Homelessness

Today, Jerod and I ran by McDonalds to pick up breakfast (yum!). When we got the the church building, we pulled up and both of us saw a Black woman, walking with a duffle bag. She looked a little ragged, her curly hair was matted and here boots were rolled over and the straps were dragging on the floor. "I think I'm going to lose my breakfast," Jerod said. And the truth is I was for a moment glad I had already eaten mine. It tasted good, I was hungry, and I wasn't the one driving. Jerod dropped me off and when to talk with her. She said she wanted a bus ticket to Greensboro. So Jerod gave her his breakfast and told her where the bus station was and that we'd meet here there around 1 to buy her the ticket.

So, we got out of church and Jerod headed over there. As Amaris and I were walking out the door I saw her! I told Amaris that was the woman. So we went to speak with her and this time she asked where the train station was. We told her and then she walked off. But we followed her and let her know Jerod went to buy her ticket. We called Jerod, he came back to the church building and picked her up. I gave her the only food in my car, they drove to the bus station and Amaris and I preceded to walk to Mellow Mushroom for lunch with the new V21 Kids Director.

While we were walking down West St. in downtown Raleigh Amaris said she saw that Jerod and I really love this city the way she does. I think she's right. Jerod and I love Raleigh and both of us have always felt the calling to stay and love this city. Raleigh is big enough but still small, we're growing and there are museums to visit, great food, shopping... but Jerod and I live life very comfortable. Sometimes we don't think we have much but we really do have so much in comparison to so many in Raleigh.

What to do about this issue of homelessness... or people experiencing homelessness to be politically correct?

I've struggled with it since I am to school at NC State. I met a wonderful woman named Sarah Puckett and I started doing Meals at Moore Square with her on either Tuesday or Thursday night. I would make lunches and we would take them to the people who gathered there. We would give the lunches out and then hang out and talk with the people there. Many of them were trying to keep jobs, some were sick and needed medicine. It got to the point where we knew we had to quit going for a time because they were getting drunk and smoking pot while we were there. The cops had come several times not to say anything to us but they saw open containers.

So what to do??? This has plagued me since I've been living in Raleigh and knew it was an issue! I have limited resources. I still do not really have answers. Jerod and I try and help where we can and it does bring so much joy. So for now Jerod and I are keeping our eyes open for where we can help. If any one has any ideas or thought let me know!

dmj