Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Friday 20 May 2016

Homelessness

This is the promised follow up to my earlier post :  Its the little things...

Many (most?) of you know I have been volunteering on a crisis line for quite a long time now (eighteen years and counting).  As part of that volunteering commitment we are required to undertake follow up and refresher training each year on subjects which relate to the calls we receive.

I live in a city with a high average income.  A city widely regarded as 'well-off' and even affluentWhich is partly true, and totally misleading.  Some people who live here DO have very high incomes, which serves to increase the average, and conceals rather a lot of people who are struggling.  

My well off city has the second highest number of homeless people recorded in any capital city in Australia.  I strongly suspect that the numbers are under rather than over reported as well.  Private rents are expensive here, and public housing waiting lists are big, and long.  A waiting period of years is common.  Public funding for the homeless has been decreased by both state and Federal Governments.

So, I signed up to attend an information session at the Early Morning Centre, a support service for the homeless which co-incidentally is very close to where I do my shifts on the crisis line.  I should add that the Early Morning Centre only caters to people who can access services in the city centre.  There is a crying need for it to be replicated in other city centres and in the suburbs.

I signed up, and was blown away.  On a miniscule budget the centre provides a cooked breakfast Monday to Friday for up to fifty people at a time.  There are showering and laundry facilities.  The centre will accept mail for the homeless (essential if they are to receive income support).  There are lockers available so they don't have to drag their worldly goods around with them all day.  It is warm (or cool) and safe.

In addition, the co-ordinator has arrangements in place with other essential services to come to the centre (one or more days a week).  These include representatives from legal aid, medical practioners, and representatives from our income support system.  All voluntary, all well attended.  The centre has two paid staff (both part time) and relies heavily on volunteers and donations.

One of the things which captured my attention was the 'weekend food packs'.  The Early Morning Centre provides breakfast on weekdays.  There are evening meals available from a variety of sources which can be accessed - also on a Monday to Friday basis.  On weekends, things get more challenging.  There may be meals available in the suburbs IF you know about them and have transport.  Essentially, weekends can be a hungry time.

From this need, the weekend packs were born.  They are tasty, nutritious, don't require access to a kitchen and are light and easy to carry.  Components can include:   
  1. Single packs of cereal - can be eaten anywhere
  2. Small UHT milk cartons - for use with cereals
  3. Small individual 100% fruit (sugar free) drinks
  4. Sugar free chewing gum, because it is refreshing and it can also serve to help clean teeth if there is no access to toothpaste
  5. Single serve of sultanas - great energy food
  6. Single serve packs of fruit in natural juice
  7. 200g can of baked beans with a ring pull opener - an excellent source of protein, can be opened easily and heated on one of the free BBQs in local parks (And there are maps to list just where those BBQs are)
  8. Small tin (95g) of tuna with ring pull opening - excellent nutritionally and very easy to open
  9. Cup (not packet) of noodles - can be used most places if hot water is available (I forgot to ask how easy it is to get access to hot water)
  10. Some sort of snack as a treat - muesli bars and the like.     
I really, really like this idea and have made a commitment to myself that I will add one or two things from the list to my grocery shop each week, and drop them in on my way to do a shift on the crisis line.  Practical assistance, which can't be swallowed up in administration costs.  A win.
  
  

122 comments:

  1. good info. I have shared. Hopefully you will spark some flames

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  2. I love these sort of programs. It really doesn't have to cost a lot.

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    1. Birdie: I love them too - and wish they weren't necessary.

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  3. That sounds like a great program. Thanks for sharing about it and thank you for volunteering, that is awesome!

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    1. HBF: It is a great program. The co-ordinator used to volunteer on the crisis line I do, but saw a need here. And does amazing work.

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  4. Since many charities have become top heavy with "administrative costs" it is nice to hear you guys are doing it right. Sad that the whole world has this problem however. :(

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    1. Mohave Rat: Lots of our charities have big admin costs too. Some of them bigger than the amounts they disperse. This one is a winner though.

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  5. Those weekend packs sound like a good idea. Perhaps they could include vitamins as they seem short of stuff from the vegetable group.

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    1. Sue in Italia/In the Land of Cancer: You are right, but I suspect the cost would be prohibitive. The meals (that I have seen) during the week are good on the fruit and vegetable front though.

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  6. Homelessness is a big issue here in Cairns too because the weather is so mild. I could write more about this .. But thank you for spurring me into doing more instead. Great idea EC!

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    1. carol in cairns: As the weather cools down here I was surprised to learn that the numbers of homeless people don't diminish. Which must make a hard existence even harder.

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  7. We were gathering full boxes of cereal here, then I thought "If they have no food, they have no milk." I'm glad to have read this, and I will insist on dried milk to be included with the packets.

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    1. lotta joy: They are well thought out pack aren't they? No home, no kitchen, no fridge...

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  8. The weekend pack items also sound like they'd be good to include in an emergency disaster kit.

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    1. We are: Clamco: They would be. And homelessness IS a disaster. For too many.

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  9. Good for you for volunteering!!

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  10. While I am not a great believer in private charity, I think this sort of thing is best handled by small private organisations. I imagine if it was a government service, it would be bogged down in bureaucracy. It sounds like the people do a terrific job and haven't left anything out.

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    1. Andrew: This one is at least loosely affiliated with a church. I am very glad to note that religion or lack of it has nothing to do with either the people they employ or the people they serve. It is (I think) an incredible service and much needed.

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  11. Lovely person you are. Just has much careing as you can do, love you.

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  12. I wish we would do something, anything for the numerous homeless people here in Bellingham. The center sounds like just what is needed, but I have been discouraged by the indifference of most people here to the plight of the homeless. Just to have a place to put your stuff would make such a difference! Thank you for all you do.

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    1. DJan: It seems to be a world wide problem. Which is sad and bad. This centre does excellent work, but needs to be cloned. Many times over.

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  13. I once heard about a charity giving out donuts for breakfast and was appalled that they were giving something so nutritionally pointless to people who are already at risk. So I am delighted that the weekend packs have had quite a bit of thought put in to them.
    (Having said that, I guess donuts are at least a gesture of concern and charities have to work with what they have)

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    1. kylie: When you have no food, then empty calories are probably not nearly as wasted as they are on most of us. But still...

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  14. HOmelessness is bad in Oregon, terrible in Portland. Every day there are new demands by citizens for government to do something, but doing something costs something and on the other hand, most don't want to pay for it, other than have them cleared out like a rat infestation, like that does anything anyway, they're still homeless and have to sleep somewhere. I can't imagine not having a place to use a bathroom or get water. Rents are skyrocketing as out of staters flock into Portland. The upscale are moving there, which shoves out an equal number or more of the poor and working poor, as low income apartment complexes are bulldozed for high end fancy rentals. Low wage part time service jobs don't even cover rent let alone the other basics of life. Addiction is up too, street drugs, prescription drugs and booze, to name a few.

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    1. Strayer: Lots of people here pretend it doesn't exist. Or is a matter of choice. Sigh. And yes, we have working poor who cannot survive from pay check to pay check as well. One problem away from homelessness.

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  15. This was very interesting to read - such a worthwhile and necessary service. Homelessness in Auckland, our biggest city, is much in the news at the moment, and I know there are centres which help people in much the same way as the one you visited.
    In my small town, all of the schools run breakfast programmes (some every day), and the food is mostly donated - 2 major national companies provide Weetbix and milk, and there is also toast, vegemite etc. Another worthwhile service, all run by volunteers.

    As a volunteer, I am often saddened and shocked by some of the situations I come across, as you too must be, EC.

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    1. Alexia: What are the weekend food programmes like in your area? Do you know? And yes, I am often saddened, sometimes horrified, and also awed...

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    2. I don't know the answer to this, EC, but I will find out. I think the Salvation Army runs a programme during the week.

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    3. Alexia: Thank you. I hope your weekends are better catered than ours.

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  16. I have been taking my granddaughter downtown for the last several weeks for a program, eight to four; morning and evening. On most corners we pass folks with cardboard signs proclaiming homelessness and need of money. I wonder how many of them need mental services, too. I know there are facilities serving a meal or more a day within blocks of where they panhandle.

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    1. Joanne Noragon: You know about the facilities serving food, but do they? Mental health issues are not uncommon among our homeless either. And substance abuse. Not limited to the homeless though.

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  17. There are units going up all over the place here, why can't the developers be made to give one or two units per building to a homeless family they make such huge profits and this could be absorbed into their finances, maybe to provide free housing.for some situations.
    Merle........

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    1. Merlesworld: It would be nice, but how to select who benefits... And who selects?

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    2. And who would pay the utilities bills for these homeless? Would they be safe in such a place or would they fall victim to other homeless muscling/moving in with them such as what has happened to my upstairs neighbour, who is still missing?

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    3. River: I am sorry to hear that your neighbour is still missing. Certainly the long-term homeless need support. A roof over their head is a start - but not enough.

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  18. One late night many years ago, I took the train from New York city home to Philadelphia. When I arrived at the station it was empty, except for people I noticed who seemed to be going no where. I remember a man with a child sitting in the waiting area. A great inspiration hit me and I went into the 24 hour McDonalds and bought all the hamburgers that were ready. Then I went around and simply handed them to people. That was the start. Then I went out on the street all the time with sandwiches I made at home! Later I became a street outreach worker..... Once again, you and I see with the same eyes <3

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    1. Cloudia: I am glad that there are lots of people reaching out. So very glad.

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  19. Oh my goodness, this is such an important thing. Tragedy can happen at any moment and to anyone. We must care for all our fellow humans and animals. All life matters. I am so grateful for your time that you give. It also warms my heart!

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    1. Ginger Dawn Harman: I try and view the world as a community. No us and them, but only us. I sometimes fail, but that is the aim.

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  20. I think affordable housing is a problem everywhere and there are never enough services for the truly needy (altho the cheaters always seem to find a way). Good for you trying to make a difference and for your volunteer work. That sounds like a hard job but I'll bet a lot of people are helped by all the people who answer those phones.

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    1. mshatch: There are cheats in every system. Rightly or wrongly I am less bothered by those who cheat at the bottom end of the scale. Still not happy but...

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  21. I love your compassionate heart, that's great!

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    1. Lon Anderson: Thank you. I am awed at how much two part-time workers and a handful of volunteers can achieve.

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  22. Hats off to those two paid workers and to all the volunteers, like you! There, but for the spin of the bottle, go the rest of us.

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    1. Molly Bon: And we can never know when the bottle will spin in our direction...

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  23. I volunteer at a food bank/social services facility. We do not serve meals but provide food for those whose income (or lack of) can not cover basic nutritional needs. The largest part of the people we serve are the working poor, the elderly and the ill. They are proud people and asking for help does not come easy. We have the same problems as you do with funding cut backs and the mindset of others that demeans the value of those who live in poverty. Today we were discussing weekend packs and supplemental meal packs for children who will be missing out on school breakfast and lunch programs during the summer hiatus.

    We both live in rich countries but have the same problems in helping those who have not been so blessed. What is wonderful is that there are so many who see the need and give of themselves and their monies to assist the disadvantaged.

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    1. Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe: The working poor is an ever expanding group isn't it? And they are so often only one problem away from disaster. One tiny problem away.

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  24. " ...and have made a commitment to myself that I will add one or two things from the list to my grocery shop each week, and drop them in on my way to do a shift ..."

    Very, very cool program and wonderful idea to add a few things to your list, each week.

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    1. The Happy Whisk: It won't make a big difference in our life, and might make a big difference in someone elses. Which makes it seem the least we can do.

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    2. If it makes your heart smiles, then that's a difference in your life.

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    3. The Happy Whisk: Good point. I was thinking that adding to our shopping bill won't make a big negative difference - but you are right, it will make a positive difference.

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  25. Those are good ideas for non-kitchen meals, and good services to provide. Some people can do so much with very little. Imagine if that center had more money to work with.

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    1. jenny_o: Too many people HAVE to do a lot (the impossible?) with very little. And imagine the difference if there was enough affordable housing available...

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    2. Yes, that's more to the point, isn't it? And you're right, there's no choice for so many.

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    3. jenny_o: Despite the media and politicians trying to pretend that people are in desperate circumstances out of choice. Hiss and spit.

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  26. A wonderful idea! It's a shame, almost a crime, that we still have so many who are homeless...

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    1. Lady Fi: No arguments. Certainly a shame, verging on a crime.

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  27. The amount of homelessness is hidden from most people. It is so wonderful for you to raise awareness of the plight of these people, and to be able to help in any way is fantastic. What a great initiative.

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    1. CountryMum: Isn't it a great initiative. I noticed in the local papers that a small group are collected to buy warm clothing (socks, hats) to help in our cold winters. Also a win.

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  28. I've been waiting for this post. With your permission, I'd like to print it out and take it to our local homeless help centre and have them read it, then ask if they do similar weekend packs and how can I help with that.

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    1. River: Of course you can. Good luck. It may be that weekend meals are better organised in your city. I am sad (and cranky) that they aren't here.

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  29. What a wonderful thing your city is doing for the homeless. I expect not all homeless people go there to shelter and for those food packs.
    Most places have homeless people for one reason or another.
    Great post.

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    1. Margaret-whiteangel: This centre only reaches a few. But reaches them in the most positive way.

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  30. Wonderful thing your city took on. Awesome initiative too!

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    1. Romance Reader: I am very sad that it is necessary, and so grateful that people are stepping in.

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  31. Hi EC - what a great idea all round ... and such a brilliant idea for the weekend. Thankfully people are doing more to help others in crisis need ... and there is so much need, in our first world countries as well as overseas - where the need is critical - because of lack of nutrition the next generation is going to be malnourished and thus sick.

    Wonderful to read about - sad we need to help ... cheers Hilary

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    1. Hilary Melton-Butcher: It is very sad that we need to help, and wonderful that so many are ready to do so.

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  32. That's great idea - I'll have to pass that along to the outreach folks at my church. We contribute items to the local food pantry - boxed mac and cheese, peanut butter, etc., but these are mostly portable items.

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    1. Lynn: I was so impressed at the thought which had gone into the weekend packs...

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  33. EC, you make my heart ache from both pride, love and admiration for you and all your do and for this center and what it provides. It aches also that others who could do, don't and the fact that there is a need for this. You inspire me to see if there is such a program in my area. I live in a small town but I'm sure the need is here as well.

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    1. Mason Canyon: Thank you. And sadly, yes I am sure that even small towns face similar problems.

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  34. I am proud to know you and proud of you for volunteering. This was a thing I used to do but cannot bring myself to go back to helping the poor an downtrodden. Don't know why.

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    1. Granny Annie: Perhaps you will feel ready to volunteer again someday, but thank you for all you have done.

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  35. It is a wonderful idea. It's especially wonderful when places like big box stores (Target) for one donates all the supplies/food/clothes/etc they can, for folks and even damaged dog/cat/bird/animal food, toys or other stuff to the
    animal/rescue and humane society. They even ask employees to bring things in weekly for the food shelters. Every little bit of help and waste not want not is what helps those in need.

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    1. Karen S.: I love hearing of big stores which are joining in. So much.

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  36. People in need don't cease needing help at the weekend. The weekend pack is a brilliant idea. The Early Morning Centre really seems to be doing it right. The services offered sound both humane & comprehensive. -reminds me of a centre I volunteered with in SE London called Deptford Reach. It offered many of the same services at Early Morning, plus there was a small computer lab for those who wished to send email or surf the internet. I was one of a few volunteers who greeted the clients, poured them a hot cup of tea, and was generally on hand for a chat, if that was what was wanted.

    Our food donations came from Tesco (and the like) overstock. The cooks were able to always make with it a solid breakfast and lunch (with pudding) M-F for the clients.

    These types of centres are an invaluable resource!

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    1. Bea: People in need don't cease needing help at the weekend, or in holiday periods. Sadly it often dries up then though.
      And you reminded me, the Early Morning Centre also provides internet access. Which is almost essential now.
      Thank you for all you have done.

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  37. I've volunteered with many wonderful organizations, programs, and facilities that assist the homeless, the special needs people, the chronically ill, etc. and as you noted, many of those services aren't available on weekends, as though their needs evaporate at the end of a typical forty-hour working week. The weekend packs are a fantastic way to help bridge the gap. Thanks so much for sharing the idea.

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    1. Susan: It is a brilliant idea isn't it? Simple, practical and valuable.

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  38. This is a lovely gesture for you, EC. I wish more people embraced such a spirit of helpfulness. I make sure to donate blood and food as often as I can. Though if you find the right organization, the five dollars that we would have spent on cereal and canned fish can go much further if donated directly to the organization, depending on their overhead. Our local food pantry makes some good deals with local farmers for the benefit of the least fortunate.

    I also love new laws popping up internationally forbidding grocers to throw away old but good food, and instead facilitating them going to pantries and shelters.

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    1. John Wiswell: Thank you. I gave blood until they slapped a lifetime ban on me. One of my brothers donates plasma each fortnight. Family upbringing said that we had an obligation to contribute to our community. And I am grateful.
      I will talk to Chris about whether local shops are a resource for her, or whether they concentrate on bigger organisations. Thank you for the thought.

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  39. You are one who makes a difference. And it is amazing to hear how well organized the centers are, to meet the homeless' needs. I will add some things to my shopping and take them to a nearby help organization.
    You inspire me. Courage and Love shine out of you.

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    1. Susan Kane: Thank you. I hope your help organisation thrives.

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  40. All interesting but the weekend packs well thought out. Glad you are involved.

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    1. Bookie: Aren't they? I was so impressed. Forethought and planning.

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  41. The way you describe your city sounds very similar to how I would describe mine. High rents, not enough affordable housing, homelessness... It's a shame that this happens on such a big scale in such a rich country like the US. You are amazing in what you do for your community, and I feel ashamed that I'm not doing half as much. I pretty much stick to donating money to our local food bank and an organisation that cares for homeless people. I could do so much more if I would get my fat butt up.

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    1. Carola Bartz: Here at least the gap between the haves and the have nots is growing. Fuelled by our government. Which makes me angry. You have other things on your plate, and are doing what you can at the moment. And your donations are valuable.

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  42. Wow Soosie....what an amazing program the weekend packs....the gap between the rich and poor is growing here as the middle class is squeezed out.

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    1. Donna@LivingFromHappiness: The weekend packs are great aren't they? Despite the fact that I resent their necessity.

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  43. Wow, that does sound like a great resource for the homeless. Actually, pretty fantastic! On o similar note, we have a counselor at our local mid school who sends home backpacks of food to children who she knows will not get a good meal all weekend. You are a kind soul. :)

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    1. Terri @ Coloring Outside the Lines: I love that your counsellor has the resources to do that. And cringe that it is necessary. For wealthy countries we fail on so many levels.

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  44. The center sounds like a wonderful resource for the homeless. I love that showers and laundry facilities are also available. I have worked in a local soup kitchen serving meals and it is very eye opening. The packs you described are helpful and so important. You are so kind to pick up items for the packs and sharing your experience has helped spread the word around the world. Great reminder to me to drop off food at my local food pantry. Thanks! :)
    ~Jess

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    1. DMS ~ Jess: We have a food pantry too, but they receive support from companies and businesses. For the moment I will devote my assistance here.

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  45. EC, I love knowing people like you who volunteer to help homeless folk. When I moved to our place in the mountains we had a food pantry that sufficed the needs of our county. Now we have two food pantries, churches that provide free meals once a week, and I wonder if that is taking care of all the homeless right here in the smallest county in NC. Homelessness sounds like a world wide problem. Thank you for what you do.

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    1. Glenda Council Beall: Thank you. Homelessness and inequality which puts people in danger of homelessness do seem to be a world wide issue. Which I really don't understand. Well, yes I do, but I wish I didn't.

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  46. Sounds like a great deal of people, including you, do an amazing job helping the homeless. Strangely enough, even though my mother is what she is, she and my Dad did a great deal to help the homeless, who used to sleep in our church one night a week over the winter months.

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    1. LL Cool Joe: How interesting. I am not at all surprised to hear your father helped out, but it is a different side to your mother. A great side.

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  47. Brilliant post EC. I am passing it along and making note of that list. I help out when I can but would like to do more.

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  48. This post makes me happy. What a wonderful program <3

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    1. Optimistic Existentialist: I really was blown away. Hate the necessity, love the care that went into the solution.

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  49. That is quite wonderful, to say the very, very least. The good that is done goes unrecognised too often.

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    1. Lee: Doom and gloom make for better headlines. Too often.

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  50. It amazes me that there are so many homeless people in our capital city. Bet the pollies just don't see them when they are there or don't want to know about them. Centres like the one you describe are needed in all capital cities, suburbs and rural areas but I doubt it will ever happen.
    I realise some people do choose to be homelsss but there are some terribly sad cases amongst them for which one can only feel such great pity.
    You and so many others do such a lot of good. I am beyond doing anything physical these days and that is why my small donation of rugs to Vinnys I always hope will do a tiny bit of good somewhere.

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    1. Mimsie: It isn't only the pollies who don't see them.
      I am sure your donation of rugs is very, very welcome and does more than a tiny bit of good. A home made, colourful rug is love. And comfort.

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  51. Sure could use something like that here in Riga, Latvia. There are so many homeless. They have access to places that serve food and those who are poor but have some room to stay they get special compensation packs. Of course, they have to have a kitchen. I really don't know if these kitchens operate on weekends but I do see that more and more homeless fill the streets. Bless you for the work you do.

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    1. Rasma Raisters: It seems to be a world-wide problem. Which is sad and bad.

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  52. After writing my deeply wallowing post in self pity, when I (finally) return to blogland, I come to read your words here and feel deep shame and guilt.
    I have much to be grateful for, but my acute myopia renders me hideously shallow.

    Your post is a wake up call for me.
    And even though I know I will slide back, I must remember the extreme good work you and others like you do for those so much more unfortunate than I.

    Thank you ♥

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    1. Vicki: We all paddle in the pity pool from time to time. I believe we need to. And it isn't a problem until the paddle becomes a complete wallow. Hugs.

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  53. This is a wonderful service. As a former social worker, I am so pleased to see programs like this exist. So nice of you to help out with the crisis line and now with this meal program. Oh, if only we all had such a generous, caring heart. Thank you for this.

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    1. Myrna R.: I really, really hope this program expands across the rest of the city/country/world. There is a need for it.

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  54. Wow. That's fantastic. Every city needs something like that.

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    1. jo(e): Sadly they do. I wish they didn't. How I wish they didn't.

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  55. This sort of job is always such a challenge... trying to make a lot out of a little. Homelessness is such a hard issue wherever you are. You are really doing a job that has to be your calling! Good for you. Every little bit helps and weekend food is just as important as any other time

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    1. Jeanne: Welcome and thank you. I agree that homelessness is a hard issue. And a growing one. And am in awe at my friend who runs the Early Morning Centre.

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  56. Thanks for writing about this program EC, and for being part of it yourself. I wish that everyone with plenty would take time to understand poverty/homelessness and be less inclined to apportion blame. Each year my class would donate an amazing amount of non-perishable food items to the Smith Family - not for the 'poor people' but for those who were down on their luck and needed a hand - we all need a hand one way or another at some point, it's good to know that we live in a society where people care about each other.

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    1. Kim: I hope we ALWAYS live in a caring society. Some days I have my doubts, and then I am pulled up short. And yes, we all need help sometimes.

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  57. Some people just can't settle down and this center's services are vital .
    Here, we have a new center for those who , having been homeless for years , are now too old or infirm to face another winter on their own . You see them sometimes just staring out of the windows ...

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    1. SmitoniusAndSonata: Welcome and thank you. How I wish we had a centre like that. There isn't. And it is getting colder by the day.

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