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The Face of The Homeless |
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| just off the streets |
May 21, 2007 |
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Dear Friends,
That's Phil, exactly the way we see him, each Sunday evening, in all his glory. We use to call him the sandwich man- he stood in line for sandwiches over dinner. Phil lives across the street in one of the many buildings that makes a business renting rooms to the homeless in an attempt to help them off the streets. They have employees that help people apply for whatever type of assistance might be out there, then they use the money to help pay the rent, while offering counseling services and job finding services. No clue what their success ratio is- but Phil loves the place. He can watch us pull up, as the line builds he can head down the stairs, cross the street and get in line just in time for a sandwich and a meal. He's a good friend and an important part of our Sunday evenings.
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Random Walk Ups |
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The weather warms up and our line is filled with people we've seen only a time or two, if ever at all. This couple walked through line and barely said a word. Not sure they spoke English- or maybe they just didn't feel like talking. Many of our people may not know each other- but it's kind of like going to church- lots of people you recognize- see them every week- but you don't really know them. Then new people show up. Our line's friendly, but it's obvious that people walking through for their first time stick out like a sore thumb and are not sure what to think of it all. I tried to be friendly with these folks- took a picture of them together and showed them- he never said a word, just turned away. She was curious, but silent as well, enjoyed seeing her photo. When I slipped past them to friends standing a little further back in line they were making fun of them, "They think your robbing their soul with your phone/camera!" Being the "new kid" is never easy. Hopefully this couple will find shelter and work in the days to come. Until then, they're trying to find their place in the line.
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Dad and a Friend |
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Spiderman 3! When I asked him what he did with the cash we gave him - he said he took his daughter to see Spiderman 3. Too bad she wasn't here last week, they could have gone and seen Shrek 3 instead, maybe not quite as scary. You may remember the story of his daughter visiting one week... then he's not been in line for the last couple of weeks. This week he was back, with his normal circle of friends, and said his daughter made it home safely after a great visit. Thanked us for the gift and filled me in on their outing. Must have been great to have a small taste of normalcy in lives that have been turned upside down. Not sure how long it's been since you've seen a movie- but add several dollars to the ticket price in your neighborhood for watching the same thing in LA. Oddly, you can pick up the counterfeit DVD on the streets of the latest movies, including Spiderman 3, for less then the price of going to the show. The big talk was that one of the community centers had shown the knock off DVD a week before the release! Sounds like a good way to lose donation dollars and get in trouble with the studios to me. The heart of LA is in constant turmoil between studio influence: they were filming on Main St last night- a HUGE production starting down at the Cal Trans building- and it's impact on local business and now residential life in the city. LA, something's happening all the time. No wonder dad wanted to share it all with his daughter.
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Where's The Big Guy? |
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Be mine. Cases of candy hearts are still sitting in the Jackets for Jesus room. Thousands of little boxes filled with flirting messages. We take them to the streets, we take them to Siempre, we even gave them out at the golf tournament... and we haven't been able to use them all: Praise God! A thoughtful store manager called us before they were all going to dumped after Valentine's Day. Jackets for Jesus lives on donations. Cash is king: no doubt about it. Without your regular support we'd not be able to put gas in the van, not to mention pay for all that goes into one of Jodi's amazing dinners. That said: we're a simple street ministry that survives off of people keeping an eye out for that which might otherwise go to waste: a jacket hanging in the closet, unused- blankets and mittens stored away, and even food stuff you spot at work that could be a blessing to those who might otherwise not just go without but in the case of the sweethearts, those who could use a treat in their lives. Keep an eye out in your life and you'll be amazed at what might be put to great use on the streets.
"Where's the big guy?" That would be Bart. He not only drives each week but also heads up the front of the line. Bart's Dutch, and his Mother died a week ago today, so Bart's in Holland going through the heart break of letting go of his mom. Please keep he and his family in your prayers. Both of his sons were on the streets making him proud last week and fielding all questions about dad. From rural Holland, where he helped his father sort tulip bulbs, to the heart of Los Angeles, where he serves The Lord, serving those living in poverty on the streets, it's been an amazing journey for Bart and he's an important part of Jackets for Jesus. Everyone missed him last night- especially me- I couldn't sleep going or coming... I had to drive the van! We need him back this weekend- for that matter you're invited to join us this Sunday, a bunch of us will be in Mexico to build at Siempre, so you're needed, now, more than ever.
for changing lives,
Eric
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Jackets for Jesus | 5623 Arlington Ave | Riverside | CA | 92504 |
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