My Uncle Tom was once a joyful and hardworking mechanic, known for his warm smile and great stories. But after his wife left him and he faced health problems, he lost his job and eventually his home. 

I remember the day I saw him sitting alone on a park bench, his clothes tattered and his spirit dimmed. I approached him, my heart heavy with worry, but he brushed off my attempts to help, insisting he was fine. As winter came, I noticed his health declining. He struggled to find shelter, facing barriers he couldn’t overcome.

One cold evening, I learned that he had been found unresponsive on the street. The news shattered me. I felt helpless, filled with regret for not doing enough while he was alive. At his memorial, I promised to honor his memory by advocating for those experiencing homelessness. 

His story reminds me of the fragility of life and the importance of helping others. I vowed to ensure that no one else faces such despair alone.

Our project seeks to address two urgent issues in Chittenden County, Vermont—issues that resonate across the nation. We are not only addressing homelessness but also sustainable housing. We understand that this will not be an easy task, but with our project, we can kill two birds with one stone and raise awareness about the issues. When the motel housing program ended, over 1,500 individuals were left without shelter, placing their lives at risk in the streets. Exposed to the elements and drug addicts, these people’s quality of life declines rapidly. Now more than ever, the government must take responsibility for these people, while ensuring that environmental sustainability is also a top priority

We plan to create a more sustainable homeless shelter. Many buildings and homes are built in a way that heavily impacts the environment. Our design includes solar panels, and water filtration systems, and is made out of recycled wood. We need your donations and signatures to bring this important issue to the attention of the South Burlington Select Board.

What is at stake is not just the well-being of those affected, but the future of our community as a whole. For too long, we have ignored the cry for help of those living in poverty, turning away from their helpless faces. By acting today and now, we have the power to make a meaningful impact in their lives—ensuring that everyone in our community has the chance to live with stability and hope for the future.