More Than Shelter

This spring I had the privilege of interning at Hospitality House, and the experience taught me lessons that I will carry with me throughout my life. Working in the Boone Brook Hollow Complex, which includes the shelter, was a shift in perspective from my day to day routine. I spent a lot of time in the kitchen serving dinner to clients, as well as working behind the front desk to answer phone calls, check in clients for the night, and retrieve necessary items such as soap, blankets, bandages, etc. Interacting and building relationships with clients made me realize how easy it is for anyone to fall victim to the current housing crisis. Many of the clients at Hospitality House are hardworking, kind individuals who are simply down on their luck. This semester provided clarity on how easy it is for myself and others to take everyday privileges such as housing and food for granted. 

As a marketing/PR intern most of my time was split between the Brook Hollow Complex shelter location and the Watauga Housing & Outreach Center at Den Mac Drive. This allowed me to gain valuable experience in a corporate setting as well, such as copywriting and organizational skills. This internship was valuable in the scope of learning how a non-profit organization operates.

The staff within the organization are truly dedicated to teaching interns soft skills they can carry throughout their time in the workforce, and are willing to offer guidance when needed. They promote innovation and love to hear new ideas, providing room for growth and creativity every day. Hospitality House hosts a team of staff, interns, and volunteers that are more like a family wherein no one member can carry out their responsibilities without the support of the rest. My experience this semester couldn’t be replicated anywhere else and I will always hold my time spent within the organization close to my heart.