Chloe Aiken is a sophomore here at Emmanuel College. She is an RA in Loretto Hall and some of her favorite hobbies include rock climbing and longboarding. Chloe is a caring person who embodies the quote, “Always be kinder than necessary,” making her another perfect Campus Cutie for Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week!
Relationship Status: Taken!
Hometown: Pepperell, MA
Major: Biology
Zodiac Sign: Capricorn
HCE: What does it mean to you that Emmanuel is recognizing this week and many clubs, such as ECCO, are promoting it in a big way?
CA: I actually just heard of it for the first time recently but I think it’s good that our school is doing it. It’s good to have a dedicated week, but it’s also important to realize that homelessness is a constant struggle. Everywhere you go in Boston you’ll find hunger and homelessness of some sort. But it’s helpful that we’re having events to show that these issues are happening right outside of our gates, you don’t have to go across the world to find it.”
HCE: What have you done to raise awareness in communities over the years or even on a personal level?
CA: Usually I do my own stuff. Pine Street Inn is a local shelter that I’ve contacted before to learn more for a project I did about the truth behind homelessness. The project showed me that there’s a really big community within the homeless community. I’ve talked to [homeless] people on the streets before and they have told me it’s not as bad as people think it is.
HCE: It’s surprising to me that some homeless people have expressed this to you, can you explain that more?
CA: Well there was one guy that I would usually see on my way to work and when it started getting cold I would buy him a coffee. We would talk every once in a while. He said it’s not that bad, it’s tough in the winter, but the friends he makes help and a lot of the people share similar struggles. People always bounce back and forth in and out of it he explained. I think the biggest thing I learned was that homeless is such a sudden issue. Let’s say your house catches on fire or something, that’s that.
HCE: What’s another rewarding experience you’ve done dealing with homelessness?
CA: The biggest thing I’ve done at Emmanuel so far was last semester on the quad for another project. My group got a cardboard box and we had homeless people’s stories printed out on the inside. So we had people sit in the box and look at the stories. Some of the stories were “I got divorced, I got depressed, and now I’m homeless.” It can really be that simple.
HCE: What were some of the reactions of EC students after they looked in the box and read the stories?
CA: A lot of them said they would have expected the homeless people to be druggies or assumed they had always been homeless. Anyone is capable of being homeless but we don’t really think about it. A lot of them were also surprised that homelessness could happen that quickly to anyone and they were glad that we showed them a different perspective than usual. It was overall really positive.
Chloe in Africa on a mission trip
HCE: What’s a simple act that somebody could do to help a homeless person or even just brighten their day?
CA: Interaction is always good. I don’t give money, I give food and socks. I know that sounds silly but in the winter time they’re freezing cold. Also, I always ask them before I give them things. You can’t expect that they’re going to accept everything because they’re not lesser than you and may not want what you have to offer. But seriously, socks, I’m telling you. That’s what I’m pushing for, socks for everyone!
HCE: And finally, what sites or organizations can people visit if they want to get involved?
CA: Freerice.com is a great procrastination tool [laughs] and all you have to do is answer vocab questions correctly to earn grains of rice that will be donated to areas of the world that need it most. Pine Street Inn is a good shelter nearby and Community Servings in Jamaica Plain is also good to go to. I know Emmanuel is already closely involved with volunteering there.
Chloe said that she is more than willing to talk to anyone about hunger and homelessness – feel free to stop her on campus or reach out to her! Also, next time you go to buy some new socks, maybe grab an extra pair or two to donate. It may seem small but clearly little acts of kindness can have a great impact, especially during Boston’s harsh winters.