I worked with the Missionaries of Charity: Gift of Love for my Brodhead Service Project in Summer 2024. This program is run by the Sisters of the Catholic Church and provides free services to disadvantaged communities, which include both a Hospice Home and Street Ministry. The hospice branch consists of terminally ill men, many of whom have no health insurance, were previously incarcerated, suffered from homelessness and substance abuse issues, and have limited support from family or friends. The hospice home provides free end-of-life care to these residents.
Along with the hospice branch, Gift of Love conducts Street Ministry daily to provide food, resources, and solace to the homeless residing in San Francisco’s most poverty-stricken areas, including inner San Francisco, such as the Tenderloin.
I have volunteered with Gift of Love before and was incredibly inspired by their genuine actions. They are so generous and humble, demonstrating the true ability to put others before themselves. Through their kind actions, they are well known among the community of street people as people they can always count on. I hope to emulate these qualities in my future care of patients, exercising selflessness and understanding of a wide variety of backgrounds, experiences, and socioeconomic status.
