BEKI USY Helps Restore Shelters for the Homeless

On August 18, teens from Beth El-Keser Israel (BEKI) USY got their hands dirty as they spent the day helping restore living spaces for people facing homelessness, in partnership with the organization Christian Community Action (CCA).

CCA runs several homeless shelters in New Haven. The residents of these shelters were moved to hotels during the COVID-19 crisis so that they could maintain a safer distance. The restoration work in these living spaces will make them pleasant, safe homes when residents return under a less crowded plan.

Some members of BEKI USY had already been volunteering with CCA, including Ella May, the Social Action/Tikkun Olam Chair (pictured at the top of the stairs). She was excited to make this opportunity an official USY event, and to get more people involved in important, hands-on work. May took to heart the advice of CCA Executive Director Rev. Bonita Grubbs to "turn protests into projects" that will help residents of color in New Haven for the long term.

This was the second volunteer opportunity for BEKI USY teens in August; they helped run a Red Cross Blood Drive at the BEKI synagogue on August 13.

New Haven area teens are welcome to join BEKI USY for events from socially distanced volunteer projects to online Virtual Lounge Nights.

For more information, contact BEKI Youth and Family Programming Director Annie Norman-Schiff at anormanschiff@beki.org.

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