We continue to be busy each night we're in service. Sometimes we're busy with the number of people we serve; other times we're busy with providing for the needs of the people that come to our table. We now plan for 75 visitors each time we're out, an increase from even six months ago.
We had some visitors at our van one morning.
We spoke with a man tonight that caused us concern. Initially, we noted that he had a yellow tinge to his skin, especially his face. When we asked how he was, he answered, "Not good" and proceeded to tell us that he had had Barrett's esophagus for several years and it has now developed into esophageal cancer. He showed us a ring that had snapped and come off due to increased swelling in his fingers. He reports that his kidneys are not working properly, and he has fluid collecting in his hands and feet. The man does have a doctor that he has gone to but admits that he doesn't know if there is treatment or if he'll participate in treatment. He has a strong faith and believes that God will call him when it's time. Because of the increased population, he doesn't always get into the shelter. We asked if he gets enough to eat and he said that he often feels too weak to get to a bus stop to catch a bus to the Community Table. He eats at the shelter when he can and uses the bags of food we provide to tide him over to his next meal. As we talked, I thought that this man is literally dying in front of me and there's nothing we can do to provide comfort other than listen to him and provide the much-needed food. It was a helpless feeling! We asked that he keep us posted.
Another person stopped by to ask what she should do with a wound on her finger that had been caused by a bite from another person. There were two open areas and she said she'd been trying to keep them clean. There was no sign of infection; she's been doing a good job managing them. She knows what to look for in case she needs additional care.
As we noted in our previous journal, several of the people we work with are being given citations for camping in city limits and we'd like to revisit this topic. While it is important to enforce ordinances, the people we work with often have no alternative to stay elsewhere. One man has 11 citations from 12-04-2023 until 3-22-2024. Each citation is $213.10 so he now owes $2,344.10 for trying to find someplace to rest. He doesn't have an ID or money to get into a motel and has no housed friends that would let him sleep on a couch or on a floor. To avoid getting a ticket he tries to stay on the move all night with brief rests where he thinks he's out of sight. Being sleep-deprived is dangerous and unhealthy. Again, we understand that law enforcement has a job to do but is there an option of providing an alternative place for someone to be able to rest rather than piling on charges and debt that they'll likely never be able to pay?
This little guy was fortunate to have received a stroller from one of our followers
to replace the borrowed stroller seen here.
Our volunteers enjoyed his visit.
We have been working with family from the family shelter, it has been a long time since we've had the opportunity to work with kids. After posting a request for a stroller on our Facebook page, we were able to provide a stroller to them. The offers that came in to help this family reminded me how amazing our support network is, and I want to thank you for that. When I first started volunteering with the street ministry and requesting help, I initially didn't believe that there were as many generous people in the community that I've now found there to be. When we are in need of help, whether it be material-type donations or funding, you've always come through. While we are on the street working directly with our community's vulnerable unhoused population, we're only there because of your support. We are currently in need of funding to cover the cost of bus tickets and to help purchase items that are not donated, specifically backpacks and shoes. In order to provide these items, we have been purchasing them. Even at thrift stores, the cost adds up quickly. We appreciate your consideration.
Noted this flag and rainbow after some rain.
Blessings to all of you. Please keep our brothers and sisters in need in your prayers and help us support them, if you are able.
Thank you,
CVSM Staff.
