There is great importance in standing together on national hungry and homeless awareness week, Though every day should be spent thinking of others, caring for others, and loving on others; we sometimes need a day or even a week devoted to the cause.
My Story
Five and a half years ago, I became sick. I was placed on disability. Hardship ensued. A few months of putting bills into payment plans and discussing options with the landlord, the electricity was turned off. It was all I could do to keep the gas on so we could, at least, shower. We lived on whatever foods we could get to fit into our little cooler. Candles burned, dripping wax on to the only kitchen table I ever purchased from an actual furniture store years before. My husband blamed me for getting sick and our relationship suffered. By the time I started back working, the rent was too far behind. I was pregnant with our fifth child and found myself sleeping on the floor of a few hotel rooms after the eviction. A few weeks later, I was six months pregnant and homeless with four kids in tow.
Newly single, (not my choice) I rented hotel rooms when I could, stayed on friends couches, and slept in my car on occasion. After a few months of that, a childhood friend’s parents took my kids and I in right before the baby was born. Through all of this, I had been working. One week before my daughter was born, I found us a two bedroom house. My goal while homeless was just to find somewhere to call home. A place I could take my new baby girl to.
The reality of my experience is nothing compared to that of others.
I understand that. My situation lasted for three months. Some are hungry and homeless for years. I do not pretend to know what that looks like or feels like. What I know is that the time I spent homeless and hungry broke so much in me that I have nightmares even now. I work and I am able to feed, clothe, and shelter my kids. They bathe and have electricity. Even though I have clawed my way out of a time that was so painful and draining, I often feel that at any moment, it could all happen again because I see so many needing our love and care. So, I turn it into service and I ask you to do the same.
There are so many things that you can do in order to be of service to those that are hungry and homeless.
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Support your local food pantries.
- Donate food items and your time in passing them out.
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Ride with care packages in your car.
- Take some gallon baggies and put some granola and other food items, a water, a little money, a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap and deodorant in each of them. Zip them up and keep them in your car. When you see someone in need, hand them one of the bags and show them respect and love.
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Set out items where those in need can get them
- In winter, bag up scarves, hats, gloves, and blankets and place a note in them stating that they are free to whomever needs them. Place them on benches at bus stops, etc.
A story from many years after by time spent hungry and homeless
I remember one time when I was working a graveyard shift at an animal hospital and I had an experience with a young homeless boy. He could not have been older than eighteen years of age. This was years after my experience without a home and, at times, void of food. I noticed on the video camera that a body was laying outside of the front door off to the side, under some shrubbery. The others working with me were about to get on the phone and call the police. I told them to wait. I unlocked the front door and went outside to nudge the young man. He jumped up apologizing and said he would never come there again. He was wearing shorts and a t-shirt and the weather was crisp and cold. Instead of resorting to the person I might have been before my bout of bad luck, I asked him if he would stay where he was so that I could bring him a blanket and something hot to drink. He looked at me like no one had ever given him the time of day before. Then I asked him if he needed anything else. He asked me if I had something for him to eat. I told him I would bring him something. When I went back into the hospital, I gathered one of our warmest blankets, a bagel and cream cheese, a sandwich I had for my lunch, a banana, and a warm cup of hot chocolate. When I gave all of it to this young man, I told him that it was not much and he thanked me. He said that no one had ever done anything like that for him before. My heart knew what his heart was feeling more than words can say.
Conclusion
Again, there is great importance in standing together on national hunger and homeless awareness week. But, don’t let it just be one week and don’t just be aware. Get out there and make a difference. Go be the light you wish to see in the world.
References
nationalhomeless.org