Service Learning

As I walked to the site of the local newspaper, I was not sure about my expectations or the impact I was going make in the community. The only thing I knew before arriving the building was that we were visiting a nonprofit newspaper that works to help homeless people. When we arrived to Shedia, we learned about how this street magazine assist homeless people in Athens by selling their magazines for $4.00 euros. The homeless person who sells the magazine gets $2.50 for each magazine. Then, we participated in the invisible tour guided by Michalis. During the invisible tour, I was amazed to hear Michalis’ story. He was one of the many citizens impacted by the recent economic crisis.

Participating in a tour around the city made me think about the stereotype of homelessness. Before this experience, I thought the main causes people become homeless are their personal decisions. This stereotype has been supported throughout my life by hearing people saying things like “he’s homeless because of drug or alcohol abuse.” The story of the invisible tour guide was very touching and taught me that homelessness occurs by many different factors that many times are not easy to avoid. The guide told us that after the crisis he became homeless because his brother passed away and his truck was stolen and never recovered. He is really thankful for the opportunity and shelter provided by Shedia to help him find a community as well as to have a decent job.

He explained how organization sells more than 25,000 copies of the magazine every month. Shedia was essential to help him find a shelter after going through this sequence of unfortunate events. He also told us that many of the members of the organization participate in soccer tournaments and plays. Not only the organization provides jobs and shelters, but it also makes sure to provide opportunities to be a member of a community. The city provides shelters and even help them competing in sports and theater. The guide tour became more outgoing and confident about speaking in public by participating in play.

Although we did not have the opportunity to volunteer for this organization, it was very insightful to learn about the path to homelessness and the role Shedia plays in helping individuals overcoming homelessness. I would have never understood the extent of the Greek crisis without this tour. Michalis showed me a whole new Athens in very peculiar and human-centered way. By sharing his life-story and shocking experiences about living in the streets, I learned that some people in Athens are going through very difficult social issues. This was a great chance for me to see the real Athens and reconsider how I see European countries. The Shedia street magazine gives the chance to homeless people to regain their lives. Seeing this new face of Athens made me reflect on how I can make an impact by volunteering in local organizations in my community. I am looking forward to participating in organizations in Lowell that assist people who are going through difficult social issues.