When I was in my last year of high school at Pleasantview Prep, I had to fulfill several requirements in order to graduate that June. All Seniors had to put in four afternoons volunteering at some local charity and our guidance counselor handed me my assignment to serve at Arris Homeless Shelter--a three floor building located in low income neighborhood that bordered Pleasantview to the North.

I had little contact with poor people in Pleasantview--my life had been coddled that way since I lived in an expensive neighborhood of mainly well off people. When I arrived at the address I was very surprised to see so many women with children living at the shelter. There were also a handful of elderly people and married adults with families occupying apartments. How could these seemingly regular people be homeless? I thought the majority of homeless people were either men, criminals, mentally ill or on drugs.


The typical residents of the Arris Town Shelter were families, like this one.


I was supposed to be a student tutor for any kids who needed some assistance in their homework. Nervous but excited, I took out books, magazines, and pens and paper and sat at a large table in the communal meeting area waiting to see if anyone would come by and talk with me. Residents went about their activities in the community room but didn't approach me. A few nodded politely as they prepared a microwave meal or read the newspaper or worked on what looked to be job applications.

Some kids had art supplies at one table and painted quietly while their mother fed their baby sister in a high chair. An older lady was sitting in the back of the room folding clothing donations.

After about half an hour a guy about my age came in the door.
Finally, I thought as he approached my table with a big smile.

"Are you here for volunteer help?" I asked.
"Oh, yeah, I am here for volunteering," he replied with Caribbean accented English. "My name is Leon LaViere."
"I'm Laura Ellie. So Leon, do you need help with reading or writing?"
He looked puzzled then laughed deeply.
"Oh, no, mon, I don't need tutoring, I am a volunteer! I come in once a week to hang out with the kids and play games."

I meet a friend.

"Oh, I'm sorry I thought--" I began but he waved my apology away with a quick gesture.
"No problem, my dear. It's okay! You'll learn we are more similar than different here."


Leon had a great sense of humor and a warm laugh.

One of the kids rushed over and hugged Leon.
"Hey, Leon!" he exclaimed.
"Tray, my man. How you doing, dude?"
"Okay, I got a B on my math test and Mommy says I can pick out a toy at the toy store when she gets paid next week."
"Well, all right!" said Leon. "How about that!"

Leon was like a fun big brother.

"Leon! Leon, come on over and dance!" called out another little girl.
"I'm coming. I'll be right over." He he turned to me, "Hey, Laura, I bet you like to dance ."
"Yes, I do!"
"Then join us and let's show these little ones some moves!"

We danced and played games with the kids.

I liked him immediately. He seemed so good with the kids and always smiling and very friendly. Instead of just doing the required community service, I signed up to work each Tuesday afternoon with him at the shelter. We got along great and soon became best friends.