As the Director of Development, I recently had the privilege of speaking to Ms. Mullin-Phalen’s 10th grade English classes at Saratoga Springs High School about an issue close to our hearts here at SOS—homelessness. This engagement is part of our continued efforts to educate our rising generation on social issues and inspire them to make a positive impact.
I started the session by defining what homelessness really entails, aiming to clear up common misconceptions and illuminate the realities many face here in our community. We discussed the number of people affected locally and delved into the various daily challenges they encounter. From securing basic necessities like food and shelter to the more complex issues of finding stable employment and accessing healthcare, I wanted the students to fully grasp the breadth of adversity faced by those without a home.
To enrich our conversation, Officer Barrett, a veteran of the Saratoga Springs Police Department and the school’s resource officer, shared his insights on how homelessness has shifted over the years. His experiences added depth to our discussion, highlighting the evolution of this issue and underscoring the critical role of community involvement in driving change. Officer Barrett urged students to consider how they could individually and collectively contribute to addressing this ongoing challenge.
Inspired by our talk, the students were keen to take immediate action. They decided to organize a food drive to support SOS’s efforts in tackling homelessness. This initiative not only addresses urgent needs, but also actively involves the students in improving their community.
Reflecting on the day, it was an important reminder of how powerful education can be in mobilizing our rising generations to support and advocate for social causes. With a deeper understanding of the challenges and realities of homelessness, these students are now better equipped to advocate for and implement thoughtful actions that align with our mission to build a supportive community for everyone. I am eager to see the outcomes of their food drive, and am hopeful that this is just the beginning of their engagement in our community-focused initiatives.
