Helping the community see homelessness through a lens of dignity and humanity was the purpose of Weaving Hope, Inspiring Change, a powerful collaboration between the Simmons School of Education & Human Development and the Meadows School of the Arts.
The volunteer event brought together Simmons students, faculty, staff and community members who heard from inspiring organizations like Vogel Alcove, which supports children and families experiencing homelessness, and Austin Street Center, one of the largest low-barrier shelters in Dallas.
Participants created Blessing Bags to offer those experiencing homelessness when they encounter them in public. The bags were filled with filled with hygiene products and snacks. Simmons’ Dr. Laura Robinson-Doyle, one of the organizers says it was a way for those attending to turn awareness into immediate action.
Another workshop was led in partnership by First Christian Church of Terrell, whose members taught guests how to crochet sleeping mats using recycled grocery sacks. A beautiful reminder that even what we consider waste can become a source of comfort and care.
By teaching participants how to help, the event helped to grow community impact -one of the goals of Simmons’ strategic plan.
The large turnout included Simmons and Meadows students, faculty and staff who, through the event, took a meaningful step in building empathy, encouraging advocacy, and empowering our community to see homelessness with more compassion and understanding.