Insight from Mike Andrews
“Human spirit is impossible to kill, you can kill a human but you can't kill his spirit. That's how we survive down here”
A clever memo shared by the intellect known by Mike Andrews. Whilst sharing his backstory with me I was informed he was interviewed by CNN, Channel 3 News, and Google News collectively. Mike shared different issues that showed prevalent in Districts 7’s homeless retention camp such as alcoholism and substance abuse with ways to combat them. Near the end of our interview, Mr. Andrews provides a wholesome recollection of his community coming together after a rainstorm ravaged their camp. Different individuals helping rebuild tents of their piers before tending to their own which shows selflessness coupled with merit in every single aspect. His unbreakable spirit is what motivates us to do what we do. If you would like to reach out to Mr. Andrews his email is listed below.
Hotsummermike1957@gmail.com
Insight from Natisha
“Its different for everybody because everyone's situation is different, but anything given even as little as time is appreciated by all”
A beautiful statement by the wonderful Natisha who gave the Azara Branch volunteers ideas on how to serve the community in more than one way. She introduced new facets that the Azara Branch can venture into such as helping provide shelters like tents or tarps. Another resource Natisha spoke on was the premise of clothing as a way the volunteers can provide more support in the upcoming summer weeks ahead. This aligns perfectly with our potential ideas of starting a clothing drive which is something the Azara Branch will definitely be exploring in the near future. Thank you Natisha!
Insight from: ANONYMOUS
“The number 1 issue here that i've seen is drug addiction, its the current that flows and creates homelessness, it tries to shift and alter their worlds priorities and importance because there is a delusion when you take inside that chemical”
This particular individual who resides in district 7’s encampment fully agreed to be recorded for an interview as well as posted on our website, however, he only requested his name not be announced which will be fully upheld by the Azara Branch. For the purpose of this report we will call him Dave. Dave kinda invited me into his shelter in order to discuss pressing issues he believed were arising within his community. When I asked him this question he immediately without hesitation stated drug abuse. Dave later went in depth about his own story on how an opioid addiction and fentanyl single handedly ruined his life. After speaking with Dave I could tell he was an affluent man who was socially and physically aware of the dent opioids have created in his life. After gaining this critical information the board of directory will be meeting to figure out some sort of solution to this unbearable problem. Thank you for your time Dave.
Insight from Slim (AZARA BRANCH TUCSON)
"The crowd has changed, It's mot just old drunks, we have intelligence here, we arent responsible for those with needles"
During an outreach event form our Tucson division, our volunteers had the pleasure of encountering an individual by the name of Slim, although he agreed to an insight with his nickname, he requested his face not be published on our website which will be promptly upheld. Slim informed us on many pressing issues regarding the status of the Pima county economy. He informed us about why the government was constructing invasive infrastructure and trying to shut down San Rita Park. He quoted a source stating that the housing market around San Rita Park has depreciated houses by a staggering 35% because no one wants to buy a house surrounded by the homeless, especially when potential buys bring their kids to the parks only to find needles, cigarets, and trash everyone on the floor, "The houses aren't selling and they want us out". He stated that their goal is to move everyone out so they can install private and project housing. One aspect Slim wanted to instill in our volunteers is to stay open minded and look at a situation from multiple different perspectives. Thank you for sharing your knowledge Slim.
Insight from Sal
“Those that bless others shall be blessed as well”
Sal is a resident of the phoenix homeless camp and she is very active and enthusiastic about her community by and large. She spoke to the Azara Branch volunteers about ongoing issues within her community. After her initial speech we asked her how we can make a larger impact, to which she responded with hygiene and garage control. Sal herself goes out to pick up trash multiple times per day and states that any form of broom or portable waste collector would greatly impact the filth that surrounds the camp. As for hygiene the Azara branch is planning to pass out wet wipes at their next event to overcome this barrier. She also displays a social medial presence, her handles are listed below so go follow her!!!
Insight from TreeTop
“Pull or tug ya know, and those are the individuals that had all they could take and had pretty much given up and lost faith in humanity or belief that anyone and themselves could build themselves out of the rutts they dug for themselves”
Wise words spoken from a resident by the nickname of Treetop on the perception of those surrounding him. While at event 2 treetop gave his precious time to speak to the volunteers about the situation of those and his peers. Treetop himself was a veteran in the US armed forces and served for 5 years until of back injury sent him home. The VA did not pay for the expense of his back surgeries which ultimately caught him forcing him to live on the street. However, this does not break his determination or his spirit to eventually re-conform back into society. While interviewing him he gave Kiyan the nickname “say so” based on my last name, and Nevan the nickname of “Nev” based on his first. Proud names We will be glad to foster during our time helping that shelter.
Maria's Insight
Maria gave Azara Branch volunteers a real insight on the conditions of the residents. Maria was a very sweet and optimistic soul, leaving no tears, and a bright smile regardless of the severity of the topic she chose to tread upon. Of those topics, stories about women’s sexual assault, abuse, and explotation arose giving a very clear indicator that those heinous actions are still commonplace in areas such as this. As part of Marias statements, we have decided to dedicate more attention to women's violence, and use our platform to highlight her story. Maria herself was beaten upon arrival at the premises. With people toting supremacy over the “street” that she was initially welcomed in by the surrounding agencies which are supposedly required to assist the residents, yet tales of neglect, waste of tax-dollar, and an unfair complaint system is prevalent. With this knowledge the Azara Branch vows to look after the safety of not only their own people, but the people at the camp because all people are people who deserve respect, health, and prosperity.
Second insight from lea
“Sometimes when your aging you just need support and help and some of us really needed that help so we appreciate yall coming down and taking the time to help”
Excitement- is what the Azara volunteers felt after being reunited with a very special someone by the name of Lea. For those who don’t know, Lea was one of the first people who approached us in the encampment during our first ever event. She gave us insight, hope, confidence, faith, motivation and most importantly assurance that our heart was in the right place. She shared dreams of traveling to both China for their luscious and vibrant culture and specifically the way they create their tents as well as Africa to familiarize herself with their way of life. Since last seeing her Lea had acquired a form of housing with her friend and generously invited the Azara Branch crew inside to join her in prayer once again. A truly wholesome and inspiring moment, keep on fighting lea!