I went to volunteer after work today downtown for the homeless shelter. They have a program called Odyssey [program to help the homeless get back on their feet]. I admit I wish I can do more than just donate my time and some drinks tonight. But what exactly can one do?
At the dinner, all the people at the dinner [including volunteers], gave their high’s and low’s for the week. It was really touching to hear everyone describe their situations. Mine was about how I got a chance to spend it with family and friends. Of course, their testimony were truly inspiring because they were grateful for the simple things in life. Someone saw their grand daughter for the first time in awhile. We also got a chance to celebrate two birthdays.
One of the homeless named Mark asked if the economy was getting better. I paused because I had a dilemma. The economy through conventional definition was better, but for individuals it was the same. What to tell him? I told him exactly how it was, but I don’t think he understood. But what is there to understand, but simply “I am NOT doing OK even if the economy is OK.”
In the end, I am glad to hear about programs like this to try to help the homeless get back on their feet. If they can find a job, anyone can with determination. They have the faith that it can happen….I believe we can too….