MT ’11 Day #4

Wednesday was a very different day for us and our normal schedule. We had the opportunity to go as two large groups to do some volunteer work. One group went to a community garden to help put in planter boxes so that people in wheel chairs could participate in gardening. The other group went and cleaned an alley. In less than an hour and a half the back of a 2 ton city truck was full of all sorts of trash.
We then went to the famous Mama’s Tamales shop across the street from McArthur park. Not only was the food amazing and the park beautiful but Mama told the story of how in 1998 there were 600 arrests in the park then with the help of a non-profit she started they were able to make the park a safer place. In 2005 the police chief told her there were Zero arrests.
We then rode a city bus to the Skid Row area of downtown LA. This is a 50 square block area designated by the city for homeless people to go. The youth passed out waters and had conversations with many of the people there. It was a truly overwhelming and impactful experience for everyone. We hope to post reflections from the youth soon!
We then spent the rest of the day at the beach. The community and connections that are being made with everyone is awesome!

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