Expanding Horizons
If you would like to learn more about what Chum does in Duluth, MN, and how we, and other partnering organizations, serve our neighbors, Expanding Horizons is an awesome opportunity to do so. This is intended to be an immersive experience to learn more about what people experiencing homelessness day to day in Duluth face.
Expanding Horizons - a poverty immersion experience
Expanding Horizons is a 5 hour immersion experience that gives community members the opportunity to learn about poverty, hunger, and homelessness in Duluth by visiting organizations that work with people experiencing these realities every day.
Groups learn the impacts of poverty, hunger, and homelessness on Duluthians and see first-hand some of the available resources. Tours are set to start soon. Preregister with Rev. Patricia Benson. Group sizes range from 8 to 15 people; smaller groups can join with another group. To schedule Expanding Horizons for your group, please email Rev. Patricia Benson.
Schedule
During the event we will gather at the Chum Food Shelf (120 N. 1st Avenue West) by 7:45 am (or Damiano at 8:55 if a youth group). To ensure parking spots at Chum for the Food Shelf and volunteers, please carpool or park somewhere else (free parking above 3rd Street). Allow yourself plenty of time to find the location and parking.
We will have a light breakfast at Damiano but no other meal will be eaten. Bring only what you can carry for the day. Leave anything that you don’t need behind. There will be no place to leave belongings. Wear comfortable & weather-appropriate clothing as we will be doing a lot of walking outside.
The day will end at approximately 1:00 pm (12:45 for youth groups). Expanding Horizons happens rain or shine! (We cancel if the Duluth Transit Authority stops operations.)
There is a $50 cost per person but this price can vary depending on the ability to pay. The money is distributed among the partnering agencies to cover staff time.
Day of Schedule
7:45 - 8:00 AM
8:15 AM
8:50 AM
9:30 AM
10:00 AM
10:40 AM
11:10 AM
11:45 AM
12:20 PM
12:40 PM
Check-in and introductions @ Chum Food Shelf
Chum Food Shelf
Damiano Center
Human Development Center (at Damiano Center)
Steve O'Neil Apartments and Family Shelter
Life House
Chum Shelter and Drop-in Center
American Indian Community Housing Organization
Clayton Jackson McGhie Memorial
Chum Admin Parking lot - reflection and discussion
What to Expect
You will be on a hurry-up-and-wait schedule. This is the reality for many people living on the margins (buses, waiting in lines for food housing, etc.). You may be tired and hungry - again reality for those who live on the margins.
Be aware, and challenge assumptions. We do what we can in our time together; it’s not a comprehensive tour (you can ask for a follow-up at another time). Think about these places we visit as resources for your families, friends at school, your neighbors, and yourselves. Sit with feelings of being uncomfortable- challenge yourself to ask “why am I uncomfortable?"
Please contact Rev. Patricia Benson (218-206-5349) for more information or to schedule your Expanding Horizons experience.