Homeless Camp Outreach - July 12th 2025 [San Jose]
Homeless Camp Outreach - July 12th 2025 [San Jose]
Embedded Files
I visited a homeless encampment in San Jose to help distribute supplies and offer words of encouragement. It was a humbling experience. I had originally planned to introduce my wildfire preparedness project and simulator, but I quickly realized that most of the individuals there don’t have access to electronic devices—let alone the means to use digital tools for training or preparedness.
I visited a homeless encampment in San Jose to help distribute supplies and offer words of encouragement. It was a humbling experience. I had originally planned to introduce my wildfire preparedness project and simulator, but I quickly realized that most of the individuals there don’t have access to electronic devices—let alone the means to use digital tools for training or preparedness.
This experience opened my eyes to the immediate needs that vulnerable communities have: basic necessities like food, clean clothing, shelter, and human connection. It reminded me that preparedness can’t start with simulations if people don’t have the essentials first.
This experience opened my eyes to the immediate needs that vulnerable communities have: basic necessities like food, clean clothing, shelter, and human connection. It reminded me that preparedness can’t start with simulations if people don’t have the essentials first.
Going forward, I hope to adapt my project to include more accessible, low-tech resources—like printed guides, visual posters, and in-person education that doesn’t require a screen. If we want to make emergency preparedness truly inclusive, we have to meet people where they are.
Going forward, I hope to adapt my project to include more accessible, low-tech resources—like printed guides, visual posters, and in-person education that doesn’t require a screen. If we want to make emergency preparedness truly inclusive, we have to meet people where they are.
Chili Cook Off Festival - July 4th 2025 [Palo Alto]
Chili Cook Off Festival - July 4th 2025 [Palo Alto]
Survey Results
At the Palo Alto Chili Cook-Off Festival, our wildfire preparedness booth saw an incredible turnout, with over 150 community members stopping by. Visitors engaged with our wildfire evacuation simulator, participated in safety quizzes, and received educational materials generously provided by the American Red Cross of Silicon Valley. We connected with a diverse audience—including families, seniors, and non-English speakers—and were grateful for the overwhelming interest and thoughtful conversations. The event was a meaningful step toward building a more informed and resilient community.
At the Palo Alto Chili Cook-Off Festival, our wildfire preparedness booth saw an incredible turnout, with over 150 community members stopping by. Visitors engaged with our wildfire evacuation simulator, participated in safety quizzes, and received educational materials generously provided by the American Red Cross of Silicon Valley. We connected with a diverse audience—including families, seniors, and non-English speakers—and were grateful for the overwhelming interest and thoughtful conversations. The event was a meaningful step toward building a more informed and resilient community.
This experience helped me realize something pivotal. I initially planned for the simulator to work for both children and adults, but quickly found this to be false. The simulator engaged the children well, their love of games sparking the interest. As for the adults, most were more interested in how and where it was made. These conversations helped open doors to talk about wildfire safety.
This experience helped me realize something pivotal. I initially planned for the simulator to work for both children and adults, but quickly found this to be false. The simulator engaged the children well, their love of games sparking the interest. As for the adults, most were more interested in how and where it was made. These conversations helped open doors to talk about wildfire safety.
Going forward, I’m committed to finding inclusive ways to engage different groups of people. I plan to adapt and improve my simulator to be more accessible and effective for all age groups.
Going forward, I’m committed to finding inclusive ways to engage different groups of people. I plan to adapt and improve my simulator to be more accessible and effective for all age groups.
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