Jay Dunn: Journalism for Social Justice

Image 1 of 1
Less

140424 jd sweep01.jpg

Add to Lightbox Download

An unprecedented joint effort between Dorothy's Place staff, CSUMB's Service Learning Institute and a number of dedicated volunteers helped allay resident's anxiety prior to a City of Salinas sweep of the Chinatown homeless encampments in the Soledad Street area. Packing materials were gathered weeks in advance of the regular cleanup, and at first light teams of volunteers woke people up, offering coffee, breakfast, and moving supplies such as boxes and large plastic containers to the needy. In an innovative move, CSUMB's fenced area next to the Chinatown Community Learning Center was designated a secure belongings zone for the day, manned by a check-in system, enabling residents to reclaim their possessions at the end of the day. Food and music was planned for later in the day inside the Chinatown Community Gardens. This well-organized plan made a noticeable difference to everyone. Residents were more prepared for the event, and that made the city's effort to ensure cleanliness in the area less traumatic.

Copyright
Reproduction or transmission of this copyrighted image is prohibited without written consent.
Image Size
4256x2832 / 5.2MB
Keywords
Contained in galleries
USA "Down and Still Out: Homeless in Salinas" Jay Dunn
An unprecedented joint effort between Dorothy's Place staff, CSUMB's Service Learning Institute and a number of dedicated volunteers helped allay resident's anxiety prior to a City of Salinas sweep of the Chinatown homeless encampments in the Soledad Street area. Packing materials were gathered weeks in advance of the regular cleanup, and at first light teams of volunteers woke people up, offering coffee, breakfast, and moving supplies such as boxes and large plastic containers to the needy. In an innovative move, CSUMB's fenced area next to the Chinatown Community Learning Center was designated a secure belongings zone for the day, manned by a check-in system, enabling residents to reclaim their possessions at the end of the day. Food and music was planned for later in the day inside the Chinatown Community Gardens. This well-organized plan made a noticeable difference to everyone. Residents were more prepared for the event, and that made the city's effort to ensure cleanliness in the area less traumatic.