Students Reach Out With Touch Project

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The 2010 Touch Project took place this past Saturday as a group of NCU students and staff ventured out to serve the homeless community of Eugene beneath the Jefferson Street Bridge. In the weeks leading up to the event, empty barrels were placed around campus for clothing donations. Slowly but surely they filled to the top and by the day of the event, were all overflowing. Monetary donations were also taken a few days prior so that various hygiene products could be purchased and handed out.

This project was led by current students, Britni Steiling and Crystal Rutherford, and supported by the campus pastor, Steve Poetzl. Their goal was to create a homeless outreach in which both the students and community could be a part of and see first hand what these people go through and where they are coming from.

Steiling had tried doing something similar to this last year beneath the bridge but was so busy trying to make everything happen that she never had time to interact with the people. This year she got that opportunity. She explained, "I really want students to be pushed out of their comfort zones. My perception of the homeless was bad before a similar experience to the one I am trying to simulate with the Touch Project. I found my calling and would like to create that desire in NCU students if it is something they find joy in doing. These people just want to be recognized. It would be great to find the perfect fit for each student in a place they could enjoy volunteering. It's something they need to try for themselves."

She would also like students to hear the stories these people have to tell before passing their judgment upon them. Though the number of students who signed up to volunteer was not nearly as high as she had hoped, a few more faces showed up than expected and had there not been such conflict with other activities going on with the school that day, there would have most likely been a  greater response. The students though, did rise to the occasion with their generous clothing donations and the monetary aid of those who were able to give. 

Sorting the clothing took over two and a half hours split between three people due to the large quantity. There were actually so many items collected that everyone in attendance walked away with armfuls and the rest were donated to the Eugene Mission and St. Vincent De Paul. The clothing station was just one of the many provided.

Also available to them that day were various forms of entertainment for all ages, which included basketball games, gospel bracelet making, face painting, a performance by NCU's Parable team, and musical entertainment provided by NCU alumnus Tommy Parker, along with current students Matt Shockley and Scott Perkins. The people attending would join in and sing when they knew the words and dance when they felt the urge. It was quite touching. One woman felt so compelled by the music and Parable's performance, she gave them five of her very own bangles, insisting they keep them as a gift from her.

Various tables and other stations provided these people with daily necessities we may take for granted. There was a table full of personal hygiene products including soaps and deodorant. Hair cuts were given and makeovers for the women were available. After hair cuts and make-up, they had the option of getting their picture taken and framed, for them to keep. This was something new and was what Britni was most excited about, "Any little thing to restore their dignity and let them remember the time they had-that is what I would like to give them." She actually ended up giving up her personal Bible to a little boy who wanted his very own and promised to her that he would read it every day. This was something very dear to her, and she hopes that he will keep up his promise.

A person could also get their feet washed by one of our students and their toe nails clipped. Rutherford actually experienced her favorite moment while washing feet. She was approached by an eight-year-old little girl who wanted her feet washed. While washing her feet, Rutherford shared with the girl how Jesus had washed all of his disciples' feet before the Last Supper and the reason behind it. The girl listened to her quite intently and when finished, she asked if she could in turn wash someone else's feet.

Rutherford said, "I was really humbled by this girl or young woman rather, I told her she was a woman to me for what she did that day. She took so much time and put so much care into it. She passed along the story just exactly as I had told her. It was most amazing to me how she held her face and didn't gag. This little girl was so brave,"

Food was also provided for these individuals and their families by Free People of Eugene, who also provided a few extra bodies to help. Over 1000 hamburger patties were grilled up and approximately 700 plates were served. Steiling estimated that around 350-400 people showed up that day considering most of them came back for seconds. The left-over patties were then frozen and saved for the next weekend. It seemed as though there was a 50/50 split on this day between the homeless and those living in disadvantaged housing. Next year there will be more flyers passed out and work will begin sooner to get more bodies out there. All in all, this event was a success and will be put on the calendar again next year.