it, wondering if it looks good, just like this woman.

Ginny

A Grateful Community

Even in the midst of midterms, we still had about 12 students show up to help deliver sandwiches. Everyone who came on Tuesday had been on Lesley Delivers previously, so it was more laid back than usual, and I personally felt more comfortable. Last week's run was tough, having to keep the boundaries between us and those who we were serving, but this week it was different. We had a videographer join us to tape our making sandwiches and walking to and from Harvard Square. We made sure that we kept confidentiality by not filming anyone we were serving. I took my group through the pit, and we ran into a man sitting against a building. Bree asked him if he wanted a sandwich, but he said no. When this happens, we just tell them to have a good night and move on, so that's exactly what we did. We re-offered it to him on our way back, as we didn't see anyone down by Au Bon Pain. He said no thanks again, but he was extremely grateful for the offer. That gets me sometimes, that even the people who refuse still have so much gratitude for what we are doing. We then took a little detour and ran into a bunch of guys sitting in front of a bank. One young man shook each and every one of our hands and said, "My name's Joseph." I told him to stay warm, as he was only wearing a sweatshirt, and he asked me where we were from. I said that we go to Lesley, and he started rambling about how it is such a great place. As I was talking to him, some others in the group were talking to his friends who were sitting on the ground. His friends were asking the group specific names, asking if they knew them as students at Lesley. It's wonderful to see the community that Lesley is in, and to know that we are not the only ones helping. During our debrief, I learned that when Lesley was re-building the library, some members on the board wanted to put little alcoves on the outside architecture for the homeless to have a place to stay at night. The library is currently alcove-free, but it's nice to see that people in the community recognize that those who are homeless are also a part of our community.

Spring break is next week, so we will not be running Lesley Delivers, BUT... the week after is Hunger & Homelessness Week! During this week (March 19th-23rd) we will be holding Lesley Delivers Monday through Thursday night with a Hunger Banquet on Friday. Keep your eyes open for posters and emails, as they will contain more information. Thanks to everyone who came out on Tuesday, love & hugs to all! Have a safe, happy and helpful Spring Break! :)

~Theresa

Another Awesome Run

For our run last Tuesday we had a fairly large group of people show up (I think about 13 or 14). I was pleasantly surprised because our last few runs had been quite small groups, which is understandable with midterms quickly approaching.

I went on the route that goes by the pit (the area by t entrance with the newsstand next to it). We stopped to hand out sandwiches, and one of the females began asking some questions. I had been giving out sandwiches to other people at the time so I wasn't close enough to hear what she was saying but found out afterwards that she had wanted to know what school we were from. She had also shared that she knew someone who goes to Lesley. I think she shared more details but the people who had been talking to her didn't feel comfortable repeating what she had said because it was personal, and she hadn't wanted it to be repeated. While I'm glad that she felt comfortable enough with the two people she opened to, she also tested the boundary of when we need to end the conversation. When speaking with those two people, she asked one if she lived on campus, or if it was one she would know. The people talking to her didn't share any information with her, but recognized it was time to continue on with our route.

On the way back, we still had sandwiches so we stopped by the pit again. The woman was still there, and this time we stayed together and offered her another sandwich. She looked at everyone who she hadn't talked to earlier, mentioning that she knew someone at Lesley but couldn't say more. Then she turned to the people who she told more, saying something about them understanding why she couldn't tell us more. The conversation then shifted, and she asked where people were originally from. She seemed to want more of an answer then our vague responses of being from Massachusetts. To prevent the conversation from getting more personal, we said our good nights and headed back.

I'm always glad when people felt comfortable enough, or trust us enough to share a bit of their story with us but it's always difficult to recognize how much information is too much, and what the best way to gently leave the conversation.

Ginny

Gratitude

Oprah Winfrey once said "If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough".

I believe this quote is something that needs to be taken to heart to more people in the world. Lesley Delivers gives me that awareness every week when we go out. It should never be about what we don't have, but being grateful for what we do! This week we had a rather small group, and on the route I took we didn't run into many people, which is always something to be happy about. I always hope that if we don't see anyone then they are somewhere much safer than on the streets. After we had done our route, we went over to the pit to see if we could give out our extra sandwiches. We came across a large group of young people who were all wrapped up in blankets, huddling under an overhang trying not to get wet. We gave out a lot of our extra sandwiches, as well as lots of socks. What really has stuck with me is one of the boys. He came up to us and said, "I'm Robo the Hobo, I like to drink Robitussin and wander the streets." Being part of Lesley Delivers, it's not our place to judge or pity, but it just really made me wonder what had happened for him to get to this point. He must have only been a little older than me, and that's what really struck home for me. He wasn't sad or angry, he didn't seem like he was mad at his situation at all. He was extremely friendly, and when we were giving him socks he just kept saying how we made him very happy, and that we were his friends, and he was grateful for what we have given him. He wasn't focusing on what he didn't have, but rather the things that he did have, and the things that we could give to him. It really makes me wonder if everything was taken away from me, would I be content with what I had, or would I be bitter about what I didn't? Ever since I started coming to Lesley Delivers, I've learned to be more and more grateful for what I have, rather than what I don't.

Thank you to all of you who came out last week, and can't wait to see your beautiful faces next week !

-Brianna

An Educational Encounter

Last Tuesday night our small Lesley Delivers group had an “interesting” encounter. We had offered a sandwich, coat and socks to a man who seemed new to the Harvard Square area. Upon acceptance of these items, he began to have a conversation with us. The conversation brought up some very interesting social concerns. He began the conversation discussing how the food at shelters was decreasing in quality but the decrease was masked by the vegetarian option. He brought up the point that when someone is homeless, he or she does not have the luxury to be vegetarian. One thing that he mentioned was that “no mental illnesses have ever been proven”. During reflection we discussed that he said this because he may had been dealing with mental illness. Mental illness is a controversial topic when discussing the homeless. Researchers have proven a correlation between mental illness and homelessness, but none have discovered which causes which. The homeless may be homeless because of mental illness; however, homelessness is a traumatic experience that may cause mental illness.

As he began to speak more, we became a little more concerned. He stated “did you know that you can get charged for third degree sexual assault by just looking at a young woman?” We questioned his motivation for saying this. A few members felt unnerved by this. He started to talk about how the people who work at the shelters were against the homeless and would get them arrested for no reason. He said that he had been convicted a couple times before. When one of the members of our group apologized, he responded with “would you say sorry to starving children in Africa?” On that note we decided to leave. This was a sticky situation for us. As members of Lesley Delivers we try to be as nonjudgmental as possible; however, we also need to be concerned for our safety. It is hard to balance this at Lesley Delivers but this is the main reason why we stay in groups and stay on well-lit routes. Overall it was a very educational experience to have it reminded us of the wide range of perspectives that exist.

~Claire

Welcome Back!

Thank you so much to everyone who came out last night on the first run of spring semester! I know it was a bit chilly, but we really helped a lot of people out. To start off, I'd like to introduce myself as the new co-president of Lesley Delivers, as Emay is in South Africa! I am looking forward to the responsibilities coming my way over the semester, and will do everything in my power to keep things running smoothly :)

Last night, we had a group of 21 students who joined us, which is quite a few! We split up into two groups, and I took my group over to the pit. Approaching the pit, I was immediately aware of the commotion: a group of people (who we have seen around before) were playing baseball with a large traffic cone and a milk crate. Yes, a milk crate. To avoid any injuries, we passed them in hopes that they would be done when we came back. We continued with the normal route, though we didn't see anyone else. On our way back to the pit, the group had moved on to throwing a concrete ring around the cone. Me and a few of the other people in my group approached them, offering sandwiches and coats. They were all so incredibly grateful, and that's what gets me every time. Though they were being loud and rambunctious, they still very much appreciated us giving them food and jackets. And that's the reason why I do Lesley Delivers. The fact that we can make someone's night by giving them a smile and a sandwich really makes me feel so wonderful. I know that the rest of the semester, as well as my two remaining years, will be just as fulfilling every time I go out there.

I just want to thank everyone again for coming out last night. You made my first run as co-president a wonderful one, and I hope to see you again soon! Ashley and I have big plans for where Lesley Delivers is going, in collaboration and events. We will definitely keep you updated with everything we have in mind, and hope you join us again!

~Theresa

The Value of Warm Feet

On a day to day basis, we worry about what we’re going to where, what we’re doing this weekend, and may be when that next paper is due. Between classes, work, and family obligations, I personally find it hard to slow down and take a minute to appreciate the aspects of my life I don’t have to worry about. I will be able to eat lunch today even though I didn’t bring food from home and tonight I will be sleeping in my own warm bed. I know where my next meal is coming and I know that when it gets cold outside, I have shelter and proper clothing to protect me from the climate. Before I decided to participate in Lesley Delivers, I lived my life aware that I was lucky, but unaware of exactly how lucky. Poverty is a scary aspect of our reality to many people because it is a threat to all. During our reflections, many people comment on how much this experience helps them to appreciate the small things in life. We talk about how even when we think we have nothing to offer, we always have the opportunity to form a bond with someone. For me, Lesley Delivers has helped me to move on from the fear of poverty and realize the humanity in it. I no longer shy away when I am approaching someone on the street; I smile and wish them a good day. Sometimes a smile and the recognition that, yes, I see you, is worth more than our pocket change. This is a lesson that, as president, I hope to provide to the Lesley community. Regardless of their condition or how they ended up there, we are all people and we all deserve to be seen.

Lesley Delivers is a unique opportunity to make a difference in the lives of individuals in our community. Some people we see only once and others we see every week. Last night, we approached a man that we have routinely seen. The fact that we approached him to offer a sandwich is not new, but his response was. In all of my time with Lesley Delivers, we have always offered and he has never accepted. Just as our guidelines specify, we respect his right to decline. Last night this man accepted our food. For me, this moment showed the impact that Lesley Delivers has with this community. To accept food from a stranger, there has to be a certain amount of trust. I do not know anything about this man’s journey, but I do know that last night this man trusted us. I am also happy to add that in addition to a meal, we were able to offer this man and the other people we met last night, a clean pair of socks. We have enough socks, donated by Boston Bowl, to last through the rest of the semester! In March, during Hunger and Homelessness Week, we sponsor a panel of members of the homeless community. One of the most striking comments that a participant made last year was that a clean pair socks was the best thing anyone could offer. Because of that comment, I worked to get sock donations this semester and we will now be able to hand them out with every sandwich.

I want to thank everyone who came out last night and to everyone that supports our initiative. Coming up at Lesley Delivers is our annual Coat and Blanket Drive, sponsored by Lesley’s softball team, beginning on November 14^th. Boxes will be all around campus and we welcome all gently worn coats, blankets, and winter accessories! Also, on Tuesday, November 15^th we will be co-sponsoring a movie event with Community Service Club and Students for Social Justice. We will be showing the movie, Pursuit of Happyness, that is about a man and his young son who find themselves homeless. The movie is based on the man’s autobiography and is truly an inspiration. Following the movie, we will be having a short discussion about portrayals of the homeless and hungry population in the media. After discussing issues of poverty we will then have the opportunity to take action by participating in a usual Lesley Delivers run! All aspects of the evening are optional, but we hope that people will come to this unique event. We are suggesting a donation of a non-perishable food and in exchange you will receive a raffle ticket for the chance to win one of three amazing prizes! We hope to see many of you there!

Again, thank you to all participants and supporters for making this semester as co-president of Lesley Delivers far exceed my expectations!

- Ashley

A bread-tastic surprise

Last night we encountered a fair amount of people within the first the few minutes of our run on the stretch by CVS. I continued down the Au Bon Pain route, and noticed some of the same people I've seen out other weeks. Something that caught my attention on the way back was a huge box of bread sitting at the back of one of the entrances to the t (the one right in front of the new Starbucks and Pinkberry). It looked like it from Panera. I know Panera doesn't keep their leftovers at the end of the night, but I'm pleased that someone was willing to drop the extras off at Harvard Square, instead of throwing them out. I mean, who doesn't love bread?

Last week we also saw some food left out near the church. I kind of wish there could be one place where people knew to leave food, and then people in need would know where to go. Speaking of that, one thing that came up during our discussion was that a usually popular spot near the Tannery that has been empty the last few weeks. The group that takes that route noticed that the small area closed off by tarps and wooden boards had been nailed shut. In previous seasons we had a relationship with some of the people we saw frequently, and we knew that closed off space was a safe place to leave sandwiches, blankets, coats, or anything else we might have to offer. We had been told by people who we frequently saw on our runs that it was safe spot, and that they would get to the people who needed them.

Something else that came up during discussion was that, as you all have probably noticed, it has gotten quite chilly outside! We do have a coat and blanket drive coming up in November, and we'll pass out the donations on our runs. I think it gets even harder to see people who are without a home as the weather gets worse, and I know I'll be glad to do what I can to help, even if it's as simple as offering them a blanket with their sandwich.

Ginny