For a crew of about 100 archaeologists, there’s no place like Paris, Texas.
Since 2019, a dedicated field crew of SWCA archaeologists have been working on multiple projects in northeast Texas. Many of the field staff have been on these projects all four years and have lived in Paris on and off for long stretches of time. The area has become more than just a workplace; it has become their community.
“We are on the project more than we are actually at home sometimes, so for a lot of us, this is like our second home,” said Hanna Moore, Assistant Staff Archaeologist.
SWCA field crew on a project site in northeast Texas.
After living in Paris for up to a year at a time since 2019, Hanna noticed the struggles of local people experiencing homelessness during the cold winter months and saw an opportunity to help. She pitched the idea of purchasing essential items and assembling care bags in a project group chat of 400 people, including SWCA staff, other consultants, and contractors.
A collection of essential items that were donated. The idea was met with excitement and support. Those who couldn’t donate money contributed their time to help pack supplies or distribute the bags.
The group donated over $400 for supplies, which was enough to assemble 25 care kits. These kits included fleece blankets, wool socks, neck warmers, soap, toothpaste and toothbrushes, water, food, hand warmers, and feminine care products. Hanna, along with the help of other volunteers, packed the bags and distributed them throughout the community.
“It’s nice to give back – we wanted to help out, so we did what we could. It was great to see how many people chipped in,” Hanna said.
A collection of essential items that were donated. After hearing about this effort, Project Manager Ashley Eyeington connected with the Austin office’s Gives Back Representative, Kendall Duncan, who informed Hanna that through SWCA’s Gives Back Program, they could match these efforts with a donation of over $1000 to a local nonprofit. Hanna identified a women’s/homelessness shelter in Paris as the recipient.
“I love that SWCA encourages and lives out Gives Back as a Core Value. It is a differentiator and a wonderful part of SWCA,” Hanna commented.
The field crew’s involvement in the community extends beyond this initiative. Other ongoing efforts include working with local animal shelters to address the feral cat population at their hotels, assisting veterans in need, and participating in volunteer excavation efforts at a local state park.
A collection of essential items that were donated. “Having a community is so important when you’re on site. Coming together with other staff who are here for the project to give back to the local community makes a big impact, not just for the community, but also for those of us on site,” Ashley said. “It has built a strong bond for the crew out in Paris.”
“If you see an opportunity to help, take that chance to take action. Odds are others will be excited about it as well,” Hanna said. #GivesBack