Homeless donation outreach MLK Day 2012 January 20, 2012
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My friend Mike and I experienced a “home” coming of sorts recently. Mike rejoined the outreach we started two years ago outside the Salvation Army’s Harbor Lights Shelter in downtown Minneapolis. This time, he was sober and off the street. It was healthy for Mike to return to a place and face some of the demons he fought with over several years of homlessness. While we were distributing warm clothes and backpacks to numerous men coming out of the shelters, Mike talked with a couple of guys about his life and how he got off the street. He also reconnected with a man he befriended on the street. It was good to be back at Currie Avenue with my good friend. He is an inspiration.
However, it was a sobering experience in other respects. As we were wrapping up, I noticed a man in a wheelchair nearby. Jim had no legs. I asked him if he needed anything. He said no thanks. He was just hanging out with a younger man, Bruce, age 47 from Chicago. They told me a few days ago, Jim was mugged by two men who stole his wallet. The police couldn’t help him find the cowards and even asked Jim if he had been drinking. Jim was insulted. But as Mike can tell you, that is life on the street. I asked him about how he lost his legs. He said about five years ago he got drunk with some guys and then was beat up badly and set on fire. He woke up 3 months later in the hospital with no legs. Mike and I looked at each other in shock. In the three years I’ve been doing this outreach, this story was the saddest.
His new friend, Bruce is black. Jim is white. Bruce and I discussed the meaning of MLK Day to homeless black males. “It’s just another day on the street’, he said. He went on a long discussion about MLK, faith, history, etc. He is very intelligent and passionate. He’s a Muslim but was critical of Islam as well as Christianity. Another younger black male joined the discussion. He said there are no holidays on the street. Ironically, holidays are worse. Government and bus services are effected.
The homeless outreach hopefully will continue next month. If interested, contact me at scott@maidastouch.net or drop off donations at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 4201 Sheridan Av. S., Minneapolis. Mens clothes are the biggest need, especiallly gloves.
Thank you from myself, Mike and the all too many people trying to survive on the streets.
Homeless Donation Drive – year 3 January 9, 2012
Posted by scottmaida in Homeless Outreach.add a comment
Despite the unseasonably mild weather, being homeless is still a cold existence and a little warmth can go a long way.
This is the 3rd year of the Homeless Donation Drive I initiated with my long time friend Mike, who was homeless for a few years. He is now been sober and off the street for over a year. The first drive of the season was mid-December. Mike could not make it due to working a new job…which was welcomed news. So I asked Jo Bolles, a fellow church member from St. John’s Episcopal, to help out. With the aid of my two sons, I organized the donations and loaded them in the van. Next morning at 6, Jo and I drove to Currie Avenue right by the Salvation Army and Catholic Charoties shelters. We unloaded the new and used goods as they were coming out onto the street. It was hectic for a while, as usual, but at least there were no snowbanks to climb over this time. Jo and I directed people to gloves, hats, coats, etc. and helping them try on coats and sweaters. Most of the folks are courteous and gracious.. even if they don’t find what they want, some are quiet while others boisterous. Many of these people look and act like anyone you meet on the street.. except they ARE on the street. It’s sad. Yes, they have different cultures and background but all are in the same situation… surviving on the street and trying to get some sleep in shelters. After about 15-20 minutes we run out of some supplies and it’s disappointing. The last time, a man was searching for gloves and we were out. I gave him mine and helped him put them on. He was blind.
Afterward, we took a few unclaimed women’s items and kids clothes to People Serving People and finished the day with a cup of Joe with Jo. She was a wonderful, warm presence and a tremendous help.
Most of the clothing comes from St. John’s members but several friends have chipped in as well as lost and found items from Lake Harriett Community School and the local Dunn Bros. More is needed in the next week. So if you can donate warm clothing (gloves.. the highest priority….. hats, scarves, coats, socks, sweaters, long underwear as well as backpacks and duffle bags) drop them off during the day at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 4201 Sheridan Av. S. in Minneapolis or contact me at scott@maidastouch.net .
Thank you very much.
