The incarcerated population of San Quentin Rehabilitation Center held a food and hygiene drive in an effort to subsidize a marginalized community in Richmond, California.
The aim of the community outreach project is for SQRC residents to show kindness and empathy by providing necessities to the at-risk youth occupants of the Tiny Village Spirit.
“This is a way for us to reach outside these walls and show others we are capable and willing to help those in need,” said resident Troy Makanski.
SQRC Community Resource Office’s staff A. Torres and residents Kenny York, Troy Makanski, Coby Philips, and Benjaramin Greenspon fostered the idea of building a relationship with the outside community by providing support through a donation drive.
Hundreds of SQRC residents showed their willingness to participate when they lined up on collection day to place items into donation boxes.
Resident Tony Chavez donated a tube of toothpaste and a bar of soap; he is thankful for the chance to give back.
“A lot of times people are too proud to ask for help,” Chavez said. “This gives us the opportunity to let others know we care about them.”
Items collected had a value of more than $1,300 and consisted of pouch food, Top Ramen soups, dry goods, body wash, bar soap, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, and conditioner.
Tiny Village Spirit Coordinator Sally Hindman and outside volunteer Dennis Kettler said the donations would go a long way in supporting the first legal Tiny House Village and Garden in Richmond.
Hindman said the generosity and kindness shown by the SQRC community is an expression of loving your neighbor as yourself.
“This wouldn’t have been possible without all of you,” said Hindman. “This means the world to us. Thank you so much.”
According to Hindman, adding 13 new units to the location more than doubled the emergency space available for the young unhoused people in Richmond.
Warden C. Andes shook hands with participants of the community outreach and encouraged both the SQRC and Richmond volunteers to continue working together.
Resident York said the plan is for staff of the community resources team at San Quentin to collaborate with residents to assemble the furniture.
“The donations were approved, the lumber bought and delivered, now we are just waiting for a scheduled date to start building,” York said.
Resident Makanski said there are many people within the incarcerated population who are willing to give to those who may be struggling.
“This is what we do here at San Quentin: we find ways to help people and then we work together to get it done,” Makanski said.