Jordan Connell (third from the left) and the rest of Team 314 are beacons of hope as they continue to inspire people to eradicate youth homelessness. (Photo property of Team 314)
By: Jacob Elyachar
For the past couple of months, thousands of people across the country have either walked or ran for various charitable causes. But for Team 314’s Jordan Connell, they were about to take it to a whole other level.
Currently, Connell is on a cross-country journey to that started in New York City and eventually will end up in Santa Monica, California. The main goal for him and the rest of the Team 314 crew is to raise awareness about the blights of youth homelessness and to educate multiple communities around the country about this crisis.
“My personal hope is that this run shows young people of our country they are not alone,” said Jordan Connell. “That they are loved and they are people and organizations fighting for this end.”
In order to see what homeless teens have gone through, Connell moved to the south side of Chicago and began working with the Roseland Christian Ministries and started to serve multiple homeless outreach programs. Once he moved back to his hometown of Kansas City, Connell decided to immerse himself to find out how he could meet the needs of the homeless youth including experiencing it first hand.
“I was invited to join a few men living under a bridge and I did so for 30 days,” Connell said. “This experience not only taught me about homelessness but it opened the door for me to become a residential counselor for homeless youth with Artists Helping the Homeless.”
Connell continued to encounter and formed friendships with more homeless people that were closer to his age group, that’s when he knew that he had to do something about this situation.
“These young people, my friends deserve not only to be heard, but loved.” Connell said. “A genuine love that helps meet urgent needs and provides outlets for productive lives. My experiences have led me to act in a rebellion of love against this injustice.”
While it took a year to prepare for this momentous journey, numerous supporters have stepped up to the plate including his coaches: Koach Karl and Coach Phillips, who offered Jordan training and guidance on this journey and his friends and family, who radically put aside their lives to help out this noble cause.
“My friends changed their plans to support this journey and my mother and sister sold the contents of their house and then putting the house up for sale all to make sure we could do this together.” Connell stated.
Multiple companies and organizations have already stepped up to the plate and donated items and services that have utilized on this journey.
In addition, Team 314 has hit social media sites including Facebook and Twitter to showcase the journey and how they can help impact the lives of homeless youth in Franklin County, Missouri. However, Connell stated that he did not want to stop there.
“This is only the beginning though, because we are learning how shelters are being operated across the country and finding out the “right” ways to run a facility.” Connell stated. “We will continue to build new shelters, clean up existing shelters, and build reach out teams to help children on the streets.”
To follow Jordan and Team 314’s journey plus to find out how you can help, visit Team 314’s website: http://www.team314.org/
