Chippewa Valley Street Ministry Journal
November 24, 2024
Last Monday we served in the rain and on Thursday, while it was dry, it was cold. We are expecting that this and of course, even colder temperatures, are here to stay for the next few months. We provided a couple of pairs of hand warmers to each person and passed out coats, hoodies, and sweatpants to many visitors. We haven't transitioned to all boots for footwear but we're expecting that to happen soon as the requests are coming in more frequently.
A woman visiting with Lynn.
Sometimes these conversations and connections, even if brief,
are what our guests desire most.
I spoke with a man on Thursday who has been present for spurts of time over the years and then seems to disappear for a while. He looked better than ever, and the conversation with him was very enlightening. His eye contact was new to me and he had a genuine, heartfelt smile — this was new, as well. He reported that he'd been in jail and now out, had 44 days of sobriety under his belt and that physically, he felt fantastic. His social security disability had been reinstated, and he had somehow found a room to rent (with strict conditions) on a month-to-month basis. He has employment goals but talked about how hard it is to find jobs and housing with a background like his and many others that he observed near where we set up. He said that people "look at us like we're bad people, we're not good enough and they don't want to give us a chance." He went on to say that there are definitely some people that have made being unhoused harder for the entire population. He was well-spoken and had opinions on how hard it is to move forward with the biases that they, as a group, face in their endeavors. The man added that he was very pleased to have found a place to stay but added how lonely he was and how that loneliness triggers negative thinking. He maintains contact with his friends that stay at the shelter or outdoors and said that this lifestyle is all he's known for well over a decade. When he's been in jail, he's with people. When he was homeless, he was with people. Now that he's housed, he's alone and this is a stressor for him. We talked more about his past and he finally asked me how I knew him. When I explained that I'd worked at the jail, he gasped and said that he hoped he'd never been mean to me. I assured him that he hadn't and encouraged him to come back and talk with any of us whenever he needed or wanted. I hope he continues to do well and that he finds employment so that he can be with other people. I asked if I could share his story and promised him that I would not share his name as we respect his privacy. The man was happy to share his success with you and passed on a thank you for all he has received from the street ministry over the years.
Another volunteer spoke with a woman and her child that we've been concerned about for over a year. We were happy to hear that they will be staying at the family shelter in Eau Claire. We've been talking with her for a while and hoping that her child will have some form of stability soon. She is young and impressionable while in her developmental years. A volunteer had brought mandarin oranges to provide to our visitors and the child beamed when she took her fruit with her. That smile lit up the darkness.
It often doesn't take much at all to provide a little joy.
The oranges were enjoyed by many.
We've updated our needs list, please review and help us to provide needed items. We typically visit thrift stores when we're in need but have found that the selection for coats in the 2XL+ range is limited. We'll have an Amazon list soon but don't necessarily need brand new items. Our donation information is attached to the needs list.
As Thanksgiving approaches, I speak for all CVSM volunteers when I share my gratitude for you — our support system. I mentioned in another journal that when I first started volunteering, I was doubtful that our needs would be met but I've been shown countless times that people are good and generous to one another. I'm thankful to be able to do the work we do and to have met so many wonderful people that provide for needs and also those who benefit from your generosity. Please enjoy your Thanksgiving and be safe.
Karen - CVSM
We've updated our needs list, please take a look!
We definitely accept gently used items that are clean and in good repair.
Thank you for your donations to CVSM!
Financial donations - we purchase city bus passes on a regular basis to provide to the people we serve for transportation to work, appointments, and general use. These are costly to purchase in the quantity that we need. We also purchase items that are not donated that are limited in our stock.
Hoodies - these are needed year-round. We are in need of hoodies in sizes L, XL, XXL, and larger
Sleeping bags & Blankets - if donating a used sleeping bag, please have functional zippers
Sweatpants - People will layer sweatpants over jeans or other pants. We need sweatpants in sizes L and larger
Men's underwear - New is preferred, boxers and/or boxer briefs. All sizes.
Extra large gloves and mittens
Hand Warmers - prefer 2 per pack, if possible
