On this day when many of us are with family and friends celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday I am in awe of the team who go out every Thursday - INCLUDING TODAY - to find the homeless in Hartford, CT and distribute food, socks and gloves.
Last week, through the generosity of the community we were able to provide thermal sock and gloves to the Homeless Outreach Team. Susan Campbell of Partnership of Strong Communities was up at the crack of dawn to join the Hartford Homeless Outreach Team this morning and it was she who made us aware of the need and brought our offering to the Team. We were able to fill her car with socks and gloves thanks to your generosity! Susan's blog link THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR GENEROUS DONATIONS!! |
This morning with the Hartford Homeless Outreach team, Susan Campbell tweeted her experience sharing the fact that for many, "port-a-potties in the park" are "like plastic condos if you don't have a home." She shared how there are people living in viaducts and described one woman she met whose teeth were chattering from the cold. She tweeted photos of a bed that was a small cushion and a plank of wood! She shared photos of the areas that people live in and clear out of before commuters arrive.
As Susan conveyed in her tweets, there is an enormous need. The real need is a home and a feeling of dignity and self-worth!! - a chance to "come inside (out of the cold!!), get a job, get an apartment ..."
As Susan conveyed in her tweets, there is an enormous need. The real need is a home and a feeling of dignity and self-worth!! - a chance to "come inside (out of the cold!!), get a job, get an apartment ..."
The prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said "Whosoever of you sees an injustice, let him change it with his hand; and if he is not able to do so, then let him change it with his tongue; and if he is not able to do so, then with his heart - and that is the weakest of faith."[Muslim]
Let us try to contribute to making that a reality - A home and dignity for every individual!
May this time we have with our families and friends be a time of much blessing!