Kindhearted

Look to me like this woman in the picture is being kindhearted by taking something (presumably food), out of her picnic basket to help this young man.  I wish we could all immolate this act of kindness.  Perhaps you can help someone with food, perhaps money, perhaps a gift card to get food, perhaps with clothing.  Perhaps with kind conversation and a meaningful smile.  Being kindhearted to people is something we should all strive for.  I know I don't always pull it off.  Some days you're rushed for time and don't take the time for the extra act of kindness, some days you're unprepared and later wish you had had a gift card with  you, or food to share, or a warm coat.  Whatever the act of kindness is, it's something anyone receiving it will be appreciative.

Have you actively participated in a week, or a month of random acts of kindness?  If you have tell us about your experiences.  Perhaps something you've done or seen others do will inspire the rest of us.  Perhaps your story will inspire us to invest in another human being.

If you work in or frequently spend time in a downtown area of a large city, you probably come face to face of homeless and others in need more than if you're living in a rural area.  Do you visit parks and see folks trying to sleep on a park bench?  Tell us what you see, what you think could be done to make life easier or kinder for someone else.

**The counts on our progress bars are current, the percentages not quite. I'll not be figure the percentages with each update of numbers, but will be updating again next at least by the 20th. I have in fact made a reminder not on my cell phone for the 20th of each month to do percentages. If we're at a milestone, or I just have extra time I may do it more often...but certainly at that scheduled time.


 **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.

Jack Otis, The Face of Homelessness

 

Meet my fellow classmate and friend, Jack Otis. By the hair style you might be able to guess the photo is from the sixty's. 1969 was the graduating year to be exact. Look at that infectious smile and twinkle in his eyes. Now for folks younger then me, seeing this picture -- you might be shocked to see someone dressed for their senior picture. Being barefoot, in casual clothes, outside leaning on a tree or sitting with the family pet was never ever done! The men always wore coats and ties, and the ladies always wore the same blouse for uniformity. Ladies could wear a fluffy cape looking thing the photographer supplied for an extra fee.

Jack Otis graduated from Whetstone High School back in 1969 in Columbus, Ohio. Unlike most of my classmates I didn't know Jack for eons and eons. We didn't attend grade school and junior high together. His family didn't live in the same neighborhood forever, like so many of us. In fact, very little is known about Jack's family. Jack lived with his Dad. None of us knew anything about his mother, except that she wasn't around. Those who knew his home life, remembered his Dad as not being a particularly stable person. Jack was new to our school, he came from someplace in Kentucky. Some classmates believe he moved around a lot.

During those high school years, classmates remember Jack as fun to be with, perhaps even a bit on the wilder side. He was full of life, a bit ornery. Not wild as in bad, but not a mild quiet, stay to oneself type of person. He liked to drink PBR (translation for the younger set, Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer). I should also add that drinking at age 18 was legal back in our day. We had what was called low beer, 3.2 and those 18-19 and 20 could drink that, but you had to be 21 to drink hard liquor and or high beer...high beer is the beer that's out now days. 3.2 no longer exists.

Jack like to drive around on old trails in his Bugged Eyed Sprite (sports car). He was chosen to be Nancy Edgars' escort for The Home Coming Court. That was a big deal, back in the day. Jack was popular folks. He was well liked, he was good looking guy...which you can clearly see from his picture.

He was born (as best I can tell from research) on June 14th, 1951. He died in the year 2000, alone and penny-less. He died homeless in the outskirts of Tucson, Arizona. He lived in a hobo camp outside the city limits and is buried in a small paupers grave in Pima County, Arizona. That area set aside in the cemetery for those without family, those who are indigent, those who have no means of another burial.

Did Jack choose this life? Did the life choose him? What happened to make this smiling good looking young man die alone and homeless? We know he chose to travel some after graduation, and for a short while, we know a fellow classmate gave him lodging in Tucson. That didn't last long, as Jack returned to the hobo camp and died sometime later. Did his sad unstable home life play into this? Who knows. But, this is the face of homelessness folks. I'm willing to bet you all have someone in your past with a similar story. He was someone's son. He was a friend. It makes me sad to know he's buried in a pauper's grave. The reality that truly anyone can be homeless is a sobering fact.This isn't a newly written post, but is so important, I thought I would re-cycle it.  Homelessness does have a face, it's perhaps easier to ignore the problem if we fail to understand it does indeed have a face, a face of a friend, a relative, a co-worker; or perhaps a neighbor.  There are many people who judge homeless in a very negative manner.  There is sadly, sometimes a general feeling that homeless people are all criminals, on drugs etc.  But, homelessness happens to all kinds of people for all kinds of reasons.  Some we understand, some we do not.  Can you put a face to homelessness?  If so, please share.

 

Make an Investment

It occurs to me, we as a society need to make an investment in our Homeless Population.  I feel like that's what we do here on Bridge and Beyond.  We knit, we crochet, we loom and we donate hand made items of warmth...but isn't that us, making an investment in these people who are less fortunate than we are?  We're investing in their future.

I wish, we as a society were making more of an investment in getting people off the streets.  In providing them with a warm roof over their heads.  Investing in their future by helping with jobs, and providing mental health services which are so often needed with homeless populations.  I know homeless people have been around for ages and at times in our history the population has grown and at other times it has become less, which is awesome; but I believe we need a permanent fix...a permanent investment in the future for people in need.

**The counts on our progress bars are current, the percentages not quite. I'll not be figure the percentages with each update of numbers, but will be updating again next at least by the 20th. I have in fact made a reminder not on my cell phone for the 20th of each month to do percentages. If we're at a milestone, or I just have extra time I may do it more often...but certainly at that scheduled time.


** 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.

Homeless, Hungry, and Hats

We've chatted a lot about being homeless since the first of the year, and shared pictures of the face of homelessness.  Some, depending on where you are you see more than others.  Another picture, sad picture of a person sleeping on the cold cement.  This gentleman has a piece of cardboard and blanket, that's not much.  How does one sleep?  I find it often difficult to sleep through the night in a warm comfortable bed, can't imagine sleeping on the cold, hard cement with perhaps city noises all around you.  I've posted quite a few pictures of that in recent weeks.  Still, each picture sadness me.

Cold, and hungry and homeless.  We do what we can by knitting, crocheting, and looming hats.  There's a hat tab across the top of the blog with information regarding sizes, colors, and fibers.  Please take a look and consider making a hat or two to help Bridge and Beyond help the homeless.  A hat can make a person feel so much warmer.  A hat can keep the cold wind out of your ears and perhaps keep you from getting an ear ache.

If you've knitted or crocheted hats for us before, could I challenge you to make at least one more this calendar year?  Please and thanks.  We didn't make our goal last year and would like to push a bit to see what we can accomplish this year.  Please tell a friend that might help you make a hat or 2. 

Thank you for visiting, and reading this blog.  Hope to see you again.

**The counts on our progress bars are current, the percentages not quite. I'll not be figure the percentages with each update of numbers, but will be updating again next at least by the 20th. I have in fact made a reminder not on my cell phone for the 20th of each month to do percentages. If we're at a milestone, or I just have extra time I may do it more often...but certainly at that scheduled time.

** 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.

Grocery Cart Valuables?

Another sad picture of what Homelessness looks like.  Recently, I was packing for a trip.  I had to work at packing to keep the weight down, as I was flying and trying to take "just what I needed".  Easier said then done.  I thought I was being careful, not taking too much; after all I was going to have a washer and dryer in my condo, so I really didn't NEED a lot.  Even knowing that, I had a hard time packing a suitcase.  This man and so many like him, has all he owns in a shopping cart.  All his valuables, in one shopping cart.  WOW!

I repacked my suitcase a couple of times to get it right, what a comparison.  It gave me pause to think about what we who have so much is essential vs those that live on the edge, live in the elements, live day to day in hopes of a night in a shelter.  Truly quite a comparison.  I thought to myself, what would I put in a single grocery cart that would sustain me?  I found, I didn't have the answer and thankfully, I don't have to have the answer...but that didn't stop me thinking about it.

Could I challenge each of you who read this post, please tell one additional person about Bridge and Beyond and it's mission of caring for Homeless today.  Could you set a reminder on your phone for once a month, once every other week, or weekly?  As reminder to tell someone about the mission here on Bridge and Beyond.  Remember you don't need to knit or crochet or loom to help or to donate.  Don't limit yourself to think whom do I know that knits or crochets.  If you know someone who knits and or crochets, obviously that's a bonus.  But, let's do what we can to help spread the word.  The more people know, the bigger chance of helping hands, and the more helping hands we have...the more people we can help.

Thank you for taking time to read this blog, thank you for taking time to share this blog and it's mission, and thank you to all who donate.



**The counts on our progress bars are current, the percentages not quite. I'll not be figure the percentages with each update of numbers, but will be updating again next at least by the 20th. I have in fact made a reminder not on my cell phone for the 20th of each month to do percentages. If we're at a milestone, or I just have extra time I may do it more often...but certainly at that scheduled time.

** 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.

Foraging

Another sad picture of what Homelessness is...Foraging.  Foraging for food?  This sadly is a reality for far too many people.  Again, hard to imagine what that is like, how demoralizing it probably is.  How are we as a society going to help?  How can we as individual's help?  I can not wave a magic wand and make this problem go away, no matter how much I wish I could.

But, I do believe we can help.  In an earlier post there was a discussion both in the post and in the subsequent comments that followed about whether or not to give homeless (beggars) money.  Many comments were made that indicated a good number of people aren't comfortable with that, and or that they don't tend to carry cash.  Some felt opposed, not knowing how the money would spent and had conflicts/concerns about whether the money would be used to buy food, or cigarettes or alcohol.  I know that may not be the best use for the money, however, I understand why they spend it that way.  And perhaps having that choice gives them a wee bit of freedom...to do as others in society do?  I don't know the right answer and doubt the answer is or should be the same all the time; as circumstances and people are different. 

Some folks indicated in their comments when possible, they've purchased a meal for the person in need.  Naturally if you're right by a fast food or other food source that does work.  Perhaps carrying fast food coupons or gift cards would be a method to help people, not worry about carrying cash and or not worry about how that cash might be spent.  I wonder, has anyone had experiences they can share along those lines?  Are the homeless you see generally near a fast food establishment?  Have you seen someone foraging and offered an alternative for them?

**The counts on our progress bars are current, the percentages not quite. I'll not be figure the percentages with each update of numbers, but will be updating again next at least by the 20th. I have in fact made a reminder not on my cell phone for the 20th of each month to do percentages. If we're at a milestone, or I just have extra time I may do it more often...but certainly at that scheduled time.

 **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.

Eclectic Afghan for Homeless Families Foundation

This is a start, to what will be a rather eclectic Afghan.  I raided my stash and found  gold, orange, burgundy, gray and teal of the same type and weight of yarn.  Oh, and purple...or perhaps it's more lavender.  So, this knitted afghan is in the works.  I'll be working on it, as well as assembling 3 afghans from stripes and squares and rectangles.  I have project bags all lined up and will keep you informed how things progress.

Since we feel short of our afghan goal last year, I'm trying hard to double my efforts and get a really good start to our goal early in the year.  I'm also hopeful some of you will join me in this endeavor.  Check your stash, check the afghan tab across the top of the blog and see what you might put together.  We're after warmth.  Whether you knit or crochet, remember afghans don't need to be fancy with involved difficult stitches to keep someone warm.  This afghan will be all garter stitches, with the mix of colors providing some interest.

Most crocheted afghans take a bit less time to make than knitted afghans, thus my having 3 crocheted ghans to work on at the same time as this one knitted afghan.  Do you knit or crochet faster?  Perhaps it all comes down to which skill you learned first?

Please stay tuned, as this afghan and the 3 crocheted afghans grow and let me know what you're working on.

**The counts on our progress bars are current, the percentages not quite. I'll not be figure the percentages with each update of numbers, but will be updating again next at least by the 20th. I have in fact made a reminder not on my cell phone for the 20th of each month to do percentages. If we're at a milestone, or I just have extra time I may do it more often...but certainly at that scheduled time.

** 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.

Donations for Homeless

The picture above pulls at my heart strings, it's sad.  Sleeping on a cold sidewalk (just as the previous post) in the middle of busy community while others go about their normal business.  Unlike the previous post and picture, this gentleman doesn't have the luxury of a tent.  Also looks like he has very merger belongings.  Our donations, like a warm knitted or crocheted or loomed hat can make him or others like him more comfortable.  Keep him warmer, and in fact can be the difference in staying alive on a cold night.

Yes, the situation is sad, and rather bleak; but you all who donate do make an important difference in giving people hope, as well as keeping them warmer...and more safe.

Our donations of hats, scarves, mittens, slippers, personal care items, cotton washcloths, and afghans tell people we care about them.  Our donations are all direct donations.  By that I mean, we here at Bridge and Beyond are a grass roots charity, they is no paid staff.  Your donations all go to those in need.  Some of your donations go from you to me to Rae.  Rae is dear lady who prepares hot meals on Saturdays mornings to feed those living out in the elements (under the bridges and beyond).  Your donations go to men, women, and children in shelters; as well as those families who transition from shelter living to a permanent housing situation.

Your donations are gifts!  Think of the Birthday or Christmas Gifts you've given over the years.  You give of yourself be it in time to shop for something special, or time to craft something special.  When you make a donation to Bridge and Beyond or a homeless group in your community, you are doing the same thing.  Giving something special to someone special.  Our donations aren't gift wrapped with a big red bow, but I venture to say they are equally as precious, if not more so.

Each item we knit, crochet, or loom has it's own tab across the top of the blog with necessary information about size, colors, and fibers to ensure our donations do indeed meet the needs of those we serve.  If you have questions not addressed, or wonder why there's a specific requirement for color, size or fiber.........please feel free to contact me either by email or the contact form in the right side bar.

**The counts on our progress bars are current, the percentages not quite. I'll not be figure the percentages with each update of numbers, but will be updating again next at least by the 20th. I have in fact made a reminder not on my cell phone for the 20th of each month to do percentages. If we're at a milestone, or I just have extra time I may do it more often...but certainly at that scheduled time

.** 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.

Camp for Homeless is NOT Camping

On first glance, you may think this Dad and his cute little daughter are camping, but........look again.  They are on a sidewalk--a hard sidewalk somewhere in the US.  Camping on a hard sidewalk is NOT something you do vs staying in a state or national park when you're camping.  When you're camping you typically pitch your tent on grass or a special tent pad that provides comfort.  No, this sad situation is a Dad and his cute young daughter on a sidewalk, there is no camp ground with a bathroom, or a fire pit etc.  They could even be considered as some of the luckier people, as they have a tent which would provide cover in rain. 

I assume there are in a large city that allows homeless to pitch a tent on a sidewalk.  In my community that is not permitted.  But, the big problem here is a young girl/ toddler and her father are homeless.  They probably don't know where their next meal is coming from or whether or not they can stay here beyond this one night.  It's sad.  Truly, being homeless is something that even my being involved with this blog for going on ten years, is hard to fathom.  I can not imagine what it must be like to want to take care of your sweet young daughter when you are without.  I just can't imagine.

Please do what you can to knit, crochet, spread the word here through Bridge and Beyond, as well efforts in your own community.  No one should be homeless.  Let's all do our best to provide what we can.  Perhaps you're able to provide a tent, sleeping bag, tarp or other equipment to an organization in your community.  This is a sad picture indeed, but ...can you picture what it would look like without the stroller, without the tent?  Do what you can, provide what you can. 

Together with caring hearts, we can help...one day at a time, one person at a time, one donation at a time.  Thank you for all you do here on Bridge and Beyond and whatever you're also able to do in your communities.

**The counts on our progress bars are current, the percentages not quite. I'll not be figure the percentages with each update of numbers, but will be updating again next at least by the 20th. I have in fact made a reminder not on my cell phone for the 20th of each month to do percentages. If we're at a milestone, or I just have extra time I may do it more often...but certainly at that scheduled time.** 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.

Begging and Homelessness

This is another picture that shows, in a very strong way what many in our community do when they see a homeless person.  Did you see the previous post?  How can we fix homelessness, if we don't acknowledge it?  Do we (Collective We), not acknowledge it because we don't know how to fix it?  

I don't know the answers, but sometimes think people look away because they don't want to stare, which is considered impolite.  Maybe just smiling, or saying hello would be a step to make them feel less invisible?

None of the above has mentioned begging, so let me address that, since it is the title of the post.  (Just found the picture profound).  Recently I've read some articles about some communities cracking down on what they are calling aggressive begging.  The first article was actually from The UK.  The area where the royal wedding will be, has a handful of homeless/street people.  Their government has decided it's inappropriate for them to be there on the doorsteps when the royal wedding uses that particularly route.  They indicate they are being forceful---aggressive with begging, some who work or live in the area say that's not true; while other business want the homeless gone.  Apparently, the problem is global, not specific to The United States.

I've passed people who have a can or bucket ...some container and are requesting donations, but, I've never had anyone actually approach me and beg for money.  Have you?  Do you give money to those with containers?  Some say it helps, others say it's not a good idea, as some aren't real homeless people, but con artists.  How do you know if you're really helping someone?  Isn't it better to perhaps give donations to someone who might be a con artist, than to not help anyone?

I see both sides of the issue, and have from time to time drop some money in the container; other times not.  I don't more than I do, and sometimes I later feel badly because I didn't.  Sometimes it's because I don't want to open my purse, sometimes it's because I know I don't have small bills..........I often carry very little cash, because I charge 99.9% of all my purchases.  I sometimes put a couple of dollars in a pocket (if I have one, and often as a women don't have pockets), so if see someone I can make a contribution without getting into my purse.  

Tell us what you do?  Tell us what you've seen.  Perhaps we can learn from each other.

In my effort to blog in ABC order, this is my B post.
A post is HERE, if you missed it.

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.

Afghans and Homeless

There are so many faces of homelessness.  Some of the faces though are faces not often seen.  5 people in this picture at a traffic light waiting to cross.  The picture seems to make a point of showing how faceless the homeless person on the ground is.  Several appear to be purposely looking any other direction.  The young woman, takes what appears to be a quick sideways glance.....and then we assume the light changes.  I am told in a good number of articles I've read, we as a society look away because it makes us uncomfortable.  We look away because it's easier not to see the faces.

Several years ago I entered a blog contest that challenge bloggers to blog in alphabetically order.  It was a daily challenge.  I am going to attempt to blog in ABC order in hopes of having more blog posts written, even if there are no donations to show that particular day.  I'm probably not going to be able to do it daily,  but will attempt the ABC to have something here much more often that last year.  More frequent posts are suppose to help the SEO placement, just like more blog visits do, and more blog comments and sharing links etc.  So, I'll be sharing pictures, some stats and some of things I've found along the way about homelessness.

A=Afghan Afghans
Goal: 36
Start: #1
Current: 1

0.0277%

START

END

This is our current Tally and Goal regarding Afghans.  36, our goal is an average of the afghans donated over the last 5 years here on Bridge and Beyond.  We've started, and have had 1 donated so far, thus are current number is 1, and you see the percentage of goal accomplished.

I still have squares, stripes, and some pieces parts of things that have been donated over the years that eventually become afghans.  Additionally, sometimes I knit or crochet a ghan from start, and many of you good people do that same.   If you're new to the blog you might not know how our Afghans are used and or why we donate them.

This afghan is one my Great Grandmother made.  I consider it quite a marvelous treat that I still have this.  It's quite old.  Currently, it's not being used and is need of repair; but it's this afghan that propelled me to think how special afghans can be to people.  We donate afghans to families transitioning from shelter living to a permanent housing situation.  With their afghan specially packaged in a clear very large ziplock bag with handles is a letter briefly telling them we congratulate them on their accomplishment, we wish them well in the future and that the afghan is a celebration for them.  The letter tells them how to launder the afghan so that it can withstand the test of time, using a quick story about me having this afghan from my Great Grandmother.

Naturally afghans keep people warm and everyone loves to curl up under one.  It's a feeling of being loved, and comforted.  So, we donated afghans to Homeless Families Foundation and hope that we are providing warmth, comfort, and a sense of pride and accomplishment, as well as hope for the future.

Here's the link for our Afghan Tab
Please take a minute and read the information about size, laundering, perfumes, smoking, pets etc if you're knitting or crocheting an afghan to donate to an appreciative family.

**TRULY, our ghans are received as very precious items.   This is a note from one of my contacts from Homeless Families Foundations.
Sandy  - I wanted to share a story with you...Today one of our clients came in and he was picking out some scarves and hats from what you brought in for us. He started talking about how he use to have a blanket that his grandmother had crocheted for him and due to moving around a lot he had lost it. When I pulled out one of the wonderful blankets you had brought into us and told him that his grandmother didn't make it but hopefully he could think about her when he uses it, he was so thankful. He darn near started to cry which gave me the goosebumps. So thank you once again for all that you do for us at The Homeless Families Foundation. It truly means a lot to our families!

That's the afghan she gave him.  During a later delivery to Homeless Families Foundation, I met the gentleman from the above story.  It was a very special feeling for me.  So,please know if you've knitted or crocheted afghans in the past for Bridge and Beyond, they are very special.  AND, if you've not in the past; please do consider making one to donate.

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.