The Lost Ones
the problem:
Every day around me I see teenagers and young people getting kicked out of their homes or running away from abusive home lives. They have little or no money, nowhere to go (unless they have some friends who can house them for a while, but that is always temporary) and no way of building themselves up for a future.
I cannot stop these situations at home from happening, but I would like to provide food, water, shelter, facilities, and support for these people to get on their feet.
vital stats:
people impacted:
0people involved:
4why it's important:
I want to do something good for people. I watch people hurting all over the place and I want to spread love and support.
There are so many old and abandoned homes in my area. They have been abandoned for probably 50 years. They are not for sale, so if anyone owns them they aren't being used. They are a hangout for teenagers as it is.
My project is to fix up these buildings. I am going to make them livable. They may not be fancy apartments, but they will do for these people. It is for the lost boys and girls. And they are taken care of by Wendy (Wendy being anyone who is willing to help provide for them and work with them and get them back up off their feet).
the plan of action:
I have discussed it with a few friends and they are all for it. I am going to the municipal building first to find out who owns them and to see what I can do about getting them donated or purchasing them for a small amount of money I have saved up. When that is done, I am going to fix it up. It will cost a lot of money, but I am hoping for donations and I don't believe I need money for any purpose but survival, so I will put all my extra funds towards it. I am going to do all the work myself and with my friends instead of going through companies just because it will be more cost effective.
When it is completed, kids can start moving in. There will be a cell phone there that can only reach my cell phone and possibly a handful of others. If they need anything, they can call it.
They can't just live there. Well, they can, and some will, but I am not going to kick them out because the purpose of this is to love them. However, I am going to find jobs in the local area that are available and try to help them get them. If they need work clothes, that is provided. If they need transportation, that will be part of the help provided. I plan on getting a van at some point for transportation. If they are still in high school, they will get help with their GED if they are unable to continue. If they are college aged and would like to go to college, they will be supported in that and any help they need will be provided.
how you can get involved:
I am going to need a lot of cash. I don't make all that much. I can do it, but it will take more time if I am the only person funding it.
Also, I will need people helping out with fixing it up. Again, I can do it, but it will be quicker to have other volunteers.
Once it is all set up, I am going to need to make sure that there is always someone on call for the kids at this place. If someone needs to get to work, and I am at work myself, then what? Someone always needs to be available to help them with whatever comes up.
Comments
This looks like an incredible project! What your wrote was really moving and I look forward to hearing about the results of your project. You should apply for a Do Something Grant (if you haven't already) http://www.dosomething.org/grants. Best of luck!