Community Outreach

Feeding the Homeless

Saturday, March 26th, 2016 I had the opportunity to feed the homeless. My church, Hope City, provides food, prayer, and groceries every Tuesday and Saturday at 5:30pm. We served approximately 500 BBQ sandwiches and 100 hot dogs with baked beans. They also provided drinks. They had a choice of water, gatorade or milk. On the other side of the fence the church setup stations for the children to participate in games and activities.
It was a humbling experience to provide food to those that are in great need. The families that lived in the neighborhood also joined us. The church purchased this property to be apart of the community. The building seemed to be an empty store. They painted the outside blue and black (which are the colors of the church). Inside the building is where they store groceries for the people. There wasn't much else in the building except shelves and many boxes. It is located at 1005 East Green Dr in High Point. This is a pretty rough part of High Point. Right across the street is Green Street Grocer. It looks very run down and has bars outside the windows. I wouldn't want to be driving down the street, by myself, and have my car break down. I would be scared. To be honest, I was kind of scared of some of the homeless people I was serving. I kept praying in my head, do not be afraid. God is bigger. There was a couple that seemed to be addicted to drugs based off of their behavior and mannerism. It was my first time serving them, so I didn't know them. The church members that come every Saturday and Tuesday have built relationships with them. They know what they've been through or what they are going through. They know each other by name and they are welcomed with a high five or hug.
I recall this one homeless lady who was very dirty, her hair was messy, she didn't have any shoes on and her skin was so damaged. She was standing in line by herself having a conversation with herself. She would ask herself something and then she would answer it. I handed her a plate and just smiled. I couldn't begin to imagine what she's been through in life. I had so many questions I wanted to ask her. What happened to cause you to be homeless? Do you have family? Where do you sleep? I didn't say anything. I just let her pass by and she got some food. I can vividly picture her in my mind and I think about her often. Her fingernails had so much dirt inside, and her clothes were so worn out. I wonder when the last time she ever felt loved.
I knew some of the children that were there. They attend the school I teach at. They recognized me and gave me a big hug. It breaks my heart to see children being raised in these conditions. They don't know anything else. I always think about the lives of my students. I hope that I instill the love of learning and they'll continue to go to school and graduate from college. I would love to see them achieve their goals and dreams.
Since it was the day before Easter, the church provided boxes of candy for the children. There were about 4 boxes full of candy. The children left with hands full of candy and chocolate. There was so much candy that even the adults started making their way over to get some. People left with bags of candy. I couldn't imagine taking home that much candy, and I mean that with a saddened heart. I guess when you are hungry you will eat what is available. They took what they could. Some even came back around through the food line to get another BBQ pork sandwich. Some wanted two to-go sandwiches to take home for their families.
I recall one day, asking my husband if we can go to Haiti and help feed the hungry children. He didn't oppose but he informed me of the hungry children right here in High Point. My eyes were finally opened. After experiencing this, I saw a great need. I am aware that most of the students at my school come from extreme poverty. The community provides so much for our students. Every student receives breakfast, lunch and a snack. But what happens in the evening? Or the weekend? I can't imagine what they've seen or experienced. Something needs to change. But what?
It's easy to get caught up in our everyday lives, everyone is busy. I think people should make time for others. It can be a humbling experience. At times, we may take for granted what we have. Experiences like this can make us appreciate what we have instead of wanting more. It can be difficult to appreciate what we have because in today's society people want bigger, better, faster. Technology is forever changing, so when a new phone or tv comes out, we want it. Why can't we be satisfied with what we have? Not everyone is like this, but there are many. There are many programs out there that help those in need. I hope that everyone could experience and make a difference in somebody else's life.