Helping Hands and Open Hearts: What I Learned from Ray

Most of us have opinions and judgements. We work hard to eliminate them, and make ourselves better. One of the first comments out of someone’s mouth to me when I share with them we feed 200 homeless every Monday is, ” are you afraid!” I have never been afraid, and even my first time meeting them in their encampments, I wasn’t afraid. The best thing about donating time with us is the opportunity to talk and listen to their story! There are usually 5 to 8 of us that go out each week, and like a roulette wheel we never know when it is our turn to listen and share. I have been handing out meals for 11 months and never had more than a one minute conversation with anyone. While at the same time 1 or 2 of the others are deep in conversation with someone. Chris Nelson is the best at striking up a conversation and getting right to the heart and listening. Last week we were in Liberty park at stop #4 and I had gone back to the car for more sandwiches, and I came back sat down next to ray while the sandwiches were being handed out. Ray is single, was married, but now divorced. He was in and abusive and toxic relationship and had to get out. He is probably 35 years old and is from New York. Guess what? He has 2 jobs! Have you priced out what an apartment cost, and utilities, along with the other myriad of things that take the money we earn. He works hard, but because of rent cost and his credit score, and apartment is out of the question. He can’t qualify for a tiny home that they are building for the homeless, because he has a job. Arrgh! Talk about being stuck in the middle. He showers at the gym, because you can get a membership for $10/month. He gets something in between jobs to eat, and every night looks for a place to sleep. While I was talking to him, two individuals were having an argument, and he said excuse me for a minute. He went over to the two guys and helped them settle their beef, and came back and we continued talking. He is respected among the people here in the Park, and he helps look out for them. His last comment to me was I trust these people more than I trust the people in your world. I love interacting and socializing with the people here in the Park and at Library Square every Monday. It is raw, it is pure and it is honest. Come join us sometime, and if not look at our website and see what you could donate to Help Us Help Them and assist them in fulfilling their needs. myhandtoyours.org