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Benchmark Cultural Immersion Project: Interview Paper Assignment
Shareeka Hodnett
Liberty University
COUC504: Multicultural Counseling (D60)
Ms. Amy Johnson
December 11, 2022
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Abstract
Most homeless and people in poverty feel as though they are invisible to the world. Each of these
cultural groups faces different struggles daily. Some are living on the street, while others are
working but living in shelters, low-income housing, and tents. They also may be fighting various
issues such as mental illness, getting basic necessities, and fighting addiction (Bowen &
Capozziello, 2022). The first person I interviewed desperately wanted to work, while the other
was in desperate need of finding better housing. I wholeheartedly believe that no one truly wants
to be homeless or struggling to make ends meet. I also believe that the basic needs of everyone
should be met and that they are entitled to them. We as a whole should do more than what we are
doing to provide healthcare, food, safety, affordable housing, and job opportunities to everyone
who needs and wants them. There is no magic wand we can wave to end homelessness, but when
there is little effort being put in to help it is noticed.
Keywords: invisible, poverty, necessities, homeless
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Benchmark Cultural Immersion Project: Interview Paper Assignment
Homelessness and poverty is still an ongoing issue that many faces daily. So many people live
on the street while others are trying to survive in poverty. What is interesting is that
unemployment isn’t exhausted and job opportunities are available. Many homeless people and
people in poverty struggle with this issue, but never imagined that they would have to face them.
There are so many prospects that could have led them into being in such a tough situation (Buck‐
McFadyen, 2021). While we can’t pinpoint exactly what the leading cause of these are we
should focus more on ways to solve the problem. They aren’t invisible, and I don’t believe that
as a child, they imagined themselves being homeless and scrabbling to survive.
Agency/Organization Interview
Various agencies are assisting those that are homeless in addition to those who are struggling
to obtain their basic needs. Some agencies are supporting the economic well-being and community of
those facing various challenges. Those challenges include poverty, homelessness, unemployment, and
threatened independence. Many of these services are provided through local churches and community
centers. The two agencies I visited were a Missionary and a local church.
Purpose/Mission Statement
The mission statement for the Peninsula Rescue mission is “We are a beacon of hope to
those experiencing homelessness and poverty on the Peninsula” (Peninsula Rescue Mission,
2022). Their purpose is to help those in need who are ready to change their lives. They help
those who want to help themselves. Therefore, they have strict guidelines to obtain services. The
mission statement of Greater Bethlehem Christian Assembly is “To share the love of God
through spiritual relationships, worship, stewardship, and evangelism” (Ministries – Greater
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Bethlehem Christian Assembly, 2022). This agency offers food services for those who have
families that are in low-income areas and need more assistance with feeding their families.
Services Offered
This missionary was founded in April of 1966 and assists the homeless by offering hot
meals, clean clothes, showers, and beds. This is an all-men facility, and they are allowed to stay
up to 2 weeks, after that they must leave and can return in 30 days. However, they still can
obtain other services daily, such as hot meals and clothes (Peninsula Rescue Mission, 2022).
Greater Bethlehem Christian Assembly offers a food pantry every first Saturday of the month.
This is the only service that this church offers now. The only requirement is that they bring in
proof of income and your shopping cart (Ministries – Greater Bethlehem Christian Assembly,
2022).
Awareness of Services
Peninsula Rescue’s mission stated that people are aware of their services through local
churches and organizations. They partner with a lot of organizations and churches that share the
same goal. They are also located in a low-income area where a lot of homeless people are
located. These services are also recognized through word of mouth as well (Peninsula Rescue
Mission, 2022). People are aware of this service at Bethlehem Christian Assembly through local
churches, word of mouth, and outreach groups. Social service also provides a list of places that
provide food banks for those in need. This church is in a low-income area as well (Ministries –
Greater Bethlehem Christian Assembly, 2022).
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Greatest Need
The greatest need of the Peninsula Rescue mission stated that it depends on the person.
Each person’s case and needs are different. It was also noted that other than the case-by-case
instance they need more resources and missionary centers. Faith is the daughter of the Director
and reported that the people who come in for services are well taken care of. Other than that, she
stated that everyone who walks through their doors are well taken care of (F. DeFriese, personal
interview, December 2, 2022). Bethlehem Christian Assembly reported that their greatest needs
were donations, volunteers, and additional resources beyond just food. People in this cultural
group struggled with housing and food (P. Lucas, personal interview, December 3, 2022).
Significant Challenges
Peninsula Rescue mission’s challenges are that they can’t help everyone. That person has to
choose to get help. Everyone that comes in must take a breathalyzer. They cannot be under the
influence of anything. It is also mandatory to attend Chapel. They also must have an I.D. and be able
to climb a flight of stairs. Due to limited space, they can only house a person for 2 weeks. They will
not bend the rules for anyone. Not everyone agrees with these rules, and some are offended while the
missionary does get backlash.
Bethlehem Christian Assembly’s challenges are that they just don’t have enough. I also
noticed that they were giving out expired food and molded bread and pastries. I don’t agree with this
and understand they want to help but putting the person in jeopardy of food poising is a major issue.
While all foods given may not have expired, they were very close to it. They are in desperate need of
additional food services. Also finding a way to let the people know what documents they need to get
the services.
Social Justice
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Peninsula Rescue Mission believes that the social justice needed for the homeless are
additional recovery, spiritual recovery, and vocational training. It’s difficult to assist the homeless with
some of these services due to loss of documents and waitlist for addiction programs. These
populations are at a disadvantage because they have limited access to services and goods that they
need. They have very few accommodations which is the cause of increasing numbers of poor health
(Henriques, et al., 2022).
Bethlehem Christian Assembly believes that social justice for those in poverty is more
affordable housing outside of section 8. There are a lot of negative stereotypes due to some families
abusing the welfare system. They also aren’t given equal opportunities for employment due to a lack
of education (Henriques, et al., 2022).
Background
The background of Randolph Nance was that he is originally from Williamsburg Virginia. He
worked at a papermill for 10 years and is a recovering meth and alcohol addict. Randolph got hurt on
the job while under the influence. Randolph explained that he has been clean for 2 months and his
addiction originally started from a car accident and being on opioids (R. Nance, personal interview,
December 7, 2022). He is divorced with 1 son that has nothing to do with him. He feels
discriminated against and denied rights due to the way he looks, not having a mailing address, missing
documents for employment, and being homeless. The missionary has aided him in recovery as they
have provided addiction services, and are currently assisting him with meals, and necessities, and
obtaining documents for work (R. Nance, personal interview, December 7, 2022).
The background of Jessica Smith is that she resides in Newport News Virginia. Her mother
and grandmother were in the welfare system. They currently stay in low-income housing, however,
doesn’t feel safe due to robberies and daily shootings. She has two sons and is unable to take care of
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them financially (J. Smith, personal interview, December 8, 2022). She doesn’t believe that the
welfare system does enough. She has been unemployed for 6 years and could not provide a valid
reason as to why besides her being dyslexic. She has been going to this food bank for years because
her mother works as a secretary for the church. The boys she explained are teenagers and eat more
than she can provide. She has no assistance from her children’s father (J. Smith, personal interview,
December 8, 2022). Jessica struggles to find help and takes what she can get. She reported that this
is the only food pantry that she has been to. When asked why not reach out to the other services
provided by the community, she shrugged her shoulders and stated that she didn’t know any others (J.
Smith, personal interview, December 8, 2022).
Key Culture Events
A key cultural event that Mr. Nance spoke about was an experience with him and a
homeless teen. Mr. Nance reported that he had been in the same location for almost a week and
was barely getting change for food. He stated that he had a cup and a sign that just said please
help. However, a teen came and sat beside him and when people walked by, they gave the teen
money without a sign or him having to ask for help. Mr. Nance reported that he was discouraged
about this. He stated that he asked the same person who had given the teen a few dollars for
some change and the person proceeded to yell at him and stated that he needed to get a job. The
person passing said that they get up and go to work every day, so why couldn’t he? The person
then through a bag at him (R. Nance, personal interview, December 7, 2022).
A key event that Jessica pointed out was her being discriminated against in the welfare
system. Jessica reported that when speaking to others in the system she noticed that the
requirements and regulations were different from hers. She reported that her welfare worker
could come and check the home at any time for additional people in the home. Particularly they
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would be looking for a man living in the home who wasn’t supposed to be there. I’ve heard of
this myself where black women were known to have boyfriends staying in the home where they
receive assistance. This is unconstitutional but was allowed. She was also told that she must
keep her home clean as well (J. Smith, personal interview, December 8, 2022).
Participation and Emotions
My emotion while volunteering for the Peninsula Rescue Mission was very different
from my experience with Bethlehem Christian Assembly. The difference was the hope that I
saw in the people at the Peninsula Rescue Mission. They never complained, they were humble
and very respectful. They thanked us for our service and were very pleasant to be around.
Bethlehem Christian Assembly experience had very little emotion. It seemed to be a cold and
selfish atmosphere. The people there complained and argued with staff for not having the proper
documents. During this experience, I never once heard anyone say thank you or express any
gratitude towards those serving them. Overall, it was a very unpleasant experience for me. I felt
as if these people were ungrateful, and that they hadn’t realized that they had more than others. I
questioned how can those that have nothing be so grateful and those that have a little be so
ungrateful.
Knowledge
The knowledge learned during these events are that there are so many reasons as to why
someone can become homeless or fall into poverty. When hearing the story about how Randolph
got addicted to drugs due to opioids, I realized that that was another battle that we are facing (R.
Nance, personal interview, December 7, 2022). Regardless of how they fell into poverty or
homelessness, I believe that everyone deserves a second chance. We could be in their position
and would want to be treated with dignity and respect.
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I also learned that people of the homeless and poverty culture were denied certain
services due to their status of living. One thing I also read about during the research was women
and children being abused. They are running away for safety and are homeless. The missionary
is currently working on building a shelter for women, but the city is giving them a hard time with
the approval. They said they are dedicated to getting it done though (F. DeFriese, personal
interview, December 2, 2022).
Gracism
I believe that the saying “I will lift you up” best fits my cultural group. It states in 1
Corinthians 12:23, “ Iand the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor.
And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, (New International
Version, 1 Corinthians 12:23. These verses tell me that we should treat others with respect. I
will lift you up meaning to be committed to helping others (Anderson, 2007). Anderson makes
clear that his church adopted a community, in which they are able to serve and lift others up in
that community (Anderson, 2007). I do believe this saying best applies to these particular
cultural groups and their needs.
How I can engage as a Gracist with this population is by praying for them, advocating for
them, volunteering, and giving. Giving time is what I really see that is needed right now.
Everyone is busy but how many of us are busy helping others instead of attending to our own
selfish wants? I would go about carrying this out by continuing to volunteer at the missionary
and try another food bank. Time is something that can never be made back while money can.
Also teaming up with agencies and asking what I can do to help.
Summary Section
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In the summary section, I will be comparing and contrasting what I have learned from my
interview versus my research. I will also provide two things that were the most surprising about
the information gathered from the interview. Three ways how I was impacted personally by this
experience and how I have changed will be identified. Lastly, three general insights that I have
learned about interacting with a different population will be expressed.
Interview Versus Research
The similarity that I see in both homelessness and poverty is that they require mostly the
same thing. Such things would include addiction recovery, spiritual recovery, and vocational
training. Other than the difference being shelter they both are oppressed in the same ways. They
are both denied their social rights and don’t have the same opportunities that everyone should
have to better themselves. Little research covers how these cultures actually would like to work
and be in a better position. However, most are looked at as worthless and Randolph was the first
person that I met striving to get stay clean and get back on his feet.
Research says that the government is doing all it can to aid the homeless and those in
need, however, it was noted that 3.7 million people in the United States were homeless which
doubled in the year 2019 (Richard, et al., 2022). The organizations reported that they receive
very little assistance and have too many rules and regulations just to receive the services to help
this cultural group. These cultural groups look at the government as more of a hindrance rather
than a help. One example could be getting the proper documents. A social security card is
needed to get a birth certificate, now if they don’t have a social security card, transportation, or
computer to do the application, how else are they able to obtain their documents?
Surprising Facts
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I believe I was most surprised about how Randolph became a drug addict. This made me
look more into the epidemic of opioids situation. I guess I didn’t recognize this issue because by
the grace of God I have never been in any serious accidents or surgeries that required opioids.
This is part of the problem and how the pharmacies were called out for many of the issues with
addiction. If a person is prescribed opioids due to an injury, how are they being weened
properly? Why are they having to go cold turkey after the doctor no longer prescribes them?
Impact
The ways in which this experience impacted me was It brought awareness to the
homeless and those in need. It also gave me the desire to get involved, advocate, and help those
in need more. I had no idea that there were so many homeless people in need in my community. I
have also begun to research other outreach organizations that deal with homeless and low-
income families. I have also started talking to various people about my experience and asking if
they would be interested in volunteering with me. At this moment I have gotten my husband and
2 other close friends involved. It also made me appreciative of the things I don’t have.
I had a humbling experience with a missionary. There is so much that needs to be done
and can be done, but I believe society focuses on the things less important. My heart cried out
for some of these people, yet they were so genuine. I didn’t meet any alcoholics or drug addicts
due to the rules at the missionary, however, I am sure that there may be some disgruntled
homeless people around. I am grateful and thankful for all that God has allowed me to have and
will continue to pray for those in need while being a Gracist.
Insights
Three general insights that I learned about interacting with a different population are that
we are all the same and equal In God’s eyes. We may see each other as more or less than,
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however, this is farthest from the truth. It is also quite scary to hear how some people got into
the situation that they are in because any of us could be in their shoes. I am amazed how at the
lack of humility that we have for one another. In addition to that, I am also amazed to see how
these cultures still hold true to their faith and are beyond humble.
This experience brought me out of my comfort zone, I am not the most vocal or like to be
in crowds. However, the missionary just felt like a nonjudgmental place. I will apply these
insights and new knowledge in my future work with culturally different clients by first
understanding them. The most important to me is to not be judgmental and biased about anyone.
God is the only one who truly knows their pain. This knowledge has been extremely useful and
rewarding in my life. The feeling that I got from this experience is unexplainable. It must be
understood that having a sense of belonging and identity is crucial to everyone’s basic
psychological needs (Mcgoldrick, et al., 2005).I
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are various types of cultural groups. There were many things learned
during this experience of interviewing the homeless and those in poverty. It opened my eyes to
my community and the little I was doing to help. I am a Christian and we are called to serve
others. This made me realize just how little I was doing and the opportunities I had to do more.
I was also unaware of the various challenges that ye were facing firsthand. Many struggles with
the same issues and needs yet one thing that I realized is that they approach their situation
differently.
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References
Anderson, D. A. (2007).IGracism : the Art of Inclusion.IIntervarsity Pr.
Bowen, E. A., & Capozziello, N. (2022). Faceless, nameless, invisible: a visual content analysis
of photographs in U.S. media coverage about homelessness.IHousing Studies, 1–20.
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Buck‐McFadyen, E. (2021). Competing perspectives on rural homelessness: Findings from a
qualitative study in Ontario, Canada.IHealth & Social Care in the Community.
https://doi.org/10.1111/hsc.13633
(F. DeFriese, personal interview, December 2, 2022).
Henriques, E., Schmidt, C., Pascoe, R., Liss, K., & Begun, S. (2022). Counter-Narratives of
Structural Oppressions, Stigma and Resistance, and Reproductive and Sexual Health
Among Youth Experiencing Homelessness.IQualitative Health Research,I32(10), 1447–
1463. https://doi.org/10.1177/10497323221110694
Holy Bible: NIV: New International Version.I(1973). Christian Media Bibles.
Mcgoldrick, M., Giordano, J., & Garcia-Preto, N. (2005).IEthnicity and family therapyI(3rd ed.).
Guilford Press.
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Ministries – Greater Bethlehem Christian Assembly. (n.d.). Mygbca.org. Retrieved December
10, 2022, from https://mygbca.org/all-ministries/
Peninsula Rescue Mission | Newport News, VA. (n.d.). Retrieved December 10, 2022, from
https://prm.info/
(P. Lucas, personal interview, December 3, 2022).
(R. Nance, personal interview, December 7, 2022).
