We really appreciate all the support we have received for our homeless solidarity project. More info will be posted soon on how you all can help out if interested.
So, I was able to go out a few mornings this past week to spend a little time with my new brothers on the streets. Honestly, I didn’t know what to expect. I had my big backpack loaded up with stuff and an awesome coffee thermos I found at Goodwill for $4. I walked around for about an hour and got to share a cup of coffee with 4 or 5 guys each morning. Meet some of my new friends:
1) Sam – Sam is an older guy, and definitely fit the stereotype of the homeless. He was a Gulf War veteran and had been on and off the streets for many years. He has an awesome heart and spends a lot of his time at city council meetings and other venues trying to advocate for the homeless and fight for their rights. It was amazing to see how selfless he was and how much he was looking out for his friends on the streets. He made sure everyone else got a pack before he took his.
2) John – John was with Sam when I walked up. I originally thought John was in his early 30’s, but I found out later as we were talking that he was actually 19. He had been on the streets since he was 13, when he was kicked out because he couldn’t get along with his abusive stepfather (a leading cause of youth homelessness). He has spent time on the streets of L.A., Denver, and CO Springs. He is currently living under a bridge so I gave him a tent that I had brought along. I like John a lot and hope to spend some more time with him in the future.
3) Mountain Man – this guy was definitely a character, and unfortunately, like many homeless, he definitely had some mental problems. It made for some fun stories though. He said he had been living on Pikes Peak for the last 3 months and had found numerous artifacts there including a gold nugget and a cross filled with rubies. He also said he was about to start his new job making $75/hour then he was gonna bring tents and sleeping bags to all his friends on the streets. He was too prideful to take one of the homeless packs I had brought, but once I showed him the McDonald’s card, he changed his mind.
4) Alvin – I am pretty sure Candace and I have seen Alvin on the streets before. He looks like Santa Claus with big red cheeks and a big white beard. As he walked up I offered him coffee and asked how he was doing. He said he couldn’t get a job because he has epileptic seizures and that he got kicked out of the local shelter because of his drinking. He is supposed to be on disability but can’t get it from the government. I didn’t spend long with Alvin, but he was very appreciative of the pack and the coffee. Before I left, I asked if he needed anything else and he said just needed a handshake.
I have truly enjoyed my time with the people on the streets of CO Springs. As I was sitting there on the sidewalk, sipping coffee with a few guys this past Sunday, multiple people walked by dressed in their Sunday best, obviously headed for church. It just felt weird, ironic, and sad. I felt God confirm in me that it’s not in the walls of the church where I’m gonna find him right now, but amongst those men on the street. I can’t think of a better place to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection this coming Easter Sunday than with my new friends.
