Ruth
16:20
The day was sunny and I was walking my usual route to some local shops. Something up ahead was blocking the footpath. Hard rubbish items go on the verge, not the footpath. Curious. A few more steps. Someone was sitting, legs stretched out across the footpath, half hidden from view by a stuffed wheelie shopping cart. Still walking by, a loaf of bread was visible on top of the cart. Could this be a homeless person? Right on my doorstep? I felt disturbed, challenged, confronted.
On the ground next to her was a mug, a little milky tea in the bottom, two dangling Twinings Earl Grey tea bags, with ants crawling in it. Yuk! I am so particular about hygiene! What was she doing here? Munching on twisties. Blocking the footpath! Her belongings with her.
Then I thought about the group Foodshare project I am working on. Does this woman have any nourishing, warm food every day? Like I do? So, I greeted her, and awkwardly tried chatting. We exchanged names. Her story: she used to live in Mentone, (a respectable beach suburb of Melbourne). She was enjoying the sun; made her tea with cold water – no, she didn’t ask for hot water, the café owners wouldn’t like her asking.
And all the time I was talking with her, my mind was racing with what should I do? Offer her a bed, a meal, a place to hang out, invite her to come home with me….? What I did do was offer her a place to come for hot water. But I’m certain she switched off at that point. Why do you think I’m homeless? She asked, defiantly, proudly.
A couple of days later, there she was again. We greeted each other. Smiled. This time, on my return, she asked me if I knew where there was a laundromat. I didn’t. I felt like maybe I should offer the use of my laundry. But I didn’t. I restrained myself, yet again. What should I do?
Well, I’d talked with her. We’d started a relationship. Who knows what might be next?
What are your thoughts about homeless people?
Well, we all know they are out there. What and where do they eat, sleep?
They are yet another fact of life. Sad, unfortunate.
It’d be good if they had a place to live, nutritional meals, a more secure life.
Let's talk.
(Author: Janet)
4 comments
Hi Janet,
ReplyDeleteI like this kind of personal stories... I felt almost there with both of you. I think you're right, they are fact of life, unfortunate one (among many)!
They need a holistic solution that helps them financially, with housing, training, employment, addiction issues (if any), and restoring self-esteem. They need our help, compassion, and our faith in them. Food is definitely one of their essential problems.
With initiatives like yours, we'll be contributing and reminded of our responsibility toward homeless people every time we eat out in restaurants.
Thanks for this story Janet. I see a lot of homeless people outside the CBD building where I work. Like you, I find it confronting and want to help but am not always sure how. I generally give them a bit of money (if they are asking), some kind words and enquire if they have somewhere safe for that night. But then I always wonder about them - do they have somewhere safe and warm to sleep, what do they eat, how do they wash themselves and their clothes?
ReplyDeleteFoodshare is a great way to help disadvantaged people access good quality food. I was wondering if you had considered a literal buy one, give one model where a restaurant customer buys a meal and the same meal is donated to a homeless person in that area. This may work well in the CBD where there are so many restaurants and a number of homeless people. The direct nature of giving may inspire more people to get involved as its such a tangible way to help the disadvantaged people you see very day as you go about your life, like Ruth.
it is amazing story I was excited and enjoyable when I read the story.
ReplyDeleteIt remind me when I last time support homeless people ?
any thing food or money. It is a huge responsibility about support and subsidize them
we must remember that the time is rotary may be anybody become homeless like them!!!
good starting of the story to lead me would like to continue reading. As your story, I'm not sure how you are trust with her. Although, you would like to help her in some ways, you can do. But for me, I don't dare to trust someone who I don't know them very well.
ReplyDelete