Inspired by Others on the Streets and in the Community
As the Reno Burrito Project has steadily grown with new volunteers and initiatives since the pandemic began, there are a few OG members that have had a huge impact on the success of this project. Kristina Mason joined The Reno Burrito Project in April of 2020. She was one of the first few members that joined and still attends every weekend.
The time and effort the volunteers put in every weekend is something many people may not have the motivation to do in times like these.
“I’m driven to participate every weekend because I appreciate seeing what can happen when the community comes together. Not only do we get to hang out with like-minded people as we give out burritos, but we learn so much from the houseless. Their stories, their perseverance and ability to adapt to the streets is incredibly inspiring,” Mason said.
Other volunteers, social media support and community donations also drive her.
“I think the most important aspect of RBP is community, 110%! As we’re all aware, 2020 has been a mess of a year. Our ability to socialize in a positive, covid-friendly environment is so awesome! I think seeing people from different backgrounds come together with a common purpose reminds us of the important things in life when the media only seems to remind us of the ugliest parts of society.”
Lots of preparation happens before the distribution, and Mason has played a key role in making sure it’s an efficient process.
How to Stay Positive
Mason finds joy in helping her community and spending time to get to know the houseless. Although it may not be easy every weekend, she finds it is important to stay consistent.
“I think it can definitely be a struggle to remain enthusiastic at times. We try to take the time to talk to people and learn their stories, so sometimes it’s disheartening to see people every Sunday,” she said. “But, I stay enthusiastic by trying to be a light for others. This isn’t for us, so for a few hours on Sundays, I put my life aside and try to do my best to lift up others,” Mason says.
“I thought I would stay for 15 minutes and then leave because I was having a really rough day,” she said of starting out the project. “I never thought I’d start going weekly or see this idea turn into such a well-known project.”
Helping new volunteers has been a challenge as well. “I would say that as the project got bigger, we were just able to expand our reach and impact in the community. Although, I think more recently having new volunteers every weekend has shifted a bit of the focus on guiding the new volunteers rather than just sitting with people and getting to know our friends on the streets.”
Reaching out to people in need during the winter can also be more difficult as they tend to be less out and about on colder days.
Mason recently graduated in May from the University of Nevada, Reno with a BA in International Affairs with an emphasis on Africa. She hopes to one day work in public service. Whether that be researching Africa-US relations or working in the United States Bureau of African Affairs, or working for an international organization, Mason is on a path to keeping trying to make the world a better, more caring place.