The event, a sad one, the memorial service for Michael B. Williams, Jr. Mr. Williams was found frozen behind an Eastside Columbus House, near a barrel that homeless use to try and keep warm. A 911 call alerted police when someone found his body. February 15th, was a Sunday, one of the coldest on record in the area. in 1920 it was 12 on this date, but this February in 2015 it was colder, and a man died of exposure. A homeless man, named Michael Williams. He was 50, a man of faith who attended this church. Last year he had found lodging for awhile through The YWCA Family Shelter.
All lives matter, no one should die of exposure; but homeless do. There is not enough lodging to take care of everyone in need, and single men are the first to be turned away when shelters are full. Some homeless don't want to go to shelters, some feel safer in the elements. There are many different reasons why people become homeless, regardless of those reason; we need to remember they are people and their lives matter. There were or are someone's son, daughter, uncle, father, mother, sister, cousin, aunt, or friend. They are God's Children, just as we are.
Homelessness does have a face, and those faces are people with names. Please keep Michael and those who's names you don't know in your thoughts and prayers, and do what you can to help. If not here through Bridge and Beyond, perhaps in your own communities through local shelters and churches.
All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated. The Power of One is awesome, and when we work together The Power of One becomes The Power of Many.
God Bless You Michael Williams, and my sincere prayers for your family and friends. Everyone has someone who loves them whether they know it or not, and someone is missing Michael.Such a sad end for a child of God. Something that should not happen in one or the richest countries in the world, but I am sure something that happens more often then we would care to know.Please let us all do what we can to keep this from happening. God bless you Michael and GOD BLESS THE HOMELESS. Your friend marj in minnesota
ReplyDeleteWell said Marj, and thank you for all you do, you donations, your visits, and your comments. You're a wonderful inspiration.
DeleteThis story saddens my heart. Marj is right. This should not be happening in the United States of America! Rest in peace, Michael. God bless you. I shall try to knit faster!
ReplyDeleteSally from NJ
Thank you Sally, the story is very sad and bothersome. I loved knowing this church knew Michael and honored him.
ReplyDeleteSuch sad news. I agree with Marj and Sally, this should not happen in America. I wish there were more homeless shelters. Every person that is homeless has someone who loves them somewhere. Hopefull the weather will be getting better soon, and no more people freeze to death. Prayers to the homeless.
ReplyDeleteI am so sad to read this. No one should die because of lack of housing and clothing. Our homeless should be taken care of first and foremost.
ReplyDelete