struck on Wednesday I punctually at the Community Kitchen to assist in counting homeless people. Together with other volunteers, we have extensively about security issues (vorranging our own) behavior and communication (verbal / nonverbal) talking with homeless people informed. I initially had the jitters as we should have a brief interview about a very personal issue, and I was not sure whether I am sensitive to my knowledge of English would be enough. I therefore asked to detail what is said to introduce the best.
Wednesday I was at the community kitchen to assist with the count of homeless people. Together with other volunteers we were instructed about safety, communication (verbal/non verbal) and interaction with homeless people. At first I was quite worried if I could be sensitive enough with my english skills that are not perfect at all. We had to do a short interview about a personal theme and in some situations you need to have the 'right' words in your mind. That's why I asked what to say when I introduce myself and how I start the survey the best.
Unsere Volunteergruppe sollte obdachlose Menschen im Daycenter erreichen. Nicht alle sind obdachlos, manche wollen nur eine Mahlzeit und das ständige Kommen und Gehen makes it any easier. It was up to us to approach people and to seek dialogue. This was no easy task. People who suffer from such existential problems are not placed in understandably high spirits and conversation. It is definitely a huge difference if you help serve the meal or whether you are looking for direct conversation with someone who wants to talk might not. Nevertheless, you can bring with kindness, respect and a smile when dealing with anyone much. I had planned to help four hours, had left the Daycent but after two hours because I am after the other female volunteers had left, feeling a little unwell hatte. Ich wünschte, dass ich in dieser Situation einfach mehr Selbstbewusstsein gehabt hätte.
The volunteer group I belonged to should interview homeless people in the Community Kitchen's daycenter. Not all people there are homeless. A part of the people are only there to get something to eat. The continual coming and going didn't make things easier. It was our mission to get on to homeless to start the interview. It was not a piece of cake for me. When people are in great need they aren't in a happy mood and outgoing. Of course not. It is a big big difference to volunteer in the food service or interview someone who is in great need and probably doesn't want to talk with you about his/hers homelessness. I think (regarding conversations with anyone) you can achieve a lot just with kindness, respect and a smile. I intended to assist four hours but I left the daycenter after two hours because I felt a little bit uncomfortable after other female volunteers had left the place. In this situation I wished I would have been more self confident.
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