Fall-Spring 2025 Internship

Hi, my name is Melody Ripley and I was given the opportunity to intern at Hospitality House from Fall 2024, to Spring 2025!

In my time here, I have learned how to build lasting relationships with the locals of Avery and Watauga Counties, and how to truly give back to my community in the best ways possible. Being around the staff of Hospitality house, I have seen how efficiently people can work together for a greater cause, and really put others above themselves as well as lift up and really pay special care to their clientele.

 Watching the community band together after hurricane Helene was an irreplaceable experience, one that we were able to play a large role in regarding such a high volume of donations. Donations were even being brought from people driving in from other states to come help out the local community. Sorting through and organizing donations, as well as distributing to the surrounding people of watauga county was a truly gratifying feeling, knowing that in the midst of difficult times and changing seasons, I was able to be a part of something bigger than myself and help people experiencing homelessness. From day to day, the way I have been able to help out as an intern ranges from administrative paperwork duties in the office, to more practical hands-on tasks involving donation sorting and compartmentalizing, and facility organization.

I am extremely grateful to everyone at Hospitality House for having provided me with this opportunity, as helping others is such a grounding, honest, and irreplaceable experience that I think everybody should experience at least once in their life.  

Thanks to everyone at Hospitality House!!