This semester, THC’s Rapid Re-Housing team is hosting two interns from the University of California, Davis (UC Davis). We asked our interns to tell us more about themselves and what interested them in working with THC. First up is UC Davis junior, Sherluna Vien. 

Tell us about yourself.

My name is Sherluna Vien, but I also go by Luna. Originally from Sacramento, California, I moved 30 minutes away from home to attend the University of California, Davis. Currently, I am a third year majoring in Community and Regional Development, a major that is a mixture of urban development and social justice. Through my major, I wanted to learn more about redlining, gentrification, and community building. My particular interest in housing comes from being raised in a low-income family who relied heavily on the Section 8 Vouchers.

What are you passionate about?

I am passionate about helping people as well as advocating for affordable and sustainable housing. Being a beneficiary of Section 8 Housing, I understand how difficult it is obtain and maintain a federal housing subsidy. The bureaucratic system made me realize that we lack affordable housing and empathetic people to help out. I strongly believe housing is an essential need and right that everyone deserves to have. I hope to advocate for people who are not able to speak up for themselves and be able to assist people in finding a place to call their home.

What brings you to THC?

I was looking for an internship for the Washington Program hosted by the University of California. I found THC on Idealist.org and decided to apply after reading THC’smission and value. Growing up, I hope to become a Social Worker. I thought being able to shadow a case manager would be a great opportunity to ground me in the work that I would like to do. Additionally, I wanted to learn more and see how the Rapid Rehousing model worked. I hope to bring everything that I learn in Washington, DC back to California to create some additional change.