Hospitality House of Northwest North Carolina

My experience through Hospitality House was unimaginable. The staff and residents brought so much joy to my summer and I wouldn’t have wanted to be anywhere else. Working with the NeurOptimal brain training system while working with residents gave me a whole new perspective moving forward in my career. Getting to be a part of something so real and doing it with people who truly want to make a difference was the best experience I could ask for.

I am very grateful to have been able to intern at the Hospitality House this summer. Throughout my 150 hours there, I was able to learn and do a lot of new things. I gained first hand insight into the challenges individuals experiencing homelessness face, as well as how to advocate for them and provide the best support and resources we could. I spent almost every day in the kitchen helping prepare meals and then running the food pantry. This was absolutely my favorite part of the internship. From serving meals, cleaning clients spaces, to helping with paperwork, surveys, and pre screening forms, I was able to contribute to the Hospitality Houses missions while building meaningful connections with the clients.

My favorite memory of my internship at the Hospitality House was when I was assigned to conduct surveys on clients. This gave me the opportunity to listen to what needs, challenges and hopes clients had for themselves and write them down in hopes they can come true. In addition to that, I was able to have great conversations with the clients and learn more about their life before homelessness. The genuine gratitude and appreciation expressed by many of the clients for being heard made the process even more meaningful.

I am very thankful for the experience I have gained, the relationships I built with clients, and the friends I have made during this internship. This internship not only expanded my knowledge and understanding on the homelessness issue in America, but also provided me with skills I can take with me on future endeavors. I am so thankful to the Hospitality House for this experience! This was a long and hard summer but an incredibly rewarding experience!

At the Hospitality House I had many opportunities to engage with my community through events like Savor the Summer, working daily at the food pantry, and even teaching yoga to some of the clients! My most memorable experience, however, was getting out into the field with our team of staff members and interns to help one of our clients who lived off site. It had been raining that day, and the task we were about to complete would be a messy one, heightened by the mountain weather, so we all set out in Hosp House Turkey Trot long sleeve shirts to be prepared for what we were about to encounter. When we got to the client’s house I immediately knew we had much work to do! Falling-apart trash bags as well as loose trash lay all over the porch and in front of the client’s house. One by one we ventured down the hill to the house, collected trash into trash bags, and carried those back up the hill to fill the back of the truck. As the trash bags piled high, I saw the transformation of the porch, and how people coming together can help an individual simply by clearing out their space. Finally, the sun came out and we took all the trash to the dump, leaving only a little behind for the client to clean themselves. On our way back to the shelter, we discussed when it is our responsibility to step in and help a client and need, and when we need to encourage a client to help themselves. It made me think that sometimes we do things just for the sake of doing them in order to help others. Of course, there is still work to be done regarding the relationship between the shelter worker and client, and deciphering where our responsibilities start and end. Overall, it was an experience I will never forget and I am honored to be a part of a small change that can make a big difference.

By Emma Rogers

A Balance of Hands-On and Administrative Work
My internship was split between two key areas: working directly at the shelter and working in the office. Each setting offered unique experiences and challenges that contributed significantly to my professional growth.

At the Shelter: My time at the shelter was both rewarding and impactful. I took on various tasks such as prepping and serving meals, maintaining the cleanliness of both the inside and outside of the shelter, and even painting rooms and hallways. These activities were more than just chores—they were vital to ensuring a welcoming and clean home for the clients we serve.
One of the most meaningful aspects of my time at the shelter was engaging in conversations with clients. These interactions provided me with a deeper understanding of their experiences and allowed me to build genuine connections with residents that I would not have made in the office.

In the Office: A significant portion of my internship was spent in the office, where my tasks ranged from routine to project-based. My daily responsibilities included addressing envelopes, printing and copying documents, redacting client information, and organizing files. I also handled the sorting and storage of donated items for our Fresh Start program and set up for various meetings and events.
One of the highlights of my office work was creating advertisements for our “Savor the Summer” event. This series, hosted by Hospitality House, is a food truck rodeo and farmers market that takes place on the last Thursday of June, July, August, and September. The event is a fantastic opportunity for our clients and the broader Boone community to come together for an evening of delicious food, fun games, and socializing.
To promote “Savor the Summer,” I designed a company newsletter, created flyers and social media posts, and wrote a couple press releases. The press releases were published by High Country Press and the Watauga Democrat, helping to spread the word about our event. This experience taught me a lot about event promotion and the importance of community engagement.

Making a Difference
Overall, my internship at Hospitality House has been incredibly fulfilling. From hands-on shelter work to the strategic aspects of event promotion, I’ve had the chance to contribute to a cause that I am passionate about while developing a range of skills. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work alongside a dedicated team and to have been part of an organization that makes a real difference in the lives of many.
Thank you to everyone at Hospitality House for this amazing experience and for welcoming me like family!

Before working at Hospitality House this summer, I didn’t have any idea what the phrase “brain training” meant. I’ve dedicated myself to a series of psychology courses revolving around the inner workings of the brain and the mind-body connection, and sure, I know that the brain is capable of magnificent things, but hearing of these changes first hand has shown to be much more powerful. During my time here, I’ve learned how the brain-training wellness system NeurOptimal (NO3) works to rewire neural pathways non-intrusively to help individuals manage a variety of stressors, but that’s the least of it. I learned directly how to interact with clients in individual and group, as well as professional and casual settings, and expanded on my ability to collect and evaluate data, speak publicly, create designs for community outreach, and more.

During my days at the shelter, I was lucky to spend time in my favorite place in the house - the kitchen. I’ve always had a love for cooking, and while a majority of my time here may have been spent plating rather than throwing things up on a stove, the connection between the kitchen staff, interns, and residents is all fostered by meals. Food brings people together, and I think that is a beautiful thing. Serving dinner gave me an opportunity to get a glimpse into the lives of more residents than I worked with weekly through NeurOptimal, which made for a wonderful balance.

My service dog in training, George, spent some time with my NO3 clients as well, which turned out to be beneficial for everyone involved. It has been such a blessing watching colleagues, interns, and clients alike light up at the sight of a dog in the office, and I’m eternally grateful for Hospitality House for providing me with the perfect environment for a training service animal to work a few hours a week. George has learned a lot from his time here, as have I.

Hospitality House has taught me what it truly means to be part of a supportive community. As I speak with my repeating NO3 clients, they tell me the stories of their week - sometimes fun, sometimes difficult, but we share a laugh about it all the same. I’m grateful to have been able to work with therapists Jenna and Marianne, who have taught me so much about working and handling stress in a complex environment. I’ve enjoyed spending my time with clients and colleagues alike, and will miss the words of wisdom only those with so much life experience could give. I am constantly amazed by the optimistic attitudes of the clients I’ve had the pleasure of working with, and feel inspired to live my life a little more on the bright side after getting to know them. The only thing stronger than the brain is the heart - and both of mine have grown during my time at Hospitality House.

I've always had an interest in the culinary arts, but it's never been my ultimate life goal. However, over the course of my internship this summer I fell in love with the process of preparing and serving dinner everyday at the shelter. One of the very first interactions I had was with Richard, a non-resident who is a wizard at closing meal trays and making the coolest beaded necklaces I have ever seen. He was so kind and immediately made me feel like I belonged at the Hospitality House. Shortly after, I met Emily who is a very talented chef and the kindest Food Supervisor. She was willing to be patient with me and show me the ropes of how to prepare certain meals. I remember the first time I prepared a salad for dinner. Emily was so excited to show me how to do it and I was excited to serve it because she creates such a welcoming and warm environment in a place where it can be a bit stressful sometimes.


Every afternoon I am so excited to walk into the kitchen and catch up with Emily and Richard and any other friendly faces that may be in there. It's been a privilege to help prepare and serve dinner with different community volunteers and some of my fellow interns as well as the other Food Service staff, James and McKenna. I've gotten to build relationships with these folks who have been so kind, understanding, and helpful for which I am so grateful.


My favorite part about dinner is when we open the door and I get to hand out trays and drinks to clients. I get to chat with them for a second and see how they are doing. For a moment I get to connect to each of the residents at the shelter and creating those connections is really valuable to me as an aspiring Drama Therapist. Interacting with these folks who have undergone so much has been a rich learning experience that will guide me in my future career and everyday life. I have gotten to talk one-on-one with most of these clients and I hope, bring them joy, even for just a moment. Providing joy for others is all I've ever wanted to do and serving dinner with a smile has allowed me to do just that. I am so appreciative for the support system of the wonderful kitchen staff because they provide me with happiness and laughter while preparing the meal so I can give that back to clients while serving the meal.


Working in the kitchen has also allowed me to become very familiar with the ingredients in the pantry and walk-in fridges. Most nights my fellow intern Jess and I will make snack and I try my best to create fun snacks for clients to enjoy. Perhaps my favorite snack I have ever made were Strawberry Shortcakes. Thanks to donations from community members and local grocery stores, I was able to cut up strawberries, mix them with strawberry jam and scoop the mixture into dessert shells. That night we also served fresh veggie cups with ranch dip and snack was almost gone in an instant. The little bit of extra effort I put into plating meals or serving up food I have made for clients fills me with an intrinsic motivation like no other.


It has been such a phenomenal opportunity to provide support for others and I have a newfound passion for giving back to my community. I hope to provide as much support as I can to others throughout my time on this earth as this internship has show me it is one of the most rewarding and fulfilling things I can ever do. I am beyond grateful for my internship at the Hospitality House and I will cherish this time and the lessons I have learned here for the rest of my life.

I do not have a green thumb. For an elementary school project, I was tasked with planting flowers and taking photos to prove that I completed the assignment (see image below). My family has had a tomato plant in past summers. I enjoy virtual gardening via Animal Crossing and Stardew Valley. My apartment is full of fake plants, and that's pretty much the extent of my gardening expertise.

In just a few short weeks at Hospitality House, I've learned the difference between weeds, volunteer plants, and purposefully planted vegetables. I've learned to identify several plant species, turn over soil beds, and use a hand Maddock, hoe, and weedeater. I've harvested vegetables that I helped take care of, sweat through multiple pairs of denim shorts, got drenched in a much-needed rainstorm, and raised a group of baby chicks purchased from the tractor supply store. Beyond all of those accomplishments, however, and at the risk of sounding cliche, is perhaps the most valuable thing I have learned in my time at Hospitality House: the value of community.

Throughout my college experience, I have felt very isolated and disconnected from the student body of App State and the Boone community. I started college in 2020 at the height of the pandemic, and even after the pandemic ended, I struggled to form close friendships. Ever since I started my internship at Hospitality House, I've seen how valuable it is for the residents and staff members alike to always have people around you, even if you don't necessarily get along with every one of them. The shared living spaces at a homeless shelter might not be most people's ideal living situation, but I think it is much better than facing life alone. The friendships I've formed while interning at Hospitality House and the sense of belonging I feel here are unlike anything I've ever experienced in a job. I'm so incredibly grateful that I got the opportunity to help make a positive difference in the lives of people who are far less fortunate than I.

As my internship comes to a close, I can say that I am leaving it with a newfound sense of purpose and belonging, along with some gardening skills that I hope to continue to hone in the future. I think I will look back on this experience as a life-changing one, as it has led me to the conclusion that I want to spend the rest of my professional career and personal life helping vulnerable people find the resources and social support they need to lead fulfilling, happy lives. 

Before starting this internship, I had no idea what to expect or what my day to day would look like because I would be working 40 hours 5 days a week. By the end of the internship, I can wholeheartedly say that this experience is one that will change my life forever. In one aspect, it has given me insight and perspective on the homelessness crisis but also some insight on how important interpersonal relationships are for personal growth especially within the homeless population.
Although I got to dabble everywhere within the Hosp House, I particularly enjoyed the food pantry the most. Since my internship was 40 hours 5 days a week, I spent a lot of my time running the food pantry. I enjoyed learning more about our program and suppliers. My favorite part about the food pantry was the clients. I saw the majority of them every week so I got to build relationships with most of them. The picture above was one of my favorite moments in the food pantry. One of the food pantry clients' son brought me a drawing and thanked me for giving him food for the week. It was a sentimental moment for me and it reminded me of why giving back is so important.
This internship has been more than I could have imagined and I wouldn't have traded it for anything else. I enjoyed working alongside some great staff members and interns especially the shelter associates because I worked alongside them the most. I am thankful for this experience and I hope to carry this throughout my future endeavors.

The Hospitality House of Boone is an organization that I’m so grateful to have been a part of these last 4 months. If I had to describe the Hospitality House in one word, the word would be selflessness. Working for this amazing non-profit has made a huge impact on me. My eyes have been opened to a new sector of the helping profession. The people who work here have been so inviting and welcoming. The staff has treated me with nothing but kindness and respect. Asking questions is encouraged and finding success here has not been difficult due to the constant support. It feels like a team here rather than just a bunch of individuals.

Serving the homeless population gave me a new perspective on the struggle of living in Northwest North Carolina. Rural Appalachia has become leaps and bounds more expensive than it once was. Helping these individuals gave me an immense amount of gratification. As a psychology intern, I worked in both of our facilities. These are our Den Mac Outreach Center and our Brook Hollow shelter.

At Den Mac, I was able to work with our FDA-approved brain training system called NeurOptimal®. This system focuses on making small changes to an individual's problems they are facing. One of our clients with whom I worked found immense benefits from utilizing NeurOptimal®. She expressed to me how it was her favorite part of the day and it would greatly help with her anxiety. Essentially it helped her thoughts slow down. Seeing her benefit from NeurOptimal® brought me so much joy and fulfillment!
Working at the shelter showed me the day-to-day struggles of someone who is facing homelessness.

While of course, I had empathy for the homeless population before my internship, working at the shelter increased it by tenfold. I enjoyed working at the shelter, there is always some way to help. That includes working at the front desk, kitchen, food pantry, and whatever else is needed throughout the day. I loved helping people get back on their feet even if it was just as small as passing out lunch!

I’m beyond thankful for my time at the Hospitality House, I learned so many skills and lessons. Hospitality House has helped me grow as a professional but more importantly as a person. I gained so much more empathy, compassion, and gratitude. I would not change anything about my time here and I’m so grateful for it! Thank you to all of the staff for making my experience so great!

Embarking on my final semester at App State, I was fortunate enough to start an internship at the Hospitality House. Before starting, I did not know how life changing these next few months would be and how these new experiences would shape my life for the better. I got to witness how dedicated the staff was to help and empower individuals and families no matter their circumstances.

Throughout my internship journey, most of my days were spent at the Den Mac office where most of the behind the scenes unfolded. It was more than just paperwork and logistics. I was immersed in diverse projects and events that broadened my perspective on nonprofit management. From creating flyers and press releases for future events to creating food boxes and working in the kitchen at the shelter, every task served as a stepping stone towards my educational and professional goals.

One highlight was my involvement with The Hearts of Hospitality, a fundraising entity dedicated to supporting the Hospitality House. Their 30 year anniversary is this year and while attending their first meeting of the year and interviewing the founders I have learned how they keep continuing to help the Hospitality House. Through fundraising events, silent auctions and birthday parties for the children at the shelter, these ladies have had an unwavering dedication to helping the community and are not stopping anytime soon.

These past few months have aided me with more than just knowledge of PR and Marketing in a non profit sector but with connections and enrichment of life that I would not have gotten at another internship. As I move forward to the next chapter of my life, I am grateful for the transformative experiences and knowledge I have gained from my internship at the Hospitality House that I will never forget!

My time at Hospitality House served to help me build relationships with residents and employees, learn practical skills, as well as gain perspective from clients, each with a differing background facing adversities. My favorite aspect of this work experience was how hands-on it truly was; I was stationed in the Watauga Housing and Outreach Center both behind the desk, as well as working in the kitchen. This gave me a front row seat into how each employee works together as a team, even with their different roles.

One thing I admire about Hospitality House is its commitment to provide nutritious meals 3 times a day. I loved seeing the variety in foods given to anyone in need, with special events such as the super bowl bringing everyone closer together to watch the game while eating hotdogs freshly prepared by the kitchen staff. While I was initially hesitant to throw myself into the ring of handing out trays to the clients for dinner (being an unfamiliar new face in my first few days), I was delightfully welcomed by clients and the staff alike. Even in the beginning, clients showed an effort to remember my name and start conversations with me that made me feel like I was more than just a worker they saw on the weekends, and closer to a friend. Some of the stories shared by the clients really opened my eyes to how hard life of those facing housing insecurity can really be, and how important the community is to help those faced with unfair circumstances. Despite these tough times and situations, many of the clients maintain a kind, positive attitude that really inspired me in my own life to express more gratitude.

My project for my internship was to revive and expand upon the activities program lost during the Covid-19 epidemic, which allowed access for residents to different games and sports through fundraising. I’m happy to say that the community provided enough funds to invest into sports equipment such as footballs, badminton, and a basketball hoop, as well as board and card games. I’m excited to see how this program will improve the quality of life for clients whether their stay is permanent or temporary, and glad I had the opportunity to be a part in helping make it happen. Thank you to everyone involved whether staff, volunteers, or donors for your hard work and dedication to Hospitality House. This was a life changing experience!

My Time as an Intern
My internship at the Hospitality House has been a long journey. My world views have changed a lot since starting this internship after being exposed to the homelessness crisis. I decided to intern at the Hospitality House after working with people that had been helped by them. One of them was living there while she was getting back on her feet. The other had met his wife while living here and the Hospitality House helped him find a home for him, his wife and kid. I found this fascinating because it was such a great story and made me want to learn more about this place because of the positive influence it had on his life.

There were a lot of things that shocked me while interning here because it seemed to be contrary to what the media would like you to think about homelessness. First, I was surprised by how many of the clients were senior citizens. I never really considered that the homelessness crisis extended to people in their mid 70s and 80s. When the media shows homelessness on television it's almost always people aged 22-60.

Another thing that I was surprised by was how nice and clearheaded a lot of the clients are. One of the highlights of my internship was talking and joking around the clients. It was nice getting to know them well and hear their stories. We are fear mongered online into believing that homeless people are mean and violent but that couldn't be further from the truth. They are warmhearted people who are just down on their luck. It was really nice getting to know the clients and sometimes I would see some of them walking down King Street and we would say hi to each other.

One thing I enjoyed about my internship was getting to work both in the DenMac and the shelter.
Having the opportunity to split my internship into both buildings helped me see how the whole organization operates and how non profits run. It was interesting learning about all the business and paperwork involved in operating a nonprofit, like writing papers to apply for grants and advertising.

It was also fascinating seeing how NeurOptimal works and talking to the therapists and other interns about what it is. I ended up writing a paper on it after doing investigative reporting about it. It really blew my mind how much work and care the Hospitality House does to help their clients improve themselves. There's not many shelters out there that come with therapists to help them.

Working in the kitchen was also a highlight of my time as an intern. I enjoyed working with James and plating trays and helping cook or cut food. After we put food on the trays we handed them out to the residents at the door. When I first started doing this it made me anxious but as time went on and I became more familiar with the clients it became easier and more natural.


One interesting thing about my internship is that I started it during one of the most chaotic weeks of the year. There was a huge snowstorm and many people were stuck inside the shelter with nowhere to go. It was a chaotic time to start, but I also am happy it was my first week because everything else seemed mild afterwards.

Probably the best skill I enhanced during my internship was my communication skills. There were times when people got stressed out or upset and I would talk to them to get to the root of the problem and figure things out. This is a skill that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

One of my favorite things about the internship was the people I worked with. Everyone was nice, considerate and open minded. It was funny joking around with fellow interns and staff. Staff does a great job creating an environment for learning and growth. If you have an idea they’re always open to hearing about it and implementing it. This leads to an exciting work environment.

I’m happy I chose this internship. It has been a mind changing experience for me. I know I will look back 25 years from now grateful that I chose to intern here for the experience it provided and the people I got to meet.

This past semester I had the absolute pleasure of interning with Hospitality House in Boone, NC. From working with incredible staff to building connections with clients and residents, I learned how great it can be to give back to and make an impact on our community. I experienced first-hand how important it can be working at the front desk, where he helped provide any kind of resources clients needed, such as clothing, bedding, toiletries, vouchers, employment options, and housing information. I was also able to experience how important the kitchen and food pantry are while working with Emily. It's incredible how proper meals that feed over 100 people are made every single day, as well as healthy food boxes being provided to dozens of people. Most importantly, while Hospitality House does an exceptional job of providing resources, food, and a place to sleep for so many people, what stands out compared to other homeless shelters is that Hospitality House has truly created a family within our community. Not only was I able to build relationships with staff and clients, but I witnessed true friendships between clients as well as between clients and staff. Lastly, the most important things I learned while interning here were from the residents and clients. Despite the unique hardships that each of them experienced, they were so kind, selfless, and charismatic. The stories they told me and the connections we built together will remain with me forever. Thank you, Hospitality House, for all that you do and for giving me a chance to experience it!

Interning at Hospitality House has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life! Getting to know clients on a personal level is something I will never forget. During my time here, I worked mainly with NeurOptimal. I had never heard of this system before my internship, so I was truly learning something new. However, NeurOptimal was not the only new thing I learned during my internship. I gained a whole new perspective on compassion, community, and hard work. I also worked quite a bit at the shelter, primarily in the food pantry. Working in the food pantry helped me understand the importance of small operations at Hospitality House. The food pantry is just one small thing at Hospitality House, but it helps so many people. Many clients have told me how grateful they are for the food boxes at the pantry. It was such an amazing experience to meet so many amazing people, clients and staff alike!
Working with NeurOptimal, I was able to see the wonderful impact it has on clients’ lives. After 20 NeurOptimal sessions, we do a check-in to see how NeurOptimal has helped them so far. I was doing this check-in with a client who forgot they had even experienced certain emotions chronically before their first NeurOptimal session. Their previous issue with controlling their temper was not a problem anymore, and if it was, it was substantially less intense. I thought this was an amazing outcome for only 20 sessions. This client continues to come in and improve with every session. It is truly a wonderful thing to see a client’s quality of life increase drastically within only a semester. I would not change my experience at Hospitality House for anything. I am so grateful I was allowed to intern here, and I am not looking forward to leaving. I also wanted to say thank you to every staff member and client who has made my time interning at Hospitality House an amazing experience!

My name is Meaningless because that is how this homeless shelter treats me. I will be concise.

1. Even though this shelter has received millions of dollars in grant funding over the years, very little goes to the actual needy. I have been waiting for decent housing for four years. I have no substance abuse issues and I am currently living in my car. I am college educated and have worked since the age of 12.

2. Obviously someone is stealing money. Someone who has the access to the cash.

3. The auction is a sham. The prizes on that auction are like something out of a Galactic Game Show. I hope the rule is that you or your friends can’t bid on what you are donating.

For example, if you donated an all expense paid trip to Sweden, then you really have to donate the trip. Whoa to the person that bids a thousand dollars on that trip.

I want complete transparency in this auction. I am an emotionally regulated whistle blower and will continue to examine every sketchy situation.


4. I am also an accomplished Nature Photographer and Sketcher. I would like my pictures and sketches to go up for auction with the proceeds going directly to the homeless person that did the work.

If that is not allowed I will use my Teacher Voice until the matter is settled. I also have two lawyers who are now wary of misconduct in this sham of a shelter.

my email is warinlin62@yahoo.com

My internship at the Hospitality House has been the best college experience I have had so far. Hearing people's stories and working closely with them along with staff has been so rewarding. Seeing residents come in every week for their NeurOptimal (R) session and hearing how happy they are to see me fills me with gratitude. Doing my internship at the Hospitality House was the best decision I have ever made for both my future career and personally. The bonds I have created with residents are like no other. I loved providing our services to them and saying "goodbye" will be so difficult. This experience was eye-opening and truly amazing and rewarding.

Like many before me have mentioned, my summer internship at Hospitality House has been wonderful! I’ve enjoyed working alongside shelter associates, kitchen staff, on-site therapists, and wherever else I was needed! It was great being able to experience both day-to-day tasks down at the shelter, along with the Den-Mac location in coordination with Jenna and Marianne, the amazing on-site licensed therapists. It’s been an honor getting to serve my community in a way that makes a difference, and getting to work among people who do the same. Seeing my coworkers operate with care, compassion, and thoughtfulness inspired me to do the same. If I was able to adopt even a tenth of their work ethic, that is more than an honor.

Though my internship has come to an end, I know I’ll be back as a volunteer as soon as time permits it. The people I’ve had the pleasure of working with these past ten weeks have truly inspired me to do as much good in the world as possible, and I’m incredibly grateful to them, both for the sake of inspiration and for showing me exactly how it can be done.

As I reflect on my time interning at the Hospitality House of Northwest North Carolina, I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. When being immersed in an environment such as a homeless shelter, it is impossible for perceptions not to be shifted. I was able to gain the trust and friendship of many of the residents, which in turn led to me gaining more knowledge about the struggles they have endured throughout their lives. It really put into perspective how no matter what the circumstances, everyone deserves to feel loved, seen, and heard, and to be given access to resources to help them not only survive, but to hopefully help them to thrive. I will never forget my time spent at the Hospitality House, as the people I encountered there truly changed my life and showed me the importance of lending a helping hand wherever I can, because even just the use of empathy can go a long way. As Winnie the Pooh once said, "How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard". This truly resonated with me as I was disembarking on my journey at the Hospitality House, as residents and I tearfully expressed our appreciation for one another and parted ways. Thank you to the welcoming staff and the clients who taught me more than I could have ever imagined.
-Logan Coring

This internship is an experience I will truly never forget. While looking for an agency to complete an internship with, I was searching for something different than
a traditional Criminal Justice field internship, and this is exactly what I got at Hospitality House. Through working at Hospitality House over the past two months I have gained so much knowledge and experience I could not have gained otherwise.
I am currently a senior at AppState pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice and Political Science with a minor in Judaic, Holocaust, and Peace Studies. Coming into this internship I did not know what to expect from this organization. Through the course of the summer, I have experienced an amazing organization with a very caring and supportive staff. I have enjoyed interacting with clients and residents through working at the front desk, in the food pantry handing out food boxes, and in the kitchen serving meals. Learning the ins and outs of Hospitality House was eye-opening to how complicated providing housing services can be. Working at the Farmer's Market booth was probably the part I enjoyed most. Getting to talk to local farmers while also purchasing food to take back to Hospitality House was extremely rewarding.
I have learned a lot about Watauga County and Boone as a whole. I have lived in Boone for three years and have never felt so connected and a part of this community as I do after interning at Hospitality House. This connection to the local community is unique to this internship, and I do not feel it could be replicated without this experience. One of the major highlights for me throughout the course has been forming connections with clients and residents. Hearing the clients’ and residents’ stories has been eye-opening to the daily struggles impacting their lives. Gaining the trust of a handful of residents has possibly been one of my most significant accomplishments. This internship has indeed been one of my favorite experiences I have ever had as an App State student.

My internship at the Hospitality House was the most valuable part of my education at Appalachian State University. When I came to college four years ago, I knew I wanted to major in criminal justice to pursue a career in law enforcement. While at the Hospitality House, I discovered my love for working with the wonderful clients there. After my first week, I quickly realized that the clients were some of the most wonderful people I had ever met. In my time as an intern, the most impactful part of the job was being able to interact with clients and create actual friends rather than viewing clients as just another part of the job. I got to spend my internship applying knowledge from App State classes that I was eager to use. There was never a dull moment at the Hospitality House. Every day was different and brought new exciting moments! I am forever grateful for my experiences at the Hosp House!

When seeking out an internship to fulfill my Non-Profit Organizations minor, one of the first places that came to mind was Hospitality House. I had heard great things from my professors, community members, and friends who had volunteered there before the pandemic so I knew I wanted to apply for an internship there. I was lucky to get a Non-Profit Management internship for this summer, perfectly encapsulating my major of Business Management and minor in Non-Profit Organizations.
I was worried before starting that I would not be skilled enough or that I would not be able to live up to the expectations set out for me. However, everyone I worked with at the office and interacted with at the shelter was always willing to help answer my questions and give me any advice I needed. The staff is something that made this internship so amazing. Seeing so many young working adults so heavily involved in the non-profit world was so refreshing to see.
During my time at Hospitality House I mainly worked on social media and planning the Hope Auction. One thing about this internship that stuck out to me compared to other internships, was the freedom I had to create any project I wanted and learn about what interested me. This gave me the ability to cultivate skills that I am interested in and know I will be doing in my future career. Going out of this internship I feel confident about my skills and ability to thrive in a non-profit workspace, something I was nowhere close to before.
This was my first summer spent in Boone, everyone talks about how amazing summers are here and I was so excited to get to experience it. I can confidently say this summer was one of the best of my life. Hospitality House is a big reason why. The time I spent learning, talking to community members about our work, and developing friendships with my fellow interns was time well spent. If anyone is interested in working for a non-profit I would highly recommend looking into Hospitality House.

Learning About Non-Profit Communication

This past Spring semester I was looking for an internship that would be the best fit for me. I am working towards my Advertising major and a Sociology minor at Appalachian State University. My goal was to have a better grasp of what I wanted to do with my future career after interning. I chose The Hospitality House, not only to be able to stay in Boone for the Summer but also to have a new experience and practice my Communication skills. In my Advertising major, I have taken many classes that focus on communication, such as Public Speaking, Internet Communication, and Persuasion. Being in a work environment where communication is key for making this non-profit run smoothly made it helpful for me to learn about communication styles and the importance of wording. My public relations skills were sharpened as I prepared and organized the online auction. It was really cool to assist with this event throughout the Summer and eventually see it come to fruition.


Additionally, I have learned about other roles here and how non-profits function. I've been able to create food boxes with local food, assist with Lunchapalooza, talk to local businesses, and many more different experiences. I appreciate how this internship has made me feel more connected with community members and informed me on more issues in the High Country. Attending Appalachian State sometimes can be isolated from the community of Boone, so this was the perfect way for me to break out of that bubble and learn from others outside of the College environment. This internship has encouraged me to become involved in whatever community I am in after College outside of my career and ensure that I am communicating well with the people around me in and out of the workplace. I am grateful to the Hospitality House for friendships and new experiences.

When reading each and every blog post, you can truly see the love that staff, interns, residents, and nonresidents have for each other. Hospitality House easily became a second family for me- absolutely blowing away my expectations.


I'm a senior studying Sociology and working with the house and food insecure population is something I want to do for the rest of my life. To say the least, I was intimidated to do everything perfectly and scared to mess up. But here at Hospitality House, nobody treats you as in intern who knows nothing. Everyone is quick to offer a helping hand where they can and that is not something you can find just anywhere. I came into this internship hoping to absorb any knowledge there was to offer and I think that is what helps make a difference in not only your experience but residents and staff around you.


As the first point of contact for anyone who comes in, residents, and those who call seemed intimidating at first. But getting the hang of the common questions and knowing exactly how to help people out quickly became easier and easier to do. Listening to those who needed help and even helping some get shelter really melted my heart. Words cannot express the amount of excitement that overcame me when residents started remembering my name, then making small talk with me, and eventually several telling me their story. Nobody needs help for the same reason. Getting to know so many people on such a deep level intensifies the family feeling here. Knowing that I made an impact on their life, but even more so the impact they made on mine is truly a one of a kind experience. I learned so much about the world, the problems in it, and so much more.


This internship allowed me to explore different programs that Hospitality House has to offer, and I had the privilege to be able to shadow staff for them too. Just in a few short weeks I was able to validate that this is where I need to be. To continue to help where I can to decrease the amount of people who face the huge systemic house and food insecurity issue that plagues our country. I am forever grateful for this summer and hope to see more in the future.

I was honored to be an intern at Hosp House during the Spring of 2022. Going into it, I didn’t really know what to expect. I was really nervous, inexperienced, quiet and not very confident in my abilities. On the very first day I was put to work in the kitchen and had no idea what to do. We were shown around the kitchen but we were expected to learn fast and get the job done. I wasn’t really sure what to do but knew that we were having to serve about 60 people for lunch and 80 people for dinner. I had never cooked for this many people before. In fact, I had barely cooked at all. However, being thrown into everything is how I learned. As my time progressed, I was making meals on my own and doing tasks without being told. I was able to make homemade chili, mashed potatoes, muffins, spaghetti sauce and much more. I had never made anything from scratch before and enjoyed getting creative and using what we had available in the food pantry.

At Hosp House we learn to critically think about what to serve for dinner. If we didn’t have enough food, it was our responsibility to find something else to serve. Everyone deserves a nutritious and delicious meal. I was even able to have some great eye opening conversations with some of the residents and those that came through the food pantry line. Covid has definitely added some restrictions but talking with others is still important to me and is at the top of my list for priorities. The friendships that I have made will last a lifetime and I am so honored that I was able to share this time with them. Senior year of college is super busy but being able to talk with them and my mentors was truly encouraging and I am so grateful for them.

If you are ever thinking about volunteering, Hosp House would be the perfect place to do so. They are always looking for help and you will learn so many skills while working there. I have been able to learn cooking skills as well as organization skills. I have learned that life is so fast paced and sometimes you just need to slow down and listen. Listening to those that live here and their stories has been one of my favorite things. They truly do appreciate everything that you do for them and they deserve to be talked to. Tasks need to be done, but they will be done eventually. One of the greatest things that I learned is to take the time to have a conversation with a resident and really acknowledge their stories. This will not only brighten your day, but theirs as well.

I can’t even begin to describe how much I have learned and the impacts that the organization has had on me. By the end of my internship my confidence skyrocketed and I actually felt like I was making a difference. I had no idea what I was getting myself into but I am so glad that I was able to have this opportunity. I have gained so much knowledge of how homeless shelters work and how dedicated everyone has to be in order to make this organization run. At a time when everyone is down and life seems so crazy, those that are at Hosp House are there to help and support you. This is an experience that I will never forget and everyone there will have a place in my heart forever.

Not goodbye but see you next time,
Jenna Trantham

My summer at Hospitality House was one of experience, insight, and empathy. Despite working and volunteering at soup kitchens before, I had never spent time at a non-profit that tackles homelessness as radically as Hospitality House. This was the factor that drew me in the most and inspired me to apply for a summer internship.

Despite my awareness of Hospitality House’s mission and in my opinion elevated way of helping our local homeless community, I was still surprised at the sheer volume of work it took to achieve such an ambitious goal. Every Sunday over the summer I would drive to the two Food Lions in our area to pick up their supply of weekly donations. Week after week I would load boxes upon boxes of fresh produce, dairy, meat, bread, and dessert into my car, feeling the hundreds of pounds weigh on my car as I drove around curves and down hills. Unloading was always a bigger struggle than loading, as finding room for all of our new goods can be quite the challenge. Many afternoons were spent sorting through new and old produce alike, and even as I got used to the process, the sheer volume of food that came through our doors was still surprising.

As I carried boxes into the pantry, residents would stop by to chat, some even offering to help unload with me. I always loved these interactions. The symbiotic relationship between the staff and clients at Hospitality House was something I did not expect but was pleasantly surprised to discover. It was in these moments, arms full of frozen hamburgers and iceberg lettuce, that I felt the most close to our clients. Conversations happened easily, with comments either being made about the amount of food or what was going to be made with the donations. I loved days when Food Lion would give me bouquets, as passing out flowers to residents and clients always seemed to brighten their days, with many of them commenting how their flowers would look perfect in their rooms. It was times like these when I felt most comfortable in my internship, and though offering a flower is a small gesture, I always left feeling as if I had made a difference, even if just for that day.

This past summer at Hospitality House has opened my eyes in ways I could not have imagined. It is an experience I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to have, and I know as I continue in college and graduate this spring, I will not forget the lessons learned here- lessons full of compassion, understanding, and respect for others.

I am so thankful to have gotten to spend my summer at Hospitality House

-Elizabeth Eichen

I never once thought I would be interning at the Hospitality House. Growing up, I was told that the Hospitality House is where many who are experiencing homelessness seek shelter in. I remember hearing negative rumors and being so scared to walk past the Hospitality House as I was taking a shortcut to return to the high school. This all changed when I stepped foot into the building and slowly began getting to know the residents better.

One day, I had asked Todd for permission to work on the bulletin board just outside the back office and he had said yes. My main goal was to catch the attention from both the older and younger residents all while making sure they would stop and read the information for their own benefit. While working on the board I never expected to have many residents walk up to me to just to chat. Through chatting, I had the privilege of becoming acquainted with the residents. Many told me about their childhood, family they had, or even vented to me about their current situation.

The more I worked on the bulletin board, the more residents came up to me to talk. I started looking forward coming to the Hospitality House just to speak to the residents. One day, while I was working on the bulletin board, I saw a woman who I recall used to always sit beside me in the AppalCart freshman year when I was going back and forth between high school, Caldwell Community College and my internship. Every time she would walk in the bus, check if I was there, and sit next to me and just chatter about anything going on in her life. As she called out to me, we suddenly remembered each other and began to have a conversation.

As she was venting and catching me up on her life, I remember wishing there was more I could do for her and the other residents than just doing tasks around the Hospitality House. But then I realized a lot of the residents that approached me were not asking for anything of me, but instead they only wanted to talk and let all their feelings out. Sometimes, just listening is all somebody might need.

Hospitality House means humility. This place means no one is left behind and no one is left to do life alone. Hospitality House means family. Thinking about a traditional homeless shelter, you often think of 1-2 meals a day, possible sleeping arrangements for nightly use, and a shower that could be utilized throughout the week. That is why Hospitality House is not traditional. While we have meals, beds, and showers, we also have staff and interns who care about clients' mental health, resources to help get employment opportunities, unlimited basic necessities needed for a comfortable living situation, and people within the facility always willing to listen and talk with.

Once I found out I was going to have the privilege of interning at Hospitality House, I was not sure what I should be expecting throughout my experience. I knew if I came into this position with an open mind and willingness to learn new skills, I would be smooth sailing. I adapted quickly, I found that I did not need to be so reserved and always have my guard up. The clients we tend to every day are regular people and deserve the amount of respect I would give to my friends and family. I was not an authority figure, I was an outlet for a good conversation, a daily check-in, a kitchen deep clean, or a nice pot of gumbo :).

I was fortunate enough to be able to divvy up my internship time by working in the front and back of this facility. The front desk taught me to stay busy, there is always something to do whether it is checking in on a client outdoors or picking up a few towels by that bathroom, something can always be done. I learned to expand my communication skills, greet people when they are coming by and they may just tell you how their day is going. I acquired listening skills that will take me through the rest of my life, hear someone out before you judge them and assess the scene after you are done listening. During my time in the kitchen, I learned the importance of time management and multi-tasking. The day will go by much smoother if you can do multiple things at once while still remaining focused. I learned mass organization skills. For example, if I forgot to put a bag of onions on the top of a basket in the Bodega, more than likely they would have an abundance of oranges piled on top of them the next day. Most importantly, I learned that using skills such as cooking to serve others is a true form of happiness for me.

These last 10 weeks at Hospitality House will forever be engraved in my brain for the rest of my days. I thank everyone I had the opportunity to work with and grow friendships with. I wish you all the best and a healthy (COVID-19 Free) year!

All the best,

Grace E. Courville

Walking in through the doors at Hospitality House for the first time at the beginning of the summer I had two things going through my head. "It is really hot in here" and "wow this place looks nothing like I envisioned". For lots of Criminal Justice majors doing an internship at a shelter instead of with law enforcement is something not done by many. With Covid-19 restricting many law enforcement agency's from taking interns, I ended up at the doors of Hospitality House for my internship. This internship helped me in ways that I will always remember, and it completely changed the way I view the world.
I was presented with a variety of tasks during the summer, including working the food pantry, working in the kitchen, and sometimes tasks that required some heavy lifting. Overall though not everyday was the same, as everyday brought in new sets of challenges, and new people to watch over. Like a traditional homeless shelter everyday there would be new faces eager to be helped out, and each one of those people required different things from Hospitality House.
Hospitality House forever changed the way I look at the homeless population. Before I believed that homeless people where homeless because of their own unwillingness to work. While that might be true for some of the homeless population, Hospitality House taught me that the most of these people are homeless because of many complex different factors. Some physically can't work, and some have serious mental issues that hinder them from living a normal life. A lot of it has to do with the area these individuals live in. In a college town with nothing but student housing, where are these individuals supposed to live. Even if they could live in the student apartments, a lot of people can't afford 1,000 dollars a month for a one bedroom apartment. Hospitality House changed the way I view the homeless population and it also helped me become more aware if a certain city or town is doing what it has to do in helping lower the homeless population.

I think that there are many ways that people can help a community, and not all of them have to be grand gestures that restructure how we live or think. I think that every effort helps, but what is most important is that an effort is made, and when that effort is made there is great satisfaction that can be drawn from it. This summer, I worked as a sociology intern at Hospitality House, spending most of my time behind the front desk and interacting with our clients. Though that is not all I did, I spent time working in the pantry and in the kitchen as well and doing various other tasks that were required of me.


It was not always glamourous work, and as someone with serious social anxiety, working at the front desk really pushed me beyond my comfort level. But I truly do think it was worth it, I will not lie and say that every day was amazing, to do so I think would undermine the experience and the lessons I learned, and without challenge growth cannot take place.

I truly believe that working here has given me perspective and deepened my capacity for patience and empathy. It has given me many things to think about and to reflect on in future years.


And in working here I was able to meet some truly wonderful people. The environment was very inviting and friendly. I think without such an atmosphere I would not have been able to take away as much. And it was not just the staff who made the environment so welcoming, many of our clients were wonderful as well. Several made a habit of bringing us flowers to decorate the front desk with. There was one client who, when I was doing chores away from the desk, had a long conversation with me and told me all about their life and their experiences. Working with people who have such different experiences than I has done much to change how I see things and the world we live in.

Passion is key when interning or working for a non-profit. This past summer I was blessed to be the non-profit management intern and this experience has been nothing short of amazing. As the non-profit management intern I was able to experience full circle the ins and outs of Hospitality House. Somedays I would work at the front desk and meet clients, other days I would be packaging envelopes to send to donors. A majority of the time I worked in the kitchen preparing meals or sorting food in the pantry. Another one of my top experiences was going to different hotels in the Boone area to see if they would be willing to donate leftover/unused breakfast items to serve to the clients at Hospitality House. Once again passion is key. This internship has not been the easiest, but it sure has been the most eye opening and rewarding job I have had the opportunity to be a part of.


It has been a pleasure serving this summer at Hospitality House. It has been nothing but bright faces and joyous smiles. Walking into Hospitality House never failed to put a smile on my face. Whether I was tired or just not in the happiest mood, the moment I stepped foot in the building and one of the staff members or clients smiled, waved, or welcomed me with open arms, my mood would do a 180 and I felt a sense of joy and comfort.


My most fond memory of the summer was one Saturday afternoon when a client walked up to me after I took a quick break from sorting the pantry. The client greeted me with a warm smile and offered me the most beautiful necklace. When choosing one of their necklaces, I picked out the most colorful one so that I could always keep up with it and remember this special moment. Little did I know, when choosing this necklace, there was a cross charm at the end of the necklace. We both smiled at one another and I thanked them for this special gift. Little do they know that moment meant everything to me, and would be apart of my call story.


For the past couple of years, I have had this passion serving and working alongside those experiencing homelessness. Although I personally have never experienced homelessness, those who have, who've I had the opportunity to speak with have the most raw and genuine heart. They have taught me more life lessons than I could ever possibly experience outside of speaking with them. The necklace that now hangs in my rearview mirror not only reminds me of the client who gave me the necklace, but is a constant reminder of my calling to serve. I once heard this quote that reads "I hold your heart in my heart always." That's exactly what Hospitality House means to me. Every staff, intern, and client have a special place in my heart always and are the reason I am following my calling.

Hi! My name is Alex Yakhontov and I interned at Hospitality House for part of my Public Health degree program. My time at Hospitality House as an intern has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life so far. Finding an internship felt like a daunting task and I am so glad I got to intern at Hospitality House. I was very nervous about what this internship would hold for me, and working with a population I did not have much experience with, but I quickly became comfortable with all of the residents and clients. I loved being able to make connections with clients and have meaningful conversations which opened my eyes to how many of us are close to experiencing homelessness or food insecurity ourselves. I mostly worked in the food pantry and kitchen which showed me just how much goes into feeding our clients and residents each day. I loved working in the food pantry because I got to talk to so many different people day in and day out, and it was very rewarding to help those struggling with food insecurity and seeing their gratitude. From interacting with clients, to putting away hundreds of pounds of food, to making food boxes, and sorting through produce, I will always cherish my time here as an intern and wish I could have stayed longer. I will miss the other interns who worked with me this summer and all of the staff, and just wanted to say thank you for making this a great experience and for all that you do!

I never imagined that my time as an intern at the Hospitality House would have such a significant influence on my future career, but I will carry the interactions and experiences I had with me for the rest of my life. No matter what duty I was tasked with, I was always presented with a new challenge that encouraged me to expand my mind and think differently than I had ever previously considered. I was placed outside of my comfort zone on multiple occasions, and I engaged in conversations that I was unprepared to have. However, those difficult situations taught me more about myself as a person and allowed me to reflect on my decision to pursue medicine.

Prior to interning at the Hospitality House, I never realized the importance of time. My busy days would fly by, and I would never take time to cherish the moments that I had with others because I was so preoccupied with my to-do list. However, the residents at the Hospitality House reminded me how fragile life is: one day you could be having a cheerful conversation with someone and the next day you could find them in a state of crippling depression. I have learned that for vulnerable populations, every day is a battle and time cannot be taken for granted. Through assisting with the health clinic, I have also recognized the interconnectivity of homelessness, mental health, and chronic disease, and I have come to understand the need for consistent and trustworthy medical providers in underserved areas.

My greatest takeaways from this past semester have not only been the relationships I have formed with the other interns and staff members at the Hospitality House, but the bonds I have created with the residents as well. As the health intern, I witnessed first-hand how impactful the establishment of trust can be on someone who is going through a difficult season of life. I was able to see how my willingness to listen to their narratives and validate their concerns showed them that I cared about their well-being, and as a result, they had faith in my words and recommendations. Above all else, my time as an intern showed me that people from all walks of life have the potential to formulate relationships and engage in meaningful conversations. It introduced me to different caring professions and confirmed the need for cross disciplinary interactions and systemic change. As a healthcare professional in the future, I will commit my practice towards advocating for those that need it most. I will engage with my community and consistently think about how to best serve those around me.

For the past two years of college I was fortunate enough to volunteer with Hospitality House working in the kitchen, cooking and serving meals to residents. Prior to March of 2020 I was coming in every other Sunday to prepare meals, and it was one of my absolute favorite things to do. I remember those first few months of 2020 starting to push myself to not only come in and serve a meal, but to come in and have a meal with the people I was serving. Which the opportunity presented itself to do far more than just sit down and eat with the clients of Hospitality House in the Spring of 2021.

I knew that it was important to really dive in and make meaningful connections during my time interning. I was incredibly fortunate to get the opportunity to intern at Hospitality House, as a recreation management major, it definitely seemed a little out of place, however I went in with the intention to create opportunities for clients of Hospitality House to do things that could spark their joy. For me, recreation, getting outside, and just finding hobbies I enjoy have had such a positive impact on my life and my mental health, and I recognize my privilege in my access to those things and being able to have the time to do those things. I wanted to find ways to create those opportunities for Hospitality House clients.

I was able to organize a tie dye day for residents where we dyed bags, shirts, socks, and bandanas. The event was supposed to start at 11 am, when we got out there to set up people were ready to go an hour early and most people spent all day outside tie dying with us or just hanging out. One client who spent the entire afternoon tie dying said to me, “if I wasn’t here doing this, I don’t know what trouble I would be getting into,” another resident had never tie dyed before and I have seen them in their shirt several times since the event happened.

Two years ago, I had never sat down with the people I was serving at Hospitality House, I was nervous, it was something that put me outside of my comfort zone. Now I find myself wanting to be at Hospitality House, talking to the clients, getting to know them, hearing about their stories and their days. It has been an invaluable experience to be a part of. I will talk to anyone who will listen about my experiences at Hospitality House and how import it is to share compassion without conditions.

My story is typical. I became homeless because I had breast cancer. I lost several jobs due to illness and I was living in my car.

Needless to say, I was down on my luck. My therapist strongly suggested that I become a client of The Hospitality House. I was fortunate enough to get a bed and for the next few weeks I would learn more about life.
This was my first and hopefully last shelter. As shelters go it was clean and well managed. Most of the clients are extremely respectful of your privacy and the staff although young, is well trained to handle any crisis.
I was able again to meet some fascinating people with poignant stories about the state of affairs that we all seem to be humbled in.
I was amazed at the care and concern that was shown to me. Sonya and Marny took an interest in me. Both of these ladies honored my story and really went the extra mile with me.
I will always have fond memories of The Hospitality House. I still return two or three times a week to holler at my friends.
Thank You, Home, for Sheltering the Needy and Doing the Will of the Good