Box of Dreams

Project Overview

After winning the “Living the Dream” award this winter, I started to wonder what the people I serve dream of for their future. That question made me listen more closely and led me to come up with the idea of a “Box of Dreams.”

At a recent meal, each guest received a slip of paper with two statements: “Something I need right now is…” and “My dream for the future is…” I think it’s important to show dignity to the people we serve and help them feel hopeful about their future. I hope that by asking what they need and dream of, they feel valued.

Want to get involved?

“Something That Would Help Me Right Now…” Responses

I noticed there’s a common trend that people want housing (13 responses) more than anything. I was surprised by how many people want basic emotional needs like friendship and love (16 responses).

This is a breakdown of the specific requests for each category:

“My Dream for the Future is…” Responses

I noticed that a lot of people wanted emotional support, such as peace, love, hope, and respect (16 responses). These won’t be easy things to give, but over time I believe that they will build up hope and a stronger sense of community with the actions we share with them.

What surprised me was that one person said they wanted to own an ice cream truck. That’s a very specific dream and it makes me wonder if they’ve been thinking of it for a long time.

This is a breakdown of the specific dreams in each category:

Comparison: Needs vs. Dreams

Authored By: Mara’s Parents
The answers show a clear connection between current needs and future dreams. Many of the most urgent needs (housing, jobs, money, healthcare, and emotional support) reappear in the dreams section as long-term goals, like owning a home, financial stability, good health, and having a loving family.

Interestingly, the people who wrote about needing housing now, weren’t the same people that dreamed of housing in the future.

Even though it wasn’t always called out specifically as “stability,” there is an underlying theme across both sets of responses (housing, employment, health, family, etc.). There’s a clear “survival to stability” progression with current needs focused on immediate basics, but future dreams reflecting independence, dignity, and belonging. 

Emotional needs like friendship, love, and peace were just as common in both sets of responses, showing that belonging and connection are as important as the physical necessities. 

Very few dreams were about luxury. Instead, the dreams were realistic and achievable. 

The gap between their current life and where they dream of being isn’t about ambition. The people we serve at Trevor’s Vision have big hopes and dreams for the future. Rather, the issue is about access to stability. When basic needs like housing, steady income, healthcare, and emotional support are unmet, people remain in survival mode. Their dreams show what people truly want is security, connection, and a stable foundation for their future.

Our family believes this is achievable with the right community support.

Mara’s Personal Reflection

The “Box of Dreams” project was a huge success with over 70 people participating. Some wishes were expected (housing, jobs, food). Other wishes were very deep (peace, a long life, starting a family) or creative (owning an ice cream truck). Not all wishes were huge; some were as simple as a pack of gum.

No dream is too big nor too small!

Impact & Action Steps

I would like to use this data to help guide some special projects over the next year. My idea is to partner with Trevor’s Vision to launch a monthly “Box of Dreams” initiative beginning in October 2026, where each first Wednesday of the month focuses on fulfilling one meaningful dream. Some months may be a giveaway, such as blankets or gum. Other months may be a visit from a group that can help, like housing or dentists.

This project will balance urgent needs with joy-filled moments that restore hope.

Want to Get Involved?

We’re looking for sponsors and partners to help in the following ways:

September 2026: Hopeful Smiles

Access to dental care can be extremely difficult for people experiencing homelessness, yet it plays an important role in overall health.

Volunteers from Midwestern University: College of Dental Medicine – Arizona joined us at the first ever Box of Dreams night. They provided Oral Hygiene Instruction and dental screenings to support health, restore confidence, and help guests take an important step toward long-term well-being.

Several people will receive additional ongoing, comprehensive dental care at the clinic at no additional cost. A huge thank you to their incredible team! This is a life-changing opportunity.

Additionally, an anonymous in-kind donation provided 225 goodie bags with toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss for every guest.

October 2026: Dream Journal Giveaway

Guests will receive a journal to help them reflect, dream, and stay hopeful about the future. Volunteers will write an uplifting reminder on the first page.

November 2026: Faces of Hope

A volunteer photographer offers professional headshots and the opportunity for guests to share their stories during National Homelessness Awareness Month.

December 2026: Letters to Loved Ones

Guests receive letter-writing kits so they can reconnect with family or friends by sending a handwritten note.

January 2026: Christmas Shoe Giveaway

Guests receive a brand new pair of sneakers and a new pair of socks.

February 2026: Reverse Cookie Booth

Guests get to choose their favorite box of Girl Scout cookies while sharing their hopes and needs through the Box of Dreams survey.

March 2026: Community Job Fair

Local employers and workforce organizations connect with guests to share job opportunities and pathways to employment.

April 2026: Unity Through Music

A joyful music experience brings guests together through connection, movement, and community.

May 2026: Stories of Hope

A motivational speaker shares a personal journey of overcoming challenges and finding an encouraging path forward.

June 2026: Circle of Hope

A guided support group creates a safe space for conversation about resilience, hope, and overcoming life’s challenges.

July 2026: Book Store of Hope

Guests browse a pop-up bookstore and choose a book that inspires learning, growth, or encouragement.

August 2026: Pathways to Housing

Housing organizations share resources and programs to help guests learn about pathways toward stable housing.

If you’d like to help, please reach out to us here.