We recently heard about another homeless camp up the road and referred them to Janet with Advocacy to Alleviate Homelessness, one of the organizations we collaborate with. She visited with them a few weeks ago and brought them tents and sleeping bags that were recently donated to her organization. We met LR, one of the recipients. As soon as he found out my name was Melanie, he got excited and said “I heard of you! It is so nice to meet you!” He had lost her phone number and wanted to follow up on a job with a local organization that hires and works with individuals who are homeless. We exchanged numbers and I texted him her info, along with the organization who hires.
LR has been living in the woods for over 15 years. He works odd jobs here and there, and takes care of the others in the camp. It is so great to see how close they all are! J, one of the women we have come to know and lives in the camp with LR called him. He told her he was talking with me and she asked us to stay – she was on her way to see us. Within 5 minutes, she came with another friend and her 2 children.
BC, one of the first individuals we were able to get off the street and into a home, was there with us and they all recognized him and took some time to catch up. It was just awesome seeing everyone talking and joking around! BC has been in and out of the hospital the past few months and has been down due to not feeling well. It was nice to see him smile, laugh and have fun with the others! BC dresses with a shirt and tie and after talking about how nice he looked, he took off his tie and gave it to AJ, one of the guys we have come to know. They were all trying to teach AJ how to tie and properly wear a tie. It was nice watching everyone laugh and have fun!
Afterwards, I took my chair and visited with S, a lady in her late 50’s who has been homeless a good portion of her life, and who is living out of her car. I put my chair next to her “on the block,” and we chatted while cars drove by, some stopping to show their support. We have been visiting with her every weekend for the past 9+ months. I was not able to go by last week as I had to visit BC in the hospital. She asked me where I was last week and said she is sad when I don’t come to visit with her. She said she looks forward to our visits each week. It was nice to catch up and see her smile and tell stories! She has the most amazing stories and life!
I left Saturday with a warm feeling in my heart! This group of people have something that is hard to find these days – an awesome community of individuals who look out for one another, check on each other and who genuinely care for one another, with no hidden agenda and no judgment!