A Good Day

(I am a mother following the life of my son who is homeless)

Today is a good day. I just talked to Tom on the telephone. It is 10am and he is sober. He sounded good but close to being out of minutes. I learned that he will not be here for the Wed drop of goodies to the Sally Soup Line (slang for Salvation Army). So I will be going alone for the first time. I am so looking forward to it.

Now to fill in some blanks:

My son has a mental disability that allows him to SSD based on what he earned while working. He gets about $1200.00 a month from a payee, his daughter (more later on her) gets an additional $600.00 a month. That is how he can afford a cheap cell phone...both track phones and net 10 phones are popular with the homeless population. He receives no food stamps or medical.

My son is rich compared to most homeless. Most homeless have between 0 and about $300.00 a month in this area. They are totally dependent on services like Sally for a daily meal. This is the last day of the month and many are really hurting for every possible need as they do not get funding untill the 3rd.

This week I plan to take 20 Zip Lock bags again...just a drop in the bucket of what is needed. One person asked for dog food for her companion. She and her *man* live in thier van with a Pit Bull. Now, for the record, I am not fond of Pit Bulls. This dog provides protection, unconditional love, and companionship. I do not mind sharing some of my dog's dry kibble with them. (note to self: contact the humane society to see if they can help the homeless with animals)

Contents of the zip lock bags are going to be sparse this week. I am depending on God to provide what I need to include. For about $20.00 I can get 20 pairs of socks at Wal-mart. Socks are a big hit. The rest of this week will be snacks that I can buy in bulk and divide into the zip lock bags. I do need to include a bottle of shampoo for one lady who requested it.

The need is great and I will not be able to help everyone every time. My going is more to show them that someone cares. I hope to build trust and share Jesus with them when they appear ready. It will be a slow process of building on a friendship. The main thing I need to do, is to show up every week as I promised...even if I come empty handed.

The funds for this adventure are being earned by selling one lot of baby clothing each week on ebay. I never know how much I have to spend untill the weekly auction is over on Sunday. That gives me two days to find the bargains and make the bags.
Since my husband is disabled we are also on a fixed income (and seniors)so the funds are tenuous as best.

I WILL NOT ask others for funds. This decision is for two reasons...1.) I want to encourage each person who *feels the need to give* to do it on their own. This could be in the area of the homeless population or any other area. Maybe you would feel more comfortable reading to children, or visiting homebound seniors. 2.) The individual face to face contact is the most important, showing you care.


So, having said that: GO OUT AND FIND YOUR ADVENTURE! You will receive more in return than you give. Blessings to all...