Project Homeless Connect

So--just a quick note to tell you about a really cool event that I went to yesterday. The United Way has a campaign called "Project Homeless Connect" that gathers service providers in one location, spreads the word to homeless people through churches and fliers, and tries to set people up with services that can get them off the street. It was truly the most inspirational thing to be a part of and I met so many wonderful, interesting people that warmed my heart. The best news is that this event happens once a month--so if you like what you read here, you can volunteer in September.

This month, the event was at my church--Vineyard North Phoenix. The place was crawling with people all day. There were two full meals served, lots of water and gatorade, and all kinds of services including: Department of Economic Security (ACHHS, food stamps, and more), shelters, Vital Records (birth certificates, etc), Social Security, DMV shuttle service, reduced housing information, voicemail service ("Community Voicemail"), showers, haircuts, medical services, clothing bank, backpacks, employment information and job fair listings, resume creating, shoebox ministries, free bus passes and so much more. The best part of all was the smiles on people's faces! It was really touching.

For the event, each guest is assigned a volunteer "guide" who takes them around the many areas and makes them aware of services that might help them. I really liked this part because I got to know a few people in depth. The guests that I toured with found so many amazing benefits! One of the men got medical screening and referred to Healthcare for the Homeless because he probably needs a pacemaker! Also, he was so excited to get connected with shelter services. He kept saying, "I'm just so glad that I have a place to go tonight." Another gentleman had come to get new clothes and a haircut because he is planning to start going on job interviews. I could tell how important this was to him as he picked out the perfect clothes and excitedly talked about the jobs he'd seen posted. Talking with all these people was an amazing experience! Having meals together and truly getting to know people was so interesting.

And above all...I was most interested and moved by the following observation: When looking at people walking around in pairs (guest and guide), it was oftentimes difficult to tell who was actually the "homeless" person. This was especially true after the showers. Everyone here was smiling, talkative, and cheerful. This event breathed so much LIFE into people in unfortunate circumstances. And they all walked away holding their heads high...with clothing, food, and potential services to change those circumstances.

Consider volunteering!
http://www.vsuw.org/volunteer/project-homeless-connect
The next event is: Friday, September 11, 2009--Human Services Campus--1201 W Madison StreetPhoenix, AZ 85007--from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Volunteer for any time slot)
*PS: Some companies have benefits where they will pay you for a day of volunteering. Check to see if your company has this type of program.

And my personal thoughts on homelessness here: I've spent the last 29 years of my life pondering the situation where a person asks for help on the street. Yeah...TV shows, newspapers, and prejudice tell people that they shouldn't give money to these people. Perhaps you worry that they'll buy drugs or alcohol. But you know what I say...who cares! Don't you think that two or three dollars is less important than a person's sense of worth? When you do give someone a few dollars, perhaps you are showing them that people on this earth still care. And just think, your kindness might be a turning point for them. Even if they do use that two dollars to buy alcohol or drugs, maybe they can vow "this is the last time." I think that the value of a person--and taking a stance to show a person that they are noticed--is worth far more than two dollars. Give someone a bit of cash, save yourself the anxiety and self-hatred of turning them away, and make a small difference in one minute of a person's life. And even more importantly...stop and talk to them! I have met some very interesting people this way.

Thanks be to God for all of the blessings in our lives. Jess

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Job update: Lots brewing on the job-front but nothing official yet. Still weighing all my options...including sailing around the world. More to come on all of that stuff.