Hi Reader-
Today, I start my work/summer blog. I currently intern at the Southeastern Economic Development Corporation (SEDC). The agency focuses on finding ways to remove blight and strengthen communities in older neighborhoods of San Diego. In particular, the program pays close attention to the neighborhoods to the east of Downtown (Freeway 5), south of Martin Luther Highway (94), and north of National City. These are some of the most down-trodden parts of town.
I got a desk today. Not just any desk, but the receptionist desk. Now, I act as a part-time receptionist.
At about 9:30AM, a man walked in wearing an unwashed green t-shirt. He took off his cap, and humbly asked me for a job. I had no idea what to say. I went back and talked to the president, Mr. Jerry Groomes. Jokingly, he told me to tell the visitor that I had just taken the last job at the office.
Mr. Groomes came out and introduced himself to the unemployed visitor. They quickly bonded. I was adamantly surprised, given the difference in status between the two men. Mr. Groomes did not simply tolerate the stranger's presence, but gravitated toward it. Both were African-American. The president told the stranger that SEDC was not employing now, but handed him a list of places to visit where he might find opportunity. Just briefly, I witnessed what kinds of hardship unemployed people face, but I also saw what had driven many people to work here at SEDC in the first place: a firm belief in the importance of community and helping one another.
Later I visited a low-income housing development, the Vista Grande Apartments. This was the last meeting, so the contractor, developer, housing commission people, and banker were all present. They went over the final change-order expenditures. Now that it was completed, we toured the renewed facility. I had a conversation with the contractor, Mr. Holmes. After discussing beams and construction logistics, I asked him what he felt about the project overall. He told me that these kinds of projects significantly help people. He said that previously, vagrants and criminals routinely broke into these homes, knocked out lights and video cameras, and dealt drugs. It created a very unhealthy and often violent atmosphere. The newly remodeled and refurnished apartments gave people much needed sense of civility and hope. It was worth the cost, he said, even while taking in consideration the abuses that occur within our welfare system.
My supervisor Mrs. Nancy Lytle received word about a new recycling facility being planned on Merchant St. We looked at maps, discussed it, and thought that a new metal recycling plant would not be beneficial for the neighborhood. Who wants a scrap-yard in their backyard? I guess things like this pop up all the time.
I am still trying to grasp what exactly SEDC does for the community.
I hope I can share more stories about my experiences on my blog, as well as pictures of places I have been.
Today, I start my work/summer blog. I currently intern at the Southeastern Economic Development Corporation (SEDC). The agency focuses on finding ways to remove blight and strengthen communities in older neighborhoods of San Diego. In particular, the program pays close attention to the neighborhoods to the east of Downtown (Freeway 5), south of Martin Luther Highway (94), and north of National City. These are some of the most down-trodden parts of town.
I got a desk today. Not just any desk, but the receptionist desk. Now, I act as a part-time receptionist.
At about 9:30AM, a man walked in wearing an unwashed green t-shirt. He took off his cap, and humbly asked me for a job. I had no idea what to say. I went back and talked to the president, Mr. Jerry Groomes. Jokingly, he told me to tell the visitor that I had just taken the last job at the office.
Mr. Groomes came out and introduced himself to the unemployed visitor. They quickly bonded. I was adamantly surprised, given the difference in status between the two men. Mr. Groomes did not simply tolerate the stranger's presence, but gravitated toward it. Both were African-American. The president told the stranger that SEDC was not employing now, but handed him a list of places to visit where he might find opportunity. Just briefly, I witnessed what kinds of hardship unemployed people face, but I also saw what had driven many people to work here at SEDC in the first place: a firm belief in the importance of community and helping one another.
Later I visited a low-income housing development, the Vista Grande Apartments. This was the last meeting, so the contractor, developer, housing commission people, and banker were all present. They went over the final change-order expenditures. Now that it was completed, we toured the renewed facility. I had a conversation with the contractor, Mr. Holmes. After discussing beams and construction logistics, I asked him what he felt about the project overall. He told me that these kinds of projects significantly help people. He said that previously, vagrants and criminals routinely broke into these homes, knocked out lights and video cameras, and dealt drugs. It created a very unhealthy and often violent atmosphere. The newly remodeled and refurnished apartments gave people much needed sense of civility and hope. It was worth the cost, he said, even while taking in consideration the abuses that occur within our welfare system.
My supervisor Mrs. Nancy Lytle received word about a new recycling facility being planned on Merchant St. We looked at maps, discussed it, and thought that a new metal recycling plant would not be beneficial for the neighborhood. Who wants a scrap-yard in their backyard? I guess things like this pop up all the time.
I am still trying to grasp what exactly SEDC does for the community.
I hope I can share more stories about my experiences on my blog, as well as pictures of places I have been.
Dude you're going to the same low-income housing projects I go to around Berkeley and Oakland to check eyes. Some look amazing, almost like nice apartments. Others are obviously little more than run-down homeless shelters.
ReplyDeleteThis is cool. Social responsibility!
That's great! May I ask- where do you work? I was planning on doing a summer internship in Oakland, but that fell through. Maybe you are doing the one I intended to do? Anyway, we should chat soon.
ReplyDelete