Andrea Yee volunteered with Don’t Walk By, an annual outreach to the homeless, for the first time last February. And it changed the way she views the city she has called home for eight years now.
She says it gave her a sense of ownership of the city. She was able to talk with her homeless neighbors as just that—neighbors, rather than as strangers. “Volunteering with Don’t Walk by provided the opportunity, support, and tools to live out Mark 12 where we are called to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength AND to love our neighbor as ourselves,” Andrea said.
She learned that a simple “hello” can make all the difference. That a small interaction can make a bigger impact than you might realize. “Every person is wonderfully and beautifully created and deserves to be recognized and known,” Andrea said.
Throughout the day, Andrea was able to meet other first-time volunteers with Don’t Walk By. Together, they talked about the mutual feeling of being called to spend the day serving the city. It was a powerful moment that really drew them together as a team. “It reminded me of one of my favorite C.S. Lewis quotes,” Andrea said. “What draws people to be friends is that they see the same truth, they share it.”
Andrea considers serving with Don’t Walk By a highlight of her year last year, and it has made a lasting impact on how she looks at the city. “If you consider NYC your home, you need to volunteer with Don’t Walk By just once,” Andrea said. “Also, make sure to wear two pairs of socks!”
