On November 18^th, the Southwest Organizing Project's (SWOP) community violence intervention team, Communities Partnering 4 Peace (CP4P), exemplified the spirit of compassion and community engagement by volunteering at the Olive Branch Homeless Shelter. As the holiday season approaches, CP4P recognizes the importance of extending a helping hand to those in need. By partnering with Olive Branch Homeless Shelter, the team aimed to create a warm and welcoming environment for individuals facing homelessness during a time when the need for support is particularly prevalent. CP4P arrived at the building with large pans of food prepared by Celebrations by Us, a small catering business, and set to work, donning gloves and hair nets. Their gesture not only filled stomachs, but also left a lasting impression on the men, women and children whose lives they touched, some even reaching out to SWOP to inquire about more of their work.

Volunteering at the Olive Branch Homeless Shelter allows the CP4P team to forge meaningful connections with the community and contribute to the well-being of its members. The CP4P team not only assists in providing nourishing meals but also engages with its residents, fostering a sense of belonging and human connection. Through their involvement, CP4P not only addresses immediate needs but also demonstrates a commitment to building a stronger, more compassionate community that supports its most vulnerable members. “Community safety starts before crimes and violence. Being able to reach out before something happens and ensuring that we’re all taking care of each other is just as important a step in protecting our communities. We want to be able to uplift those in need, provide what we can, work with them and continue to build connections with them so that they don’t have to feel like it’s just them against the world when we’re all in this together.” Calvin Brown, System Program Director of CP4P, shared.

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