WALK BY FAITH AND MOVE WITH PURPOSE
In Fall 2015, I started my first semester at UCF. I decided to dedicate my volunteer service to the hunger and homelessness community. I started to volunteer at various nonprofit organizations. From food banks to local food distribution centers, in my search, I came across Straight Street and its mission. At first, I wasn’t excited about my service area and wanted to pursue other volunteer work such as renovating homes at Habitat for Humanity or sorting soaps at Clean the World. As selfish as it may sound, I did not feel fulfilled and my purpose continue to dwindle. But one day …
At the start of Spring 2018, I applied for a leadership position at Volunteer UCF. And I was accepted as the volunteer director for Straight Street. In my eyes, God had given me the purpose and mission to help connect UCF student volunteers with Straight Street service opportunities. I reconnect with my passion through faith.
In 2018, I worked for both the UCF Knights Helping Knights Pantry and Straight Street. At this point, I started to advocate against food insecurity, malnutrition, and racial wealth inequalities. In more ways than one, my commitment and journey allowed me the opportunity to raise awareness of the hunger and homelessness community and food insecurity. In my purpose, I realize that all walks of life can understand one another through service and awareness.
After graduating from UCF with my bachelor's in political science and legal studies with a minor in nonprofit management. I continue to follow my passion by committing to Straight Street and its mission. The impact of our food shares allowed me the opportunity to advocate and encourage an environment to bridge the gap between the hunger and homelessness community and the Orlando community and their leaders.
Straight Street is partnered with the Christian Service Center to host our weekly food shares. And work closely with 6 other partners including SALT outreach, HOPE, Homeless Service Network, Compassion Corner, Daily Bread, and Unique Boutique. We are currently serve 6 food shares a week, Monday through Friday from 5 pm to 7 pm (5:30 pm- dinner) and Sunday- food truck service. We serve on average 50 to 107 clients per event and invite our clients to stay for 2nd serving.
During our food share events, we have service stations such as an electronic charging station, a hygiene station (Thursday only), wellness station hosted by Heart for the Homeless or UCF college of medicine. Every food share provides volunteers, donors, supporters, advocates, and community members an opportunity to connect through a delicious meal and a night of restoring hope. We encourage individuals to talk, pray and connect with our clients.
I encourage you to walk by faith and move with purpose. In my walk, Straight Street was a leap of faith, but I was encouraged and motivated to move with purpose. The impact of Straight Street can help to bridge the gap between the people of Orlando and those within the hunger and homelessness community.
Join our volunteer page- Straight Street Volunteers | Facebook and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @straightstorg for more updates on service opportunities.