Helping the Homeless

For the past two days, the temperatures have been down in the mid-teens to low twenties.  That's cold.  The wind has made it even worse, blowing from 20-30 miles per hour.  That makes living outside almost impossible to consider.  Last night, I spent the night with over 150 people who were facing that very fate, until our church busses picked them up to bring them into our church gym.  I helped out, staying with them overnight.  I hope to share a bit of what I learned below.

I'm not new to serving the homeless.  We did this for years in Dallas when we would make 100+ peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and hand them out to people in under three minutes.  Yep.  So last night, when I drove to our church, I thought I knew what to expect.  Lots of folks with worn out coats and shoes.  Lots of stories and lots of need.  I got that, but I saw a whole lot more.

We started helping the folks as they came from getting dinner, into the gym where they'd be spending the night.  We handed them a garbage bag that had been packed with some toiletries, underwear, some pants and a shirt, and some other things that didn't fit correctly.  It was almost an insult to hand a homeless man or woman a trash bag full of what we've donated.  Almost felt like I was saying, here's our trash for you.  I'd like a duffle bag better.  They would too.

So we introduced ourselves to the person we were helping.  We carried the bags into the gym and showed them where they'd be sleeping, and then pointed them downstairs to where the showers were if they wanted one.  Many did.  Many showered and put back on the same clothes they'd worn in.  The clothes they'd been given just didn't fit. 

A hundred and sixty two people with such basic needs is really humbling.  I learned lots from these visitors.

I learned that not everyone was out to score a buck.  I must have talked to at least half of those who came to spend the night, and no one asked me for money.  Not once.  I was shocked.

I learned that homeless people snore.  There were quite a few VERY unique snorers that intrigued several of us.  One was nicknamed Lamb-bo because his snore sounded like a very mad (or sick/injured) lamb.  He dominated the snoring game until a brave soul asked him to turn over.   After he quit, the other snores could once again be heard from all directions.  Let it be known that Lamb-bo dominated so much, that he woke up everyone in the gym to the point that they weren't snoring.  Interesting snore-dynamics.

I learned that we shouldn't have served chili as the dinner.  May not have been the best choice.  Then again, men will be men.  Maybe I was jealous.

I learned that I have no room to complain.  As I was sitting in my chair, I was getting a little cold.  After a few hours, I put on my winter coat and was still cold.  I really think I was cold knowing that those around me would be back out on the streets the next night as I lay under my three favorite blankets.  God was saying, "You think YOU'RE cold?".  I understand, God.

I learned that our Sunday School class is full of great people.  I counted six that served along side me at one point or the other last night.  They were willing to leave their homes, to help our guests feel at home in our church.  I'm really thankful for the role that my friends play in my life.  It was an honor to serve along side them.

I learned that I belong to a great church who heard what Jesus said in Matthew about serving the least and the lost.  Our pastor said Sunday that he was told that if Jesus came back today, he'd come back as a homeless person, the least and lost of our society.  I sat last night struggling to see how I could serve these men and women.  I fetched them socks or a pair of pants, but did I really do anything to help them tonight?  I didn't share the Gospel with anyone, although I was surrounded by folks who were bold enough to do just that. 

This morning, as I watched them get back on their buses, I couldn't help but feel sad.  These folks weren't going to be with us tonight.  Our three-night effort was now over.  And tonight, they may have a cardboard box in which to stay "warm".  Whatever.  I was freezing inside my pretty-nice Eddie Bauer jacket.  I'm thankful for the opportunity to meet so many teachers last night!