“A problem is a chance for you to do your best.” – Duke Ellington.
The best way to feel less helpless about a situation is to dive into solutions.
We decided to only include quality items in the care packages we made for people living on the streets. Snacks we would enjoy eating ourselves, products we use.
Bella frequently said, “Mother, stop eating the homeless project!”
It is true, I had to keep replacing the snacks because of my poor self-control. I nibbled. I did. I pilfered a tube of toothpaste or two also.
Coming at it with no actual knowledge of people’s needs, we were building care packages from imagination alone. Here is the list of items we came up with…
Cinch backpacks, water, snacks, wipes, socks, flip-flops, flashlight, toothbrush, toothpaste, Neosporin, Band-Aids, Advil, lip balm, lotion, and $5.
“What do you hope to achieve from this project?”
Obviously care packages aren’t going to solve the homeless crisis, but it is a way give a few individuals a slightly better day. A start. You have to start somewhere.
“So how did it go?”
Well first of all, we felt remarkably shy handing these out.
The feeling was mutual for many recipients. There were several people who declined the gifts. Occasionally they would change their minds when they saw others opening theirs.
The very first man we approached said, “No judgement?” We replied, “No judgement,” and he walked off with his care package.
Some people made no eye contact. Our presence hurt.
Some people needed to talk.
No one identified as homeless. They were just “between jobs” or some other version of that… In fact the word “homeless” was never used.
Each person was an individual not connected to their fellows. There were some friendships and groups, but not a movement.
So our idea of arming them with signs to deliver a larger message to the community was swiftly squelched.
Those who were able to receive our gifts were mostly delighted.
The most popular item was the cinch sack itself – much better than a plastic grocery store bag for carrying your things.
Food and water were also popular. Some saying they had not eaten that day. Almost everyone immediately ate and drank.
Neosporin was also a hit. People slathering it on wounds. Nearly everyone had wounds.
I imagine when night came the flashlight was useful. A little bit of light in the darkness is a treasure for anyone.
There was a moment when we had depleted our supply of care packages and were walking back the way we came… people were still unpacking their packages like children opening gifts on Christmas.
There was a perceptible uptick of spirit. Each person we had shared with had gotten some momentary relief.
What’s next?
A second round of care packages with greater quantities of food and water.
And maybe wagons. Many people had possessions with them that looked heavy, cumbersome and hard to manage. A quality utility wagon would be a boon for some folks.
Stay tuned…