Taichi

It all harkens back to when I was a little boy, perhaps eight or nine years old, visiting Manhattan for the first time. It wasn’t really the sight of homeless people that appalled me, but rather how businessmen, students, and families would seamlessly walk by without a moment of hesitation – without any regard for the wellbeing of those suffering, or offering a hand to help.

There has always been a part of me that’s felt guilty for being unable to contribute to the bigger picture. But serving at the Surrey Urban Missions has taught me that contributing to the homeless crisis isn’t all about grand gestures or discovering a one-step remedy.

It can start from something as simple as greeting people that come in with a warm smile every shift. Maybe all that some people need is a bit of acknowledgement – sometimes, that alone can be as powerful as a helping hand.

Taichi, Student Volunteer