The organization formally called Andre House is essentially a non-profit organization dedicated to providing for homeless individuals living in the Phoenix area. I have personally volunteered at Andre House a little over half a dozen times, and each time it impresses me even more. The food kitchen feeds hundreds of homeless people every day. The majority of the work that is accomplished at Andre House is accomplished purely by volunteers.
The experience at Andre House is priceless. Although it seems to be a food kitchen just like any other, the concept of a food kitchen being located no more than thirty five miles from Anthem is mind-boggling. It is difficult for Anthem citizens, who are usually sheltered within their three thousand square-foot homes, to comprehend the fact that there are thousands of people starving on the streets less than an hour’s drive away. It is a truly humbling experience to spend even a few short hours at one of the many food kitchens there are in the world and experience what it means to do your civic duty for the less fortunate.
The implications that civic service like that of a food kitchen may have on society today are numerous. The most obvious implication of civic service is that the homeless individuals are able to eat a free meal and possibly obtain free clothing and other supplies. The circumstances that may have put a homeless person in their position are numerous and diverse. The person may either have a mental problem, or they could be addicted to some sort of drug that has caused them to struggle with daily tasks, or they may have simply lost their job and find it difficult to get back on their feet. Regardless of the reason, non-profit organizations like Andre House give homeless people the opportunity to have another chance at regaining a normal life and becoming the person they dream of being.
However, not all of the implications of this particular form of civic duty are positive. The idea that the services at Andre House could be taken advantage of is a disturbing thought, but the idea is true. While volunteering at Andre House, one of the leaders there stated that some of the homeless individuals that walk through the line choose to live the life they live. Many of the people that live on the streets choose that lifestyle. It is a difficult thing for middle or upper-class individuals to comprehend, but many people enjoy a homeless lifestyle. The homeless person is provided with the materials that are required to survive, like food, water, and shelter. They are not forced to work, pay taxes, or participate in any other typical American habits. Each homeless person can easily find a way to live completely off of the government. Food kitchens like Andre House are numerous in every major city around the nation. While this lifestyle is not illegal, or necessarily immoral, the fact still remains that homeless people that choose to be homeless are living for free off of the funding of the government, yet offer no civic service in return.
Civic Duty is a fundamental piece of the American system. It is not difficult to see how giving back to the community can improve the well-being of America as a nation. Community service can give much needed aid to those in need; it can lead to government action through participation in politics, and can even help protect the people living in America. It is important to recognize the importance of participating in the community and being a valuable part of society. These principles establish the very basis of America as a nation and provide America with the ability to operate as an effective democracy.
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