From Concept to Creation

Needed Change is a seed from which "change" can grow. With the recent tumultuous political and economic situations, many adopted the slogan, "Change we can believe in." But in most instances, we found it only to be a slogan. As time has passed, the hunger for "change" has starved itself out of the picture. Like numerous others, we felt our job was done and we could wait for this so called "change" to show itself.

Personally, we have not been able to find the change and dreams recently promised. Economic stability, careers, doing what we love, and making a difference have eluded us almost completely. From our own experiences in the workforce or with personal business endeavours, we found ourselves in the same boat as many Americans and citizens of other countries, barely afloat.

Instead of wasting one more valuable minute waiting for this so called "change" we have put into place a plan to submerse ourselves in the homeless culture that millions across the world are suffering from. Our goal is not just to document problems like many before us, but to help make the needed change. By doing so, we hope to better understand and address this horrible epidemic.

By becoming one with this forgotten society we will need to learn to survive all over again. From life's basic needs such as food and shelter to handling the mental strain of life on the streets, this will be a test of will and core beliefs.

Kevin Saftner, Galen Sisco, and Drew A. Dayton are taking the first step in creating change. The first step is not words or feelings, but actions. Our journey will take us to the streets of Miami and undoubtedly many more places. With photography, film, and pen we will document our experiences in this whole new world we will be entering. Together we hope to find solutions for the Needed Change.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Booted Out by FDOT!!!

This morning we awoke to FDOT kicking us out of our shanty that we were staying at because the crew was going to be clearing out that area. We had a sweet set-up along the bay and now are in pursuit of a new place to stay in Miami. The Miami Rescue Mission would allow us to stay there but we want to be out and about the city to get more footage until our lapel mic arrives.

Last night we tried to do some ocean fishing for a late night snack but it didn't work out so well. We need to stick with calmer waters if we want to catch anything we can eat.

We met a homeless man from Cincinatti today who has been living around here for a few months. He was pissed off that someone stole his bookbag full of his belongings,  he was also sick and looking for booze. We can't blame him. We feel bad that he can't find a job right now, the people from FDOT that kicked us out today were using prisoners to do the job while many who are homeless are looking for work.

Drew and Kevin took their first homeless beach showers whilst I stuck with cleaning up in a public bathroom. Either way, we are all pretty funky, sticky, and grungy so any clean up time is appreciated amongst all of us, for real. These baby wipes we brought with us have been great temporary solutions for hygenic control. I haven't taken a real shower since Friday, certainly hasn't been the longest I've gone.

Tomorrow we are attending a luncheon at the Miami Rescue Mission to meet a boat-load of people and to get some great footage and interviews. Hopefully our microphone, that Ed is mailing us, arrives shortly so we can get interviews with better audio.

We are directing major applause to Tyler Rahl, not only for designing us a sick photo but for also plugging us at his upcoming art show March 25th and Jozart's studio in California, Pa. Please check out his work, it'll be worth it, and you will be able to help us out if you attend!

I would also like to thank Don Tate for plugging our cause during his radio show on California, Pa's radio station WCAL. Check it out on 91.9 FM if you are in the Pittsburgh/California area.

Also, the three of us will be going into the mission's three day intake program starting Monday next week. They hold these programs every week and they help homeless who have no resources clean up, eat, and sleep under a roof. Should be interesting to say the least.
Posted by Needed Change at 11:04 AM

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