Using this travel grant from my home university, Fairhaven College at Western Washington University, my research project focuses on homelessness, addiction, and the support available for stable housing and community support. During this ten-month excursion, I plan to explore other countries and communities across Europe to see how they function and tackle these different issues. I would then develop an understanding of the systematic differences; and how that would affect the programmatic implementation in the American system based on various socioeconomic, systematic, and cultural factors. Finally, I would use this information to create different solutions and adaptations for community care.

An additional piece of my documentation includes photography, realistic portraiture, and interviews capturing individual stories and community support. I hope sharing these stories can open up conversation and foster understanding. During my formative years, I spent most of my free time helping, working, and listening to the unhoused community in my district. I saw their intense and complex need for connection and support as they shared their stories with me. There was (and still is) minimal support available in the United States. This led me to begin researching different housing programs and structures. I found many European programs focusing on environmental stability, community, and treatment have a much more valuable impact than anything I have seen in the United States. I hope to connect with many organizations around Europe to create a sound solution to many of the current issues facing the unhoused community.

Personal Statement Expanded

From a young age, I have always been captivated by people’s stories—where they come from, their upbringing, and how these experiences have shaped them into the individuals they are today. I find myself deeply interested in how individuals deal with challenges and learn as a result. I recently had a conversation with a friend over dinner, and as I explained my project to them, they expressed genuine enthusiasm and believed in its viability. We spoke about their senior Kapstone, and how to sharing their story gives them a greater understanding and appreciation of their own experiences. They remarked, “Everyone has a story to tell,” and that sentiment resonated with me profoundly. As human beings, we have learned through the experiences of others. Be it through storytelling, art, music, or any other form of sharing. For millennia, this collective wisdom is integral to our understanding and appreciation of the human experience. Hearing people’s stories provides us with a deeper sense of empathy and insight into the complexities of life, moving beyond mere statistics to truly comprehend the challenges and triumphs individuals face. A personal account is often more influential, giving a voice to those who may have been overlooked and providing a safe space for them to share their truths where they have not had one.

I really hope, if anything else, that my project is able to give people that space when they haven’t had a voice, the opportunity and confidence to share their story on their own terms. Sometimes, all it takes is someone willing to listen and validate their experiences, helping them reclaim a sense of purpose and connection. During my interactions with people in various situations, such as in camps or other vulnerable settings, I realized that often, they simply needed someone to talk to, as they had lost crucial relationships and their sense of direction. Validating their experiences and offering support became a vital aspect of my work. Oftentimes, they just wanted to be validated. To know that what they have experienced was hard, which can be difficult on its own, but vital to their wellbeing. This reminded me of a quote from Hans Enringer, from Lighthouse Mission, “It takes having a sense of safety and security to even contemplate making changes in your life”. In many cases, it is through another’s eyes that we begin to see our true worth and potential. External validation, affirmation, and observations can help us recognize our value, especially during childhood, and enable us to better understand and appreciate ourselves.

Though I am uncertain about the future of this project—the places it will take me, the people I will meet—I understand that learning occurs along the journey. My current grant may not have the weight I initially expected, but I am open to adapting and growing as I progress. It was my chance encounter with a couple on a Highland cow farm that truly inspired this project. Their willingness to share their story showed me the power of experiential learning.I recognize that sharing one’s story publicly can be daunting for various reasons, particularly concerning public image. Some individuals may fear the repercussions of sharing their lives so openly, and they might ask for their stories to be taken down after publication. I respect their autonomy in deciding how and when to share their experiences. If anything, my priority is to ensure that their stories are presented accurately, and verified by them and that they have a say in the medium used to tell their narratives. I feel privileged and honored to be entrusted with these stories, and I pledge to treat them with utmost care and respect. This project is not about me; it is about giving a platform to those whose voices deserve to be heard. Together, we can create a richer, more empathetic world where people’s stories are valued and understood.