Grant Ebbesmeyer- Post #4

I served this summer at Community Alliance for the Homeless (CAFTH), which exists to lead and organize effective community strategies to end homelessness in Memphis and Shelby County. As an intermediary organization, CAFTH works closely with local agencies working to end homelessness as part of the Memphis/Shelby County Homeless Consortium, as well as with the city, state, and federal governments and nationwide initiatives. Since 2012, overall homelessness in Memphis and Shelby County has gone down 27% and unsheltered homelessness has gone down 76%--due in large part to the coordination of services provided by CAFTH.

While I have grown to love Memphis, it is impossible to deny that it is a city of inequalities. Homelessness is, in my opinion, the greatest manifestation of these inequalities. Because of this, it is an issue that I have become passionate about. For two years, I have been very involved with The Bridge street newspaper, which aims to provide a voice and income to those experiencing homelessness in the city. I chose to do my service this summer at CAFTH to gain a clearer and broader understanding of homelessness in Memphis and the services available to those experiencing homelessness. 

Although I have certainly accomplished this goal and learned a lot about homelessness in Memphis as well as how nonprofit organizations operate and work together in the city, the Summer Service Fellowship has allowed me to do so much more than that. I have learned so much about myself and what I really care about and enjoy doing, and I have a clearer picture of what I would like to do in the future. I have had the opportunity to reflect on my own place in the city every day, and I continue to strive to understand how others, especially those facing adversities like homelessness, experience the city. 

My perception of service has changed quite a bit this summer. I've learned that even if you're not on the "front lines" fighting a social issue, you can make a huge impact through service. However, I've grown to understand that in order for this service to be compassionate and meaningful, it must be empowering rather than weakening, and directed toward what those we seek to serve actually need. 

As a Rhodes student, I fell in love with Memphis; as a Summer Service Fellow, I learned how people and organizations are working together to lessen inequalities and make the city a place that can be loved by every Memphian.