March: Supporting Partner Organizations

As March comes to an end, spring break begins! It’s officially spring break for schools that are a part of the San Diego Unified School District and with most PILT members enrolled in included schools, we’re now provided with time to spend with loved ones and time to brainstorm ways to support our community. Aya and Minori as the co-directors of Outreach will be busy recruiting schools and clubs, getting them to join in on our mission to help those experiencing homelessness. 

Before listing all the projects that our PILT members have completed this month and what we have planned before the semester ends, we would like to make clear why we use the term “experiencing” homelessness. We have had many students reach out and ask why we can’t use words like “homeless” or “unhoused” and why we specifically chose “experiencing” when homelessness is far from a positive experience. First of all, using certain labels on people defines them as something singular, linking them with stereotypes and disregarding any other aspects of their character. By using the term “experiencing,” it shows that this is something that the person is going through, proving that it is temporary, and that it is overcomeable. When we say experiencing homelessness, we mean to create understanding in our community, build empathy with other volunteers, and spark hope in the victims of homelessness. Homelessness is something that could happen to anyone anytime. Unfortunately, it is something that has become common. However, it is something that we could tackle if we all worked together to make a difference in our community and support our neighbors. Not only does it have to do with a kind act making a big impact; it has to do with knowing that someone is there for you and that there are resources available when you need them. As an organization, we want to be the people who others can rely on and those that understand the aspects of homelessness and therefore are determined to create positive change in their community.

At AEA Middle School, Keila had a successful sale after school selling Caprisuns and Tostilocos with a variety of toppings. PILT members Arturo, Eden, and Emeli, as well as Keila’s sister supported her at her sale. They made a profit of $80 that they used to purchase hygiene products for YMCA HOY. Esli and Malia at Academy of Our Lady of Peace are working on hosting a clothing drive, the first PILT-related project at the school. After the project, AOLP will be considered one of PILT’s partner schools. Anya, along with some helping hands, had a lemonade and pizza sale at East Village Middle College High. She had a presale a few days before that set her up for success! At Helix Charter High, Sophie currently has a donation drive in progress with all donations going towards restocking YMCA HOY’s hygiene cabinet. Community Outreach Club had a pizza sale with $74 in profits going toward PILT. They also participated in PATH’s community wall project where they wrote thoughtful quotes and kind drawings on what home means to them. Minori and her mom recently dropped them off at PATH Connections.

At AEACES, Josephine will continue presenting on the importance of supporting your community members, this time to Girl Scout members. Aya and Minori are done with updating school and club information spreadsheets and will be starting and completing spring outreach by the end of spring break. They are hoping that students and staff will recognize the opportunity to support their community and will become a PILT partner school/club.

Regarding social media, Arturo is now our official social media manager! He recently posted about Anya’s pizza sale, Eden’s birthday, Keila’s Tostilocos sale, and Community Outreach’s creative community project.

Thank you to everyone who is a part of PILT, supporting PILT, or working for the same cause! We couldn’t do this without you!

Minori