Giving to the Homeless Youth

Christine Gutfeld
Stephanie Seaney

The homeless issue for youth in Jackson County is the highest in the state of Oregon. For the year 2010-2011 youth from ages 0-21 amounted to over 2,000 in number. Maslow Project, a non-profit organization based in Medford, Oregon, attacks this social justice issue with providing basic needs based on the concepts of Abraham Maslow and his hierarchy of needs. These needs include clothing, hygiene, food, school supplies, diapers, etc. all acquired from donations throughout the community. In order to aid Maslow in this social justice issue, a massive donation drive was put in place to bring community together. Over a period of two months more than 2,000 items were collected. Those who partnered with the project came from various generations from senior citizens to elementary students. Upon delivery, the staff at Maslow Project and the youth who are the benefactors of this drive were overwhelmed with gratitude.