Providing Meals and Clothing to the Homeless and Those in Need and Improving Their Lives - Research Paper Example

Name Instructor Course Date A Report on the Soup Kitchen Project 1. Introduction. The Soup Kitchen Project is a research project researched and written with an aim to formulate a plan to clothe and feed disadvantaged and poor people in Campbell town, a major centre in Sydney Australia. Campbell town has an approximate population of about 155,000 persons, a majority of who dwell in the city. As a tradition in most urban areas, there are usually problems that come up because of inadequate employment opportunities to cater for the vast population. There are few jobs that are available to the 155,000 people in the city do not pay as much which has led to low income levels in the area. Due to the high unemployment rates as well as the low-income levels prevalent in the area, there are large numbers of disadvantaged people compared to others. These disadvantaged people go without adequate meals more often than not and are very much exposed to the harsh weather conditions especially the cold seasons as they do not have appropriate clothing to protect them from the cold. Much could be done to make lives better of these disadvantaged people in Campbell town but I decided to limit my focus and base my research project on the establishment of a soup kitchen that would clothe and feed the disadvantaged people only as opposed to a more rigorous research project that would provide them with employment opportunities or business ventures that would ensure they obtain a steady income. These are research projects that can be considered and undertaken in the future. 1.1 Gaps identified The following factors necessitated the invention of Campbell soup kitchen project Homelessness among the people in Campbell town. High cases of malnutrition in the town Poor clothing among the people in the town especially among the poor populace. Given the above gaps. The Soup Kitchen Project was therefore decided upon in order to balance the inequalities prevalent in Campbell town. 1.2 Objectives of the project The primary aim was to provide meals and clothing to the homeless and those in need in the area and to improve their lives if only to the extent of feeding and clothing them. It would be done by establishing a kitchen where the needy and homeless can drop by for breakfast and lunch and can receive clothing. 2.0 stakeholders and their roles. The Soup Kitchen Project was a team effort that involved the collaboration of a select group of members who were involved in research and consultations in coming up with the final project. The stakeholders included the council government of Campbell town and Inspire, the local community churches. Well-wishers will also form a crucial part of the stakeholders since they will also contribute to the success of the project. 2.1 Roles Funding of for the project. Allocating the location where the project will be situated Providing the required labour at the facility. 2.2 Research team The research team included I myself, my research supervisor Prof. Denmark, Mr. Denis sand Mrs. Stermot the chairperson of Campbell municipal council. 2.3 roles Conducting studies in the whole Campbell town area, reaching out to the needy and homeless and getting a feel for their circumstances and finding out how to best assist them and what projects would be quickly implemented to help them in their plight as well as improve their conditions. Conducting research on the organizations willing to fund the project initially as well as continually and the community’s response to the implementation of such a project in their area. 2.4 My role in the project. To assign tasks to the other team members as well as take part in the research process. The team members were not as many and there was a lot of research and consultations to be carried out, therefore every member had to be utilized in order to finalize the research report in the least possible time and to come up with a workable project that could be implemented and used in the area and in any other similar area to cater for the disadvantaged people and better their lives. Coming up with the final project. This involved the compiling of data and research collected, analysing the data and coming up with a workable plan and project that would reflect the logistics, as well as the research and data collected and that, would be feasible in the community and a success when implemented. The idea I first had when brainstorming over the kind of research project to undertake was just a simple plan to help the disadvantaged people in the Campbell town area. After consultations and a bit of research, the idea of a soup kitchen was conceptualized based on its effectiveness in other sectors and its workability. So I believe it is safe to say that I did imagine the idea of the Soup Kitchen Project but with much assistance and direction from my superiors in the organization. 3.0 Implementation of the project The research on the Soup Kitchen Project will be implemented by the TBA and used for what it was formulated and intended for. The group has expressed interest in applying the project, as it is a workable idea to be able to feed and clothe the homeless and needy in the area. The group expressed their desire to implement the research project and it is my hope that this would happen. The research project is also well researched with the logistics needed for a successful implementation as well as contact and support from well wishers, the government and also other organizations that would be willing to support the project. Accordingly, any other group willing to implement the project is allowed. 3.1 Significance of the project This work could also be used to provide valuable research material to individuals or organizations seeking to start similar projects in similar areas, even in Campbell town itself, or to those writing similar research projects as a form of literature review. The research project will ultimately benefit any organization engaged in similar community development work or any organization that would like to undertake such projects to feed and cloth and take care of the disadvantaged in the area. The project would also benefit any students or researchers who would write similar research projects as a secondary resource in their literature reviews. Ultimately, if implemented, the research project would benefit the disadvantaged in the society. 3.2 Data management and information dissemination A brief summary of the Soup Kitchen Project would be published in the organization's journal and also posted on their website. It will assist in the publishing, and eventual dissemination of the information acquired while conducting the research project. The dissemination of the information would be so that anyone interested in making use of the information or anyone who finds it useful would be able to access easily it. Also it will be published so that anyone willing to further contribute to the implementation of the project can be able to be aware of its existence and the logistics involved plus any way that they can be able to contribute to its success. 3.3 Relevance of the project to the organization mission The research project relates to the scope of the organization in that one of the organization’s mission is to assist in community development by starting development projects that assists the disadvantaged members of the commonwealth. The organization urges its members to come up with projects within their primary mission, which increase the chances of the implementation of the projects. 4.0 Data collection The research project undertaken was the establishment of a Soup Kitchen project in the Campbell town area to cater for the disadvantaged, needy and homeless in the community. Therefore from the word go, this implied that the research would stem from mostly primary sources and a bit of secondary sources. In coming up with the most suitable method of obtaining information from the public for purposes of the research, a lot had to be considered. 4.1 Methods of selecting participants Purposive sampling. This was used to was used to target the sponsors and other stakeholders such as the town council administrators because we felt that they posse vital information that could steer the project forward. Random sampling. This was used to ensure that all the participants had an equal opportunity of being selected Part of the information was to be obtained from the homeless, needy and disadvantaged people themselves. It means that surveys, questionnaires and all those formal interview methods would not work for a majority of these people had no homes let alone access to Internet or telephones or even the ability to read and write. However, for gender, age and diet information the following sample questionnaire was used. 4.2 Sample of Part of the Questionnaire used. Questionnaire. Gender: male ….male ( ) female ( ) Age bracket :10-18( ) 19-29( ) 30-40 ( ) 41-50 ( ) above 50( ). do you on special diet? If yes, provide details please. Establishment of a Soup Kitchen in the Area. 4. (a) Would you visit and/or frequent a soup kitchen if there was one available in your area? Yes [ ] No [ ] (b) If no, give reasons. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5. What projects in your view would best cater for the needs of the disadvantaged persons in the Campbell town area? --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6. Would you allow your family members, if any to visit and/ or frequent a soup kitchen in your area? 4.3 Focus group discussions After many consultations, it was decided to set up meetings at two town halls or community centres and have the homeless, needy and disadvantaged people attend those meetings. In those meetings, the team members that are charged with carrying out the research would have prior written questions by which they would hold conversations with the homeless, needy and disadvantaged who showed up and be able to get their views on the establishment of a soup kitchen. This method was regarded and seen as the most useful for the select group as they would be interviewed in such a way that they would be able to understand the purpose of the research and its implications. It would also ensure that proper information is gathered from the people that would be most affected by the research, the people that mattered. The organization had promised to make contact with other organizations and the local council and churches which encourage such projects to fund them and provide the supplies needed plus the infrastructure or building necessary for the soup kitchen and the building materials and all the other things required for the project to be successfully implemented. 4.4 Secondary sources A bit of literature, review was also conducted to consider other research projects undertaken in other areas and countries as well as information relating to the establishment of projects like soup kitchens that serve the homeless, needy and disadvantaged in the community. This literature review from journals, textbooks, Internet sources, government and local council reports and other secondary materials and publications. 4.5 Literature review analysed. A significant part of the literature review analysed was mainly to understand other similar projects undertaken in other countries on helping the disadvantaged in the community. A report from Cambodia was found which suggested a method of calculating the disadvantage levels in a given area. The calculation of the disadvantage levels in an area would be helpful in determining the type of project to undertake and the kind of project that would be beneficial to the disadvantaged as well as one that would not be too costly to a point that it lacks donors and well wishers willing to offer any support. According to the literature reviewed, the Socio - Economic Disadvantage Index measures the disadvantage levels. According to the survey conducted, Campbell town city is the ninth most disadvantaged council in Australia. Due to such levels of problem in the society, it is crucial to come up with a soup kitchen project that will aim to provide breakfast, lunch and clothing to the homeless and those in need (CDRI 2013). The literature reviewed was also crucial in determining who project stakeholders were and the process of stakeholder management. A project stakeholder is a person, a group or an organization that are involved actively in a project or those whose welfares may be affected by because of the project completion and includes the managers, project testers, resources managers, the homeless and project development teams (Lock, 2007). Finally, stakeholder management was reviewed as a significant aspect of appealing support from others. It helps ensure that the project succeeds where others have failed. Stakeholder analysis is a method that is used to help build support that will enhance success. The importance of using this technique is the gaining of support from influential stakeholders. Stakeholders can support dynamically where necessary since they will understand the benefits of the project ( Thomas and Hodges, 2010).Associated tasks. The associated event undertaken was the organization of meetings with the stakeholders, donors, the local council and some church officials to pitch the idea to them in an effort to obtain funding. This meeting was organized by the organization and I attend many to provide information on the project and provide answers to any logistic questions that would arise or any further questions that they might have had in relation to the soup kitchen project. Therefore, the social research was done by close conversation interviews and a bit of literature review, which will be further analysed here. 4.6 Process of formulating the questions. The issues to be put forward to the needy, homeless and disadvantaged people would have had to be very simple and straightforward questions that could be easily asked and easily understood. The questions were formulated keeping in mind the literacy levels of these people especially since most of them could not read or write. The questions were not to be biased or to portray the people as needy or a bother to the community but to give them a feel of their importance to the community and to the Campbell town area as a whole and of the society’s willingness to assist them in any way possible. The questions considered the following The people's status, whether they were homeless as well as needy or whether they had a place to stay but no way to get food and clothing for themselves. The people's willingness to go to a soup kitchen if one was available to eat. There was an overall question of whether the people would be willing to visit a soup kitchen. The kind of projects the disadvantage would like to have implemented to help them. It was meant to have a feel of the things and projects that the disadvantaged people considered as important and beneficial to them as opposed to those that were being set up for them without their consultations. There were also questions on their gender, age, family composition, dietary needs and so on. 4.7 Conduct of the team members and ethical considerations The team members who were to be involved in the interviews had to be dressed casually and to be very polite to the people having no regard for their homeless and ill-clothed state. They were to be patient with the people and make sure the questions were asked politely and clearly, and the answers noted and ticked appropriately. These team members were to inform the people prior to the day of the interview with the assistance of the local council and churches of the meetings to be held in the local community halls and as many as showed up would be used as samples for the entire population of needy people in the area. Participants will be selected on a voluntary basis. 5.0 Research findings From the questionnaires filled and brought back to the organization, the people had much the same needs and would welcome any efforts to feed and clothe them. t. Out of the 500 people interviewed 92% welcomed the idea. The questionnaires also provided adequate information necessary on special diet cases thus the kind of meals to prepare. It also provided us with the sizes of cloths to prepare depending on the size and age of individuals. The costs of running the soup kitchen would be high but the research and surveys conducted revealed a considerable number of well-wishers and organizations willing to sponsor such projects and partner with organizations doing such projects in order to ensure their success. 6.0 conclusion Being in an organization that aims to promote the wellbeing of the disadvantaged in the society, I was continually exposed to the plight of the needy, homeless and disadvantaged people in the area and got to care about their wellbeing as well. In my stay in the organization, I learned that to be able to help and reach out to the needy, one had first to develop a love for them. It was not just about starting projects for the sake of it but loving the disadvantaged so much that one is willing to help them and see them happy and satisfied in life. Some of the questions that guided me throughout the semester were the things that I could do or be part of that would assist the less advantaged people in the community. It is not right that one be satisfied in their wellbeing alone. One should seek ways to help others, no matter how trivial the help, as long as it changes the life of another person, it would be appreciated. A quote that guided me throughout the writing of the project was “A life not lived for others are not a life, “and“Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with love.” In the organization, I have to use my excellent skills in research and project writing on various projects being undertaken in the organization. The organization engages in a lot of research plus implementation of projects that I found very relevant and very educative. The very fact that I was allowed to take the lead in a project of my own choice and have them impressed by it to a point they would consider implementing it as well as publishing it in their journals and posting it on their website was a big compliment and motivation to keep pursuing the area of social research. All the information and knowledge acquired in the university came in handy while interning at the organization. I was surprised to apply the knowledge I learned at first year in University in the day-to-day work in the organization. An important form of knowledge is the ethics involved in working in such a field plus the considerations involved in relating with people, from the workers to the supervisors and top management to the participants of researchers and so on. In any work, social or other setting, there will always be friction in terms of misunderstandings, misconceptions or stereotyping and so on. Without the kind of tolerance taught in university, I would not have been able to overcome such challenges. Connecting theory to practice required a lot of skill and ‘thinking on my feet’. Being out in the field, one realizes that there is a gap between the theory taught in school and the practice involved when carrying out duties in the workplace. This gap I filled by engaging and applying a lot of skills and common sense as well as being inquisitive and paying close attention to what the supervisors do and say. The supervisors always encouraged us to ask questions and be sure of something before doing it rather than messing up and having to start again. I learned that with much practice and patience, I could become a good project manager and be able to formulate projects that would ultimately make the lives of people better and foster development in the society. The internship further made me realize that my real passion and career path would be one that allows me to engage in social projects that help the disadvantaged in society. Finally, the staff and managers at the organization would all be influential in my life. They all gave me their contacts and offered any assistance I may need in future. The managers even hinted at a possibility of employment in the future. Works Cited CDRI, (2013). Research Project Management and Development - A Handbook: Phon Pehn, Cambodia; sn Lewis, J., (2007). Fundamentals of Project Management New York, NY: Amaerican Management Association. Lock, D., (2007). Project Management. Aldershot, England: Gower Publishing. Read More