Human Connection: Impact Kits 2019

November 14, 2019

Far too many veterans are experiencing homelessness in our community. They can lack access to even the most basic resources and supplies, and many are living without much of any human connection. 

That’s why this past Veteran’s Day more than 100 people came together to build 400 “Impact Kits,” distribute them to the people most in need throughout our community, and learn how to answer the question, “How can I help?”

Both KOIN and KPTV put together a pair of fantastic spotlights about the event and spoke with some of the volunteers who donated their time to try to make life a little easier for their fellow community members. 

People are constantly asking: “What can I do?” about the obvious problems seen across our community. It can be easy to think of the problem as too big to solve, or too complex to respond to, but at the end of the day, it’s the little things we can take for granted — like a warm pair of socks, a new toothbrush, or a smile with eye contact —  these little things can have a big impact.

And best of all, it’s something every single one of us can do. 

If we as a community can fill our daily interactions with compassion, kindness, and true human connection, our community and all of its members will be for the better. Put simply by the most famous neighbor, Mr. Rogers, “Imagine what our real neighborhoods would be like if each of us offered, as a matter of course, just one kind word to another person.”

It really is as simple as looking someone in the eye, conversing with them as an equally important human being, and taking that extra moment to make a human connection. That’s what we’re all here to do. To help strengthen, support, stabilize, and empower those in our community most in need. 

For a closer look at the event, take a moment to watch this video created by longtime Impact NW supporter, Fred Kawabata. 

We are so lucky to be supported by AWS Elemental, Cloudability, Clover, Cozy, LaPorte,  Noble Hour, PepsiCo., Prosper Portland,  Sheer ID, Street Roots, Swift, Technology Association of Oregon, and TriMet.