Peter’s Big Move to The Big Easy
I moved down to New Orleans in the middle of a global pandemic. On top of that, a tropical storm was set to hit the weekend I flew in. Needless to say, it was a strange time to move to a city I’d never been to before. I had accepted my position as AmeriCorps VISTA Volunteer for the Harry Tompson Center back in March just before everything began to shut down. As a result of COVID-19, my start date was pushed back by a month, and then another month after that as the country tried to adjust. By the time the call came that I’d be starting in June, I was more than ready to get going.
I was slated to start at the Harry Tompson Center a mere few days after arriving to New Orleans. It is certainly a different experience working during a pandemic. Streets that I imagined would be bustling with music and tourists are virtually empty. Museums, cultural attractions and other places I’d been looking forward to visiting to learn more about this city are closed. Like many of us, I find myself wondering if this is the new normal. I was lucky enough to be able to meet my colleagues in person, though it is always a bit odd to meet someone with a mask on. It’s like you don’t even know what they really look like!
Because the HTC is operating with limited services, I’ve not had the opportunity to see the HTC at full capacity. My colleagues have related stories of a bustling courtyard and a humming atmosphere as hundreds of regulars and new faces would cycle through each day. However, we are fortunate in that we are still able to serve those experiencing homelessness. While we can only provide hygiene services to a limited number of guests at a time, the Center is almost always full of energy and positivity. I arrive every morning to find Christian and Eva running about, preparing showers for the next guests. I find guests brushing their teeth, shaving, and enjoying a clean and fresh start to each new day. They seem happy that we are here. I find my colleagues chatting and laughing with our guests, reminding me just how important a little human compassion is during these trying times.
As odd as it can be at times, it feels great to finally have meaningful goals to work towards. Whereas for months I was simply lounging around at home, sustaining my sanity with coffee and books, I am now busy helping out with the day-to-day operations of the HTC. As the new Donations Coordinator, I am developing a comprehensive system for accepting and tracking donations, and giving our deepest thanks to donors. As we are coming off the heels of our Annual Gala, I am assisting in coordinating communications with donors, sponsors, and auction winners. During any lull in these activities, I am on the ground, lending a helping hand to my co-workers, training in cleaning port-o-lets, and making space for new projects coming down the pipeline.
I consider myself quite lucky to be able to go into an office every day. Not only that, but I get to work for an organization that directly improves the quality of life for those most vulnerable during this pandemic. While times are strange indeed, we are still able to find a way to bring comfort to those who need it. What our guests may not know is that having human connection is good for our well-being, too.
