On Friday, January 30 I went to Front Steps to get receive a different experience in an unknown environment. Front Steps was a havoc of commotion from ringing phones, shuffling papers and the chatter of busy footsteps. People were scattered on the street awaiting entry. Some were deep in conversation, and others sated with blank stares. Front Step is a day resource center and shelter under the direction of Austin Resource Center for the Homeless (ARCH). People were scattered on the sidewalks and street around a building awaiting entry.
Here individuals who have become down on their luck in life and are facing the hardships of homelessness and poverty are able to seek assistance to aid them in their situations. Some people were married with families, had good jobs, owned homes and led normal lives, but became affected by extenuating circumstances that had occurred. The homeless are not always featured within the media, yet it is a continuous and growing problem within our communities; and this plays a part in the reason why this portion of the community receives little media attention.
The community in Austin tries to help the homeless different with programs like ARCH that provide shelter, daily meals and safe environments.
I could develop stories that are based on personal issues of the homeless, like mental illnesses, drug abuse, physical disabilities and being unable to cope from prison life. Stories could also be developed about the increasing number of homeless women and children; percentage of homeless students from the Austin Independent School District; foster children that have aged –out and become displaced; difficulties faced by war veterans and how the economy has a role in homelessness.
As a reporter, the coverage of the homeless can be apart of new reports through outreach, volunteer opportunities and community awareness.
Here individuals who have become down on their luck in life and are facing the hardships of homelessness and poverty are able to seek assistance to aid them in their situations. Some people were married with families, had good jobs, owned homes and led normal lives, but became affected by extenuating circumstances that had occurred. The homeless are not always featured within the media, yet it is a continuous and growing problem within our communities; and this plays a part in the reason why this portion of the community receives little media attention.
The community in Austin tries to help the homeless different with programs like ARCH that provide shelter, daily meals and safe environments.
I could develop stories that are based on personal issues of the homeless, like mental illnesses, drug abuse, physical disabilities and being unable to cope from prison life. Stories could also be developed about the increasing number of homeless women and children; percentage of homeless students from the Austin Independent School District; foster children that have aged –out and become displaced; difficulties faced by war veterans and how the economy has a role in homelessness.
As a reporter, the coverage of the homeless can be apart of new reports through outreach, volunteer opportunities and community awareness.
Selina O. Affram
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