June 21st, 2010
Sunday was Father’s Day and we went back to the riverbed to bring lunch and supplies to our friends.
Books are a big part of what we bring to the riverbed
There are about 100 men and women who live in the riverbed here in Orange County. Like I have said in my page “Wrestling with Your Views of Homelessness” some choose this, some have lost the heart to keep trying to get out of their situation, some are so broken by their lives that they just can’t live otherwise, some are so addicted to drugs and alcohol that this is THE only way to live, some are long term homeless and some short term. We don’t come to the riverbed with the answers; we come with the basic human necessities. We bring wholesome food and supplies for their week. We bring neither condemnation nor judgment. We bring referrals if they ask for it. We don’t slam them on the back with a bible, and we don’t tell them their stupid.
The variety of personalities is just like you would see in any other community or group of people. You have the comedians, the politicians, the leaders, the followers, the master manipulators, the gentle, the aggressive, the happy and jovial, the intellectual, the helper. They’re all there. And we love them all. Characters are always welcome!
Sample of the meals we serve
We had a good size crowd Sunday. They are beginning to hear we’ve moved our location and they’ve found us! The communication in the homeless community is amazing. We had BBQ pork sandwiches, diced pears, brownies, sports drinks, coffee.
10,000 pounds of food on our driveway
We were given 10,000 pounds of canned food from Second Harvest for the homeless and needy. We had a packing party
Packing canned goods
with our friends from various church groups and packed about 500 bags of food – each one with a military style can opener. These bags were also given out Sunday.
At the riverbed, they recognize our red truck and jump up when they see us drive in. Each one is always willing to lend a hand helping us set up tables and put the food and supplies out. We are always greeted with such love and gladness. It’s a mad rush, getting everything out and in their hands. But we always manage to get everyone fed and sent on their ways.
We are particularly grateful this month. We have had some significant money donations. These have come actually just in time. Not having a large resource of personal funds ourselves, we count on donations from others. Food costs $300 to $500 per month, insurance is expensive, the paper goods to serve the food is not cheap, tents, tarps, and other supplies is another cost. We are blessed with VERY generous people in our lives. Generous with both their money and their time.
Books are as important as food
We have volunteers making food, helping serve the food, packing bags – we cannot do this on our own and we are so grateful for the hearts of those who help!
Father’s Day was another great day at the riverbed! Happy day to all of you!
