Building Communities: Getting Started

Vera M -

Welcome back, everyone!

This Tuesday, February 11th, I visited the Soup Kitchen for the first time to meet the staff, get familiar with the environment, and work with Dr. Jansky to finalize the details of my project. Initially, my plan was to interview unhoused individuals to gain firsthand insight into their experiences with waste disposal. However, I quickly realized that this approach would not be possible, as direct interviews were not feasible in this setting. Instead, I had to shift my focus to pure observation and note-taking, which, in many ways, has given me a broader perspective on the issue. Rather than asking direct questions, I can now watch, gather information from the staff and volunteers, and analyze patterns of trash accumulation to better understand the root causes of waste buildup in Tucson’s homeless communities.

Today, I am shadowing Dr. Jansky at the soup kitchen and assisting with trash collection efforts in the 100-yard radius surrounding the facility. As I observe, I am starting to think critically about potential solutions to the trash management issue. By paying attention to patterns of waste disposal, I can identify whether unhoused individuals are using available trash bins, leaving trash in common areas, or lacking proper disposal options altogether. Additionally, I am considering factors such as the placement and accessibility of waste bins and how that might impact behavior.

At the same time, I am actively helping distribute food and hygiene items to those in need. Through these interactions, I get a glimpse into their daily lives and the challenges they face with waste disposal and with basic survival and access to resources. It has beeninteresting to see how waste accumulation is often not just a matter of negligence but a result of larger systemic issues, such as limited access to sanitation services, a lack of public trash receptacles, and the daily struggle of carrying belongings from place to place.

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Comments:

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    connor_l
    I really like how you have shaped your project and that you were still able to gather useful data even though you were not able to interview individual subjects. Have you discussed with your mentor about the economic feasibility that comes with better waste management? I look forward to your next blog post!
    February 14, 2025 at 9:21 am - Reply
    karthik_a
    I love how in your project you are getting a first-hand glimpse of the lives of the unhoused. What do you think the next steps of your project will entail?
    February 14, 2025 at 11:08 am - Reply
    herron_b
    Hello Vera! From shifting your perspective to a more observational role to changing your focus more onto the staff and volunteers, I really like how your adaptability and versatility thrive when challenges present themselves! Do you think you'll ever have the opportunity to interview these unhoused individuals? Keep up the good work!
    February 15, 2025 at 10:49 am - Reply
    komla_w
    Hey Vera! I love how your project is shining a light on the Tucson homeless situation that is often overlooked by people our age. The homelessness issue is very important and needs to be addressed. I appreciate how you went a step further, not only looking into homelessness but also the waste issue that may be linked with it. Very interesting topic! I can't wait for your next blog!
    February 15, 2025 at 12:49 pm - Reply
    vera_m
    Thank you, Komla! I appreciate your positive attitude!
    February 18, 2025 at 10:36 am - Reply
    vera_m
    Thank you, Herron! I originally wanted to interview the individuals; however they are a very vulnerable population, and I would need to get federal approval to interview them. That is why my project shifted to an observational project.
    February 18, 2025 at 10:44 am - Reply
    vera_m
    Hello, Karthik! The next few steps of my project will be reading articles and gathering ideas on how I can spread awareness and contain trash from spreading.
    February 18, 2025 at 10:48 am - Reply
    vera_m
    Hello, Connor! Thank you for your question. I have not yet discussed the economic feasibility that comes with better waste management, but that is definitely something I plan to look into and research more about.
    February 18, 2025 at 10:51 am - Reply

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