We find them on street corners, at traffic intersections, in metro stations and various other locations. They are the men and women who rely on the kindness of strangers to help them simply make it another day. Many are homeless or temporarily living at shelters, but for whatever reason, all of them are in a situation that none of us would find desirable.
Regardless of the reason they find themselves living like this, every man, woman or child on the street desires to start the day with one simple thing: to be acknowledged. To be recognized and respected as a human being with inherent value, not viewed as a “thing to be ignored, avoid all eye contact”or as a “charity case”. They want dignity, which is perhaps the only thing that hasn’t been stripped away in its entirety. Dignity is certainly hard to maintain when you are relying on the kindness of strangers to survive and make it through another single day.
In our Baptismal vows, we are directed to strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being. One way we can strive to live fully into this vow is by helping others see or find the dignity in themselves. Especially when they are feeling lost. We can help lift them up, even if for only a brief moment, and remind the next homeless person we meet that they are not completely lost. That he or she still has value in this world and a place beyond their hardships. Therefore, the EYC (Episcopal Youth Community) of Immanuel is beginning a new outreach project. It provides the opportunity for all parishioners to offer the homeless a simple reminder that they are not forgotten, while also giving them some basic essentials to help their day shine a little brighter.
The EYC has prepacked individual care packages that contain gloves, hand warmers, snacks, band aids, throat lozenges, gum and notes reminding them that they are someone of value. These care packages are neatly packed into quart sized zip lock bags that can easily fit into a briefcase, car glove compartment, purse, or backpack. After December 3rd they will be found in three locations. The narthexes of Zabriskie Chapel and Immanuel Chapel and outside the door of the EYC room located in the lower level of Zabriskie Chapel. The care packages will be available in these locations as long as supplies last. It is our hope that you will grab as many as you would like and as often as you would like and carry them with you on your way around town, to work, etc. That way when you do see an adult in need you can hand them one of these packets and make that brief connection that could change their whole day.
Granted, there is a chance that some who receive a care package from you may not be exactly the kindest or most gracious recipient. That is perfectly ok and normal. However, there is also the very real chance that you will have a rich and humbling encounter with someone who is extremely grateful for the gesture. You never know, this brief encounter just may change your day for the better.
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
-- John Hogg
Director, Children, Youth, and Family Ministries
Regardless of the reason they find themselves living like this, every man, woman or child on the street desires to start the day with one simple thing: to be acknowledged. To be recognized and respected as a human being with inherent value, not viewed as a “thing to be ignored, avoid all eye contact”or as a “charity case”. They want dignity, which is perhaps the only thing that hasn’t been stripped away in its entirety. Dignity is certainly hard to maintain when you are relying on the kindness of strangers to survive and make it through another single day.
In our Baptismal vows, we are directed to strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being. One way we can strive to live fully into this vow is by helping others see or find the dignity in themselves. Especially when they are feeling lost. We can help lift them up, even if for only a brief moment, and remind the next homeless person we meet that they are not completely lost. That he or she still has value in this world and a place beyond their hardships. Therefore, the EYC (Episcopal Youth Community) of Immanuel is beginning a new outreach project. It provides the opportunity for all parishioners to offer the homeless a simple reminder that they are not forgotten, while also giving them some basic essentials to help their day shine a little brighter.
The EYC has prepacked individual care packages that contain gloves, hand warmers, snacks, band aids, throat lozenges, gum and notes reminding them that they are someone of value. These care packages are neatly packed into quart sized zip lock bags that can easily fit into a briefcase, car glove compartment, purse, or backpack. After December 3rd they will be found in three locations. The narthexes of Zabriskie Chapel and Immanuel Chapel and outside the door of the EYC room located in the lower level of Zabriskie Chapel. The care packages will be available in these locations as long as supplies last. It is our hope that you will grab as many as you would like and as often as you would like and carry them with you on your way around town, to work, etc. That way when you do see an adult in need you can hand them one of these packets and make that brief connection that could change their whole day.
Granted, there is a chance that some who receive a care package from you may not be exactly the kindest or most gracious recipient. That is perfectly ok and normal. However, there is also the very real chance that you will have a rich and humbling encounter with someone who is extremely grateful for the gesture. You never know, this brief encounter just may change your day for the better.
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
-- John Hogg
Director, Children, Youth, and Family Ministries
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