What We Do

The Mobile Thriving Respite works with the street community, those living nomadically, and rough sleepers. We get together with folks to foster thriving beyond surviving…while surviving is critical for our wellbeing, so too is thriving— the stuff of life that we sometimes take for granted—to talk with friends, laugh together, feel welcomed and safe, be creative, share stories, and have a renewed sense of dignity. Typical event activities include card and game playing, listening to music, karaoke, art studio projects, body movement therapy, reading groups, and watching films. Thriving respites are mobile to welcome people throughout the city in familiar places where they are most comfortable.

Interactive Art Events

In the warmer months, respite volunteers and attendees get creative as they listen to music, converse, and engage with multimedia supplies.

Movie Nights

Movie nights are a part of the original respite lineup and provide a relaxing reprieve and joy to all viewers. This is a scene from a holiday movie night at Hot Metal Bridge Faith Community

Karaoke

Some days we pop up at one of our locations and do karaoke with the street community and rough sleepers. To be able to sing with others is thriving and joyful and it brings us joy to do this!

Quotes

A true space for thriving and community must be accessible, attractive, and welcoming to all people without revealing housing status or modeling the metaphorical and physical borders that exist to victimize and violate displaced people outside of the space.

- Rachel Stough (MTR activist)

The respite has been an opportunity to be present and engaged with people. I’ve gotten to celebrate both brief connections and long-lasting relationships that emerged during our events. Coming together over food and games has created many precious moments of laughter, banter, and connection that I’m honored to both witness and participate in.

- Bridget McCarthy (MTR activist)

This practicum has equipped me with a rich, and raw understanding of my own community, I have been productive and engaged with other students collectively towards one purpose. I've never done anything more important than what I've done this semester in this practicum with my team, to promote thriving instead of merely surviving.

- Vanesa Bueno Mercedes (MTR activist)