Dan Kauffman admits to laziness, but only as far as his eating habits are concerned. Neglecting his grocery shopping has caused him to live on peanut butter and pepperoni sandwiches (with toasted bread) for the past week, but maybe that is because he has more important things than grocery shopping on his to-do list.
Kauffman, an Ohio University senior, spends several nights a week at the Timothy House, an emergency homeless shelter that is part of the Good Works program in Athens.
Since his freshman year at OU, Kauffman has either volunteered or worked at Good Works, an organization that provides support and community for people struggling with poverty in rural Appalachia, according to its Web site (www.good-works.net).
Kauffman, a double major in Spanish and Philosophy, had just returned from a mission trip to Mexico when he heard Good Works founder and executive director Keith Wasserman speak at a Campus Crusade for Christ meeting and decided to volunteer at Good Works.
When I came back to school
I knew I wanted to get involved somehow in helping the poor Kauffman said.
Kauffman began volunteering at Good Works during his freshman year, spending four hours a month at the Timothy House on weekends. Later, he began volunteering five hours of his Monday evenings.
This month, Kauffman began his newest task at the Timothy House as a member of the night shift staff. Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday night, Kauffman works at the shelter from 9 p.m. until 8 a.m. the next day.
Kauffman's duties at the Timothy House include conducting interviews, taking requests for shelter, fielding phone calls, accepting donations, giving tours and making sure that everything is in order in the house.
One of my jobs is just to be in a relationship with the residents Kauffman said.
The Timothy House provides temporary housing for people struggling with poverty issues, and residents will live there for anywhere between a few days to a few months.
Each person has a very different story
Kauffman said. I just love people. I think I have a lot to learn from all kinds of people.
Kauffman said he asked for the night shift job in order to connect with people living in the house more consistently.
You have more opportunities to build relationships with people. Volunteering is a great opportunity and I would definitely recommend it
but this is more interaction
Kauffman said of his new job.
To be honest
it's taxing
but I feel more relaxed and more focused than I ever have
Kauffman said.
Wasserman called Kauffman a lighthearted, caring person.
Dan is a very faithful man. He works very well with strangers. He's very open
he's very warm
and he's got enthusiasm
