North Cali Sammy
Registered Member
When I blew into town a couple years back, all I had was the t-shirt on my back, a pair of long shorts, and tennis shoes. That's after being released from prison. I had $20.00 gate money left in my pocket. Most of the money was spent on a train ride and bus ticket. It was late August yet a very cold night. I froze my butt off and didn't sleep. The next morning I went to the goodwill store and bought a pair of jeans and a hoody. That gobbled up my $20.00.
I found my way to a local church that fed me breakfast and also gave me a coat and a FEMA blanket. I was happy to receive them, knowing that my nights on the streets would be a little more comfortable. Months later I was given a bed in a shelter. I slept like a rock. When you're sleeping on the streets, people will wake you up for a smoke, alcohol, or just for the hell of it, I guess. It's hard sleeping on the streets with one eye open.
You can go either way while homeless: you can become bitter or you can count your blessings, no matter how small they might be. Now that I'm back on my feet, I've been looking at ways to return charity to those who gave charity to me. I had some extra money this month, so I purchased a bulk package of sleeping bags for the shelter, to pass out to those without a bed. Next month I will do the same for the church that fed me and supplied me with a blanket and coat. I'm also considering volunteering my time at the church.
There are resources out there for the homeless, but they are stretched thin. There are limited beds in the shelters; not everybody gets one. I am thankful for all that was given and everything I have received, no matter how small. Even some of the homeless gave what they could.
I guess what I'm saying is that we should always be aware of the blessings in our lives, and that we should bless others with kindness and charity. It won't always be appreciated, but possibly it will open their eyes to the idea that somebody cared enough to help.
I found my way to a local church that fed me breakfast and also gave me a coat and a FEMA blanket. I was happy to receive them, knowing that my nights on the streets would be a little more comfortable. Months later I was given a bed in a shelter. I slept like a rock. When you're sleeping on the streets, people will wake you up for a smoke, alcohol, or just for the hell of it, I guess. It's hard sleeping on the streets with one eye open.
You can go either way while homeless: you can become bitter or you can count your blessings, no matter how small they might be. Now that I'm back on my feet, I've been looking at ways to return charity to those who gave charity to me. I had some extra money this month, so I purchased a bulk package of sleeping bags for the shelter, to pass out to those without a bed. Next month I will do the same for the church that fed me and supplied me with a blanket and coat. I'm also considering volunteering my time at the church.
There are resources out there for the homeless, but they are stretched thin. There are limited beds in the shelters; not everybody gets one. I am thankful for all that was given and everything I have received, no matter how small. Even some of the homeless gave what they could.
I guess what I'm saying is that we should always be aware of the blessings in our lives, and that we should bless others with kindness and charity. It won't always be appreciated, but possibly it will open their eyes to the idea that somebody cared enough to help.