Monday, December 20, 2010
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Ziplocs full of Love
Last year, just outside the parking lot where Carol parks daily, she noticed a homeless man and she thought about him when the weather got harsh. She began to pray for him and speak to him as she passed. She gave him bottles of water. Carol and her son made up a bunch of baggies full of the kind of things that she has learned homeless people can really use. She threw her first baggie full of stuff over the fence and told him her name. The next week she tossed another bag over and he told her his name. One day LaVern told Carol that she wouldn't be seeing him anymore. He had found a place to live. She saw him the next day then he was gone. She prays that he has found a home and a place of care. She continues to hand out Baggies of love whenever she encounters a homeless person.
Last night she brought assorted care items and large ziploc bags to our Circle meeting. She shared her passion with us and we helped her fill each bag with a bottle of water, a pair of socks, a granola bar, matches and a candle, a small container of applesauce and a plastic spoon, cough drops, a can of Vienna Sausages, a box of raisins, a package of cheese and crackers, a stocking cap and a pair of gloves. We each took two home with us to have in our car the next time we see someone in need of one.
Carol says she is no leader. Ah, but she is God's servant. She inspires me.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
A friend returns
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
An Unexpected Christmas Card
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
News article about us
Below is an article from the "Kearney Courier" newspaper on July 26, 2007
[Like all news articles it leaves more questions than it answers and it is not totally accurate (for instance it insinuates that it is a kid's group). The majority of the people showing up to help and donating food are adults... but it was Cody's dreamchild. Cathy was realistic enough to realize that there would have to be a lot of adult involvement for it to succeed. Sad to say, but there are even parents who will not allow their kids to go along ever because they feel they would be in danger.
The article also does not mention Sheila who is the lifeline of the group. She has actually bonded with a couple and spends her day off visiting with them. She takes them to the City Market and brings them to church and to her home. She has become a kind of extended family member to Paula and Marvin.
All of those who have participated in our Under the Rail Road program have been changed by the experience.]
+
Kearney Kids aim to Bring Hope to the Hopeless
Most people can remember a time when they were stopped at a red light and saw someone on the side of the road asking for something. Maybe he asked for money or food or a job, but he said he needed something that he could not provide for himself.
And while some may crack their window and slop out a few dollars, others just look away hoping for the light to turn green or even curse at the person, telling him to get a job.
But a group of Kearney kids are hoping to change not only the general public’s impression of the homeless but their own, too.
Brooke Alexander is one young woman who crossed the social barriers and sat under an area overpass in an effort to bridge the gap between her and those who are homeless.
“I’ll admit that the first time I went, I was nervous,” Alexander said. “I was apprehensive about what I’d see and how they’d react to us being there.”
Alexander said it didn’t take long for both sides to open up to each other.
“Once we started talking,” Alexander said. “They were respectful, friendly and welcoming.”
The group was started after Cody Bates, 16, read the book, “Under the Overpass: A Journey of Faith on the Streets of America” by Make Yankoski.
He said the book made him more aware of the needs of his community. He also said after reading it he and his youth pastor, Cathy McIntire, decided to get a froup together to do more.
“I wanted to be more involved in my community,” Bates said. “When we approached these people , we asked if they would like our help, and they said they would.”
And while there are groups all over the Kansas City area reaching our to the homeless, McIntire said that this group was different.
“We’re trying to meet them where they are,” McIntire said. “A lot of these people don’t want us to come in and change their lives; they just want to be accepted as a person.”
But whether the goal is to change lives or not, reaching out to those in need has changed the life of Bates.
“The experience of knowing these people has opened my eyes,” Bates said. “It has shown me another part of our world and that this isn’t a problem happening in another country, it’s happening here.”
Alexander also said helping the homeless had deeply affected her life.
“Knowing these people has helped me put my priorities into perspective.” Alexander said. “ My possessions are not everything, I think about what’s really important now.”
Both Bates and Alexander said spending on day with the homeless people would change what others thought when they drove by.
“These are good people,” Alexander said. “They’re not drunks or doing bad things.” Bates also invited people from his community to help.
“It’s such a great program,” Bates said. “Just take one day to say hello, and it will make a difference.”
But these youth don’t just sit and talk with the homeless people; during the winter months they bring the food and ask what they can do to make their lives easier. Bates said each week they would ask, ”If you could only receive one thing this week, what would you ask for?” Bates said that they would ask for propane so they could prepare warm meals on camp stoves or they would ask for firewood so they could keep from freezing during the long winter nights.
“There are literally 12 people living under the overpass we visit,” McIntire said. “in the winter months we visit every week and every couple of weeks once it warms up.”
McIntire said the group member were more than just someone to talk to; they were people who cared about making a difference in the lives of the homeless.
“We are giving them help in all areas of their lives,” McIntire said. “Recently we helped a woman get a mammogram, and we try to help with other needs like that that they can’t meet on their own.”
After seeing the need in the community, McIntire helped start the BackPack Program here in Kearney. The program provides food and other necessities to elementary-age children and their families on a weekly basis.
“I know for me knowing that I’ve helped meet someone’s needs is very rewarding,” McIntire said. “We want them to feel loved and valued, and I think they do.”
Staff writer Carrie Alexander can be reached at carriealexander@npgco.com
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Zack
It was obvious to me that he was living this life the way he wants to be livin’ it. Free. He was outgoing and seemed happy and content. Glad that we brought warm food on that cold day but I got the idea he wouldn't have changed his schedule to make sure he would be under the overpass to receive it.
He told us that he had just spent some time over at the Truck Stop polishing the trucker’s tires for money. (Ah! The black hands!) He explained how you have to do a good job but not to do too good a job. You know, so they’ll want you to do it the next time they’re comin’ though.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
just a pencil
There is one man who lives near the malls, he sits on a bench with his cart and stuff...One day the kids and I were going into a store, and the kids said hello...Otto, bold little man, asked him what he needed most...The man said a pencil. The teen asked why a pencil, he held up a crossword puzzle from a discarded newspaper (covered in wiped off garbage) and stated his pencil broke.
We went on our way, and yet the man stuck with me. The thought of here I am spending frivolous money, not that there is a lot of that, yet truly what is the importance of just shopping.
The Teen, bored as we were not anywhere near a store that interests him, asked for twenty bucks and stated he was going to head to another store.
All done with shopping, I headed out with CJ and the Diva, to find The Teen and Otto walking across the parking lot towards this man. At first, my gut reaction was to yell, "Hey guys!", yet, I did not and waited. I calculated in the span of 5 seconds a game plan, should anything go awry...(Damn judgments)
I slowly walked towards them and watched...I could hear them chatting with him again, The teen started to hand him something, I strained to see...
Oh My... Otto and The Teen handed this man, a box of pencils, a sharpener and a brand new book of puzzles! The man was shocked and at first didn't want it, as he was afraid they would be in trouble. That was when I reached them, "No, no trouble."
The man sat there a bit dumbfounded. I quiet settled over us at that moment, a quiet that led to awkwardness. "Okay, you guys ready?" And we turned and began to walk to the truck, when I heard, "Hey lady!"
Glancing over my shoulder the man, looking into my eyes, just said, "Some kids you got there."
I smiled said thank you...
We sat in the truck for all of two minutes..All quiet. Not easy with four children on a shopping rush. All I could say, without letting that knot in my throat loose, was, "I love you guys."
And the day moved on....
Yeah....Some kids I got here.
Monday, March 12, 2007
We've all had our Moments
We all fall sometimes. There are times when we want to give up or give in. Why don't we? What makes us so different? I don't know... I only know why we are the same.
God loves each and every one of us and life is worth living, if for no other reason than that. We all have value. We are all loved.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The lyrics to "Moments":
I was coming to the end of a long, long walk
When a man crawled out of a cardboard box
Under the E. Street Bridge
Followed me on to it
I went out halfway across
With that homeless shadow tagging along
So I dug for some change
Wouldn't need it anyway
He took it lookin' just a bit ashamed
He said, You know, I haven't always been this way
I've had my moments, days in the sun
Moments I was second to none
Moments when I knew I did what I thought I couldn't do
Like that plane ride coming home from the war
That summer my son was born
And memories like a coat so warm
A cold wind can't get through
Lookin' at me now you might not know it
But I've had my moments
I stood there tryin' to find my nerve
Wondering if a single soul on Earth
Would care at all
Miss me when I'm gone
That old man just kept hanging around
Lookin' at me, lookin' down
I think he recognized
That look in my eyes
Standing with him there I felt ashamed
I said, You know, I haven't always felt this way
I've had my moments, days in the sun
Moments I was second to none
Moments when I knew I did what I thought I couldn't do
Like the day I walked away from the wine
For a woman who became my wife
And a love that, when it was right,
Could always see me through
Lookin' at me now you might not know it
But I've had my moments
I know somewhere 'round a trashcan fire tonight
That old man tells his story one more time
He says
I've had my moments, days in the sun
Moments I was second to none
Moments when I knew I did what I thought I couldn't do
Like that cool night on the E. Street Bridge
When a young man almost ended it
I was right there, wasn't scared a bit
And I helped to pull him through
Lookin' at me now you might not know it
Oh, lookin' at me now you might not know it
But I've had my moments
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Choo Choo
Several weeks ago we had a long cold spell. The temps were not above freezing for days on end and dropped to the single digits every night. It must have been terrible trying to stay warm during that time. Choo Choo didn't. We got word that he was in the hospital with frost bite. Then we heard that they had to amputate his toes. Then he was released and no one knows to what or where.
It is our hope that he has reconnected with a loved one or possibly the Veteran's Hospital. Please keep him in your prayers as he readjusts to a new life... wherever he has landed. God Speed, Choo Choo.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Every man I meet is my superior in some way. In that, I learn of him.” -- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Thursday, February 8, 2007
Anonymous Gifts
Onikah, thinking that he perhaps needed some food, replied "No, I'm just with my church and we're feeding some folks - Did you need something to eat, sir?"
The man replied that he did not and Onikah went on her way; however when one of the adult women walked in just a few moments later, the same man approached her and simply handed her a $20 bill and said, "Use it how you see fit to help." The man then just went to his vehicle and drove off.
I'm often reminded of the good in people - that most people genuinely care and desire to help those in need. Often times, people just do not know how or where they can help. This man saw an opportunity to be a blessing - not only to the needy by offering money for supplies, but probably unknowingly to those of us who were there doing the serving by affirming and supporting what we are doing. I believe those opportunities to be an example and a blessing to others cross our paths on a daily basis. This man simply chose to act on the opportunity - do we?
Sunday Visits
We've met several people, but every Sunday when we head to their "home", we can count on about 6 of the same to be there week in and week out - Marvin, Paula, Dennis, Zach, Whiskey, and Choo-Choo. Our routine is pretty much the same every week whether it's sunny, below zero, sleeting, or blizzarding - we load up a hot meal we've prepared along with bottled water and perhaps some other necessities we know they are in need of and head down there usually on the church bus right after our church is out. On the drive down, the discussion amongst the small group on the bus usually centers on what we'll find when we get there - who will be there today, how they've survived the weather that week, who has hopped on a train and headed for somewhere else, etc. - it's much like we're catching up on the "family" gossip.
When we pull up on the bus where they're usually waiting for us, we honk the horn so those who are back at "camp" can come out, meet us, eat with us, and talk. And that's exactly what happens - we pull out the meal we've prepared, serve it up for them and us alike, we sit down right under the railroad bridge overpass and eat and talk. We spend anywhere from 1/2 hour to an hour chit chatting and sharing stories then we pack up what remains of the food to leave with them and we head home. The return ride always brings discussions of what new things we've learned about our friends that day, what they might need for the next week, who can make the meal the following week and what should it be?
What has always hit me when we leave is the fact that they are very comfortable with where they are - they don't act as if they care to come "home" with us. They are very grateful for the food we've provided, for our company, for other efforts we've made; but they do not make us feel guilty for their situation. They seem very content and satisfied with who they are and where they are in life. It makes me ponder our society - why is it we always want more? We always want what someone else has - why we're never content with what we have?
One thing I know: I hate it when I am unable to go see our friends on a Sunday and I have to wait until the following week to reconnect with them. I look forward to the visits and I believe they center my thoughts and challenge for the week ahead.
Monday, January 22, 2007
Lucky & Shea
One day we caught sight of their "entourage" obviously on a mission. I yelled out their name and ran around the block to catch up to them only to find they were on their way to the grocery store. They came back with me to where the others in our group were to grab some food and water and talk for a few minutes. As they were about to head out again, I suggested we could give them a quick ride to the grocery. So, Vince piled Lucky, Shea, and 4 of their children into my van and headed out. The rest of our group stayed behind to talk to some other people...we talked, ate, waited, talked some more, waited some more....time ticked by and I became concerned for Vince - where was he? What was taking so long? About 25 minutes after he'd left my van rounded the corner of the block. It seems that the grocery where this family was headed was about 4 miles away. Their plan was to trek the 4 miles there, grab a couple bags of groceries (because that would be all they could carry back), and then hopefully stop by a friend's house on their way back to see if he could give them a return ride to the shelter. They had allotted their entire day to this process - just to get a couple bags of groceries.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Lawsuit in NYC
When the sidewalks become the property of the storeownwers I imagine all the New York City tourists will be walking in the streets being run down by taxis. When I come to visit the Upper East Side they will shoo me away instantly recognizing that my coat was purchased at Target and my boots at Famous Footware. "Off with you, Hillbilly Woman! You cannot afford to look in on our fine fare!."
Please... someone assure me this is a frivolous lawsuit...
Read it and weep.
Monday, January 15, 2007
Christmas Eve '06
They were well received and warmly welcomed. They praised God and worshiped right beside us. Someone at the worship service even asked Cathy to pass on a $100 bill to each of the three.
After Worship, our families joined Whiskey, Martin and Carla for Christmas dinner in the church hall. Carol had set the tables with white tablecloths and beautiful linen Christmas napkins. There was turkey and ham and all the trimmings.
It was my first time to meet these people that my husband has come to know and care about. We chatted and they talked about their enjoyment of worship, especially of the music, and of other church services that Martin and Carla had attended regularly in San Antone last year before they came to Kansas City. Whiskey also enjoyed the carols that were sung. Whiskey was not "whiskeyed" that morning but appears off balance a bit. He has a balance problem resulting from an old injury received when someone attacked him years earlier. He has been wandering more than half his life; for him it is a lifestyle yet he was sweet and humble.
There were also Christmas presents for all of them, specifically chosen for each of them (and for those that didn’t come, as well). There were tarps, and sleeping bags and backpacks and blankets and buckets and flashlights. All of the uneaten food was packed up and delivered back under the railroad bridge where the rest of them were awaiting the Christmas dinner.
The whole morning was one of the best Christmas moments I have ever had. I learned that homeless people are just that: people without a home... not much different than lots of people I know who do have homes. They just don't have the "Fall back" system that most of us have in place for that time when disaster hits, emotional, physical or financial. I felt moved and blessed to have been a small part of it all.
Saturday, January 13, 2007
The QuikTrip
It was natural for him to want to hook up with the group at our church making efforts to help the homeless and he was one of the first to join up. Vince grew up in the city not far from the railroad bridge where "our" homeless folks abide. His mom still lives in that same house.
There's a QuikTrip just off the highway where we often stop for gas or coffee on our way home from Vince's mom's. I used to wonder why he always stopped there but it wasn't long before I realized he was watching for the homeless guys he often sees hanging around there. He sometimes buys them a cup of coffee or gives them a couple of bucks and visits with them a few minutes.
I was with Vince one time when he talked to a man for a few minutes then went on in to pay for our gas. We had just been to the grocery store so I grabbed an apple and went over to the man myself. I offered him the apple and he politely refused it showing me his rotted teeth. "Can't eat apples any more." I think we left him with a loaf of bread that day.
Anyway, that is how our church group found this "Under the Railroad Bridge" habitat. After talking to these guys that were so often seen at this QuikTrip, we've learned that they live nearby just past the highway. There is a railroad track and several have set up camp there. Originally there were just a few but as winter set in more and more have come and now there are around 12 or so now, although some come and go.
They are at the edge of the city in a wooded area. There are more services for homeless people deeper in the city but these people find it to be safer here. They say that Law Enforcement pretty much leaves them alone if they don't hassle anyone. They have built a small community.
I am thinking about them today because the weather has turned cold after a beautiful bout in the 50°s. Yesterday there was freezing rain and sleet with more to come today and snow tomorrow. I don't know how cold it got last night but it is only 19° right now. I am worried about them.
Sunday, January 7, 2007
10th Annual Homelessness Marathon
The Homelessness Marathon is a 14 hour radio broadcast featuring the voices and stories of homeless people from around the U.S. The Homelessness Marathon features live call-ins all night long via a national toll-free number. You can listen to excerpts from Marathons past at the link above.
Below are some insights from the founder of the Homelessness Marathon from his essay regarding why there are so many homeless people today and also his answer to the always prevalent theory that those people choose to be homeless.
There are plenty of homeless people who aren't bums, by which I mean, they're clearly not doing everything they can to stay in the same miserable situation. Think of it this way. More than 750,000 people are homeless at any given moment, which represents as many as 3.5 million people cycling on and off the streets every year, which represents at least 20 million people homeless since the early '80s when the crisis began. Just do the math.
750,000 represents less than four percent of 20 million, which means that more than 96 percent of all the people who have ever been homeless have gotten out of homelessness (as will most of the people on the streets today). That's a statistic you won't hear from Bill O'Reily who regularly portrays homeless people as unable to get their lives together. Maybe because once you've heard it, you have to wonder how come this obviously motivated more-than-96% wound up on the streets in the first place.
Thursday, December 21, 2006
The Book that Started it All
I bought some books and started loaning them to anyone interested and set up a booth at our Youth Sunday activities. It has snowballed from there into a full-fledged program at our church. The stories of the homeless people we have met and those who are helping them will follow. You might be surprised by both.