So You Think You Can Knit/Crochet ?

Spotted this funny a little while back and thought it was worth a share for all of us knitters, crocheters, and loomers.  Made me chuckle, "you go girl",lol.  Wasn't there something on TV several years ago about someone who knitted or crocheted super fast and set some worlds record?  I used to crochet quite fast, have never knitted fast,...........but as arthritis becomes an issue it's important to slow down a bit.

This is the time of year when donations naturally slow down.  Or should I say have historically slowed down.  Many people don't knit or crochet in warmer months, yarn sticks to your hands and who wants something hot on their laps....I get that, but would suggest making other things vs not making anything until bad weather comes again.  I've also found sitting at a table and having the item on the table is somewhat helpful vs having the item in your lap, particularly a larger item, however.........for those of us who knit/crochet in front of the tv, that method may not work.

We have had a wetter than normal spring here in Central Ohio, while many parts of The US really need our rain.  Too bad we can't share it some how.  It would eliminate the flooding in some areas and the drought conditions elesewhere.  We can't really knit or crochet something that keeps someone dry in these wetter than normal conditions, but no doubt our hats are often used in the evenings.  As a result of being wetter, it's also cooler.

Please keep The Homeless in Your Thoughts all year long, not just in fall and winter.  Thank you Write with Fey for adding our blog badge for Bridge and Beyond to your blog to help spread the word, it's appreciated.  Fey's blog interviews writers, reviews books and discusses other book related items.  If you're interested in building your reading list, or want to try something new..........please visit her blog and let her know you're from Bridge and Beyond. (Write with Fey is listed on the blog log, we met during the recent April A-Z Blog Challenge).

2015 DONATIONS:
Hats: 238
Scarves 94
Mittens/Gloves/Wrist Warmers: 45
Slippers: 63
Rain Poncho's:  95
Cotton Washcloths: 221
Afghans: 16
Socks: 157
Cowls/Hoody Combo's/ 17
Shawls 1
Misc: items like personal care and things don't fit into above categories aren't counted

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.

In a Dream World

In a dream world....all of us would have a craft room and in that craft room would be comfy sitting, ample storage, superior lighting, and creative juices would flow!  Who's with me.  So you have this really cool peg board and on it you hang your beautiful and colorful yarn, you have containers with your needles and other important tools.  You look up, like a color......and walla you snatch it, make yourself cozy, someone brings you your favorite beverage and you begin..........to make any and everything....yes, yes, in a dream world.  And in that dream world your beautifully displayed yarn would not get dusty, and heck..........let's take our dream one step further, in our dream world we'd be knitting, crocheting, and looming something frivols because there would be no homeless problem.

If only...........until then, let's keep our needles and yarn and hooks, wherever and how ever we store them busy busy.

Just had to share this

I want to thank all the new visitors supporting us through their visits and thoughtful comments from The A-Z challenge and am thrilled some of our new friends are busy and knitting and crocheting and or looking to see what they might do to help, either here or in their own areas.  We need to continue to spread the information about the severity of homelessness and spread the news about what can be done throughout our country.
**I am continuing to visit through the road trip linky and so the list of visitors/commenters by way of the blog log keeps changing.  Some have fallen by the wayside, as often happens after a blog challenge,while others have been added.

2015 DONATIONS:
Hats: 219
Scarves 87
Mittens/Gloves/Wrist Warmers: 45
Slippers: 63
Rain Poncho's:  55
Cotton Washcloths: 177
Afghans: 11
Socks: 147
Cowls/Hoody Combo's/ 17
Shawls 1
Misc: items like personal care and things don't fit into above categories aren't counted

HAVE YOU READ ABOUT THE CONTEST?  HAVE YOU STARTED?  DETAILS HERE

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.

Mitscoots helps Homeless and YOU Can too!

Please click to watch the video about how this company helps homeless in multiple ways.


CLICK HERE

2015 DONATIONS:
Hats: 218
Scarves 80
Mittens/Gloves/Wrist Warmers: 45
Slippers: 63
Rain Poncho's:  53
Cotton Washcloths: 161
Afghans: 11
Socks: 141
Cowls/Hoody Combo's/ 17
Shawls 1
Misc: items like personal care and things don't fit into above categories aren't counted

HAVE YOU READ ABOUT THE CONTEST?  HAVE YOU STARTED?  DETAILS HERE

 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 Outreach Team, Oklahoma City

Read an article written by Joleen Chaney for News 9 in Oklahoma City about a pilot program.  About this time last year April of 2014 Sgt Clinton Garst and MSgt Paul Camacho started reaching out to homeless.  As they would approach homeless camps (usually as a result of a call in complaint), instead of arresting them for some minor infraction (which had been the normal procedure), they started trying to help them.  They directed the homeless to help.  In July of last year, things became official.  They are now part of a 3 member team called, the "Homeless Outreach Team".

It costs money when a homeless person is arrested and or taken to the hospital, so instead of money being spent that way..let me back up.  Homeless were fined for minor infractions, and when they couldn't pay the tickets/fines they were arrested thus costing the community jail time, and or hospital time for injuries and or illnesses from being homeless.  A better system is certainly to get them off the streets, so by getting them supplies, keeping them warm, and safe and getting them into shelters and housing is a win win situation.  It allows the police to then concentrate on crime and crime prevention, and gives homeless a leg up.  Since April of last year there have been 1500 contacts made and 200 placements made.  Authorities say there are 54 homeless camps around the city

As a tax payer, I would think locals would be very much in favor of this program.  As a person who cares about homelessness this gives me hope.  I hope programs like this catch on around the country.  Arresting them isn't working, in fact it makes matters worse.

2015 DONATIONS:
Hats: 191
Scarves 73
Mittens/Gloves/Wrist Warmers: 45
Slippers: 63
Rain Poncho's:  53
Cotton Washcloths: 115
Afghans: 8
Socks: 126
Cowls/Hoody Combo's/ 17
Shawls 1
Misc: items like personal care and things don't fit into above categories aren't counted

HAVE YOU READ ABOUT THE CONTEST?  HAVE YOU STARTED?  DETAILS HERE

The homeless on the left is Edwards, who said prior to this, he didn't like cops but now says they are a Godsend.  No doubt he's not the only one who feels that way.  I believe the officer is Sgt Garst.

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.

Finding Zen

A-Z=Z-Zen
Ok, today's the last day of the A-Z challenge and Z is not an easy letter to come up with anything associated with homelessness and what we do here on Bridge and Beyond.  My goal, my dream would be to hear there is Zero Homeless Population, but I know that won't happen, certainly not in my lifetime.  And how would I show Zero Homeless in a blog post.  This being the last day, maybe a little levity is in order...some of the posts here have been pretty sad, because frankly the situation is sad and there's little good to post about.  However, even in bad circumstances there are people who make the most of the situation, people with a upbeat personality, people who don't let "it" get to them.  This man strikes me as someone like that.

If there's such a thing as Zen, finding Zen in a homeless situation, this picture might represent it.  Look how creative this man is with his drawing on the underpass wall.  Got a birdcage, a dresser and tv and a window with a blind.  Now, I don't call this living life in the lap of luxury by any means, but clearly he has he things organized, and he looks cleaner then most as do his belongings.  Sleeping on an old mattress in an underpass is not a life I would want, but this man......Gotta hand it to him.  Makes me wonder if he has a job, you know homeless do.

I hope those who've visited through A-Z have learned alot about homelessness, and that you'll continue to visit the blog.  I hope some of you have figured out a way you might help, if not here with Bridge and Beyond, locally in some capacity.  Visiting, commenting, those help the blog reach others, so do come back and cheer on all the helping hands.

Tomorrow then is May, but the work here on Bridge and Beyond continues.  We knit and crochet and donate all year long, not just in the winter months.

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.

Yarn Helps Homeless

 Today is Y for the A-Z Challenge, and Y = Yarn.  This cute and rather fun comic was posted both on Facebook and here on my blog, Bridge and Beyond some time back...thought it was good enough to give it another go round.  I'm a person who doesn't like to shop, if you know me, you've heard me say that 1000 times..........yarn shopping excluded from that statement.

Yarn comes in many colors, weights, and textures and can be made into almost anything you can think of with knitting, crocheting, and looming.  This array of yarn was donated.  Some of these colors you might recognize as being part of The Learning Logs Afghan I've been knitting.

You writers and story tellers may think of something entirely different when you see or hear the word yarn, you may think of stories.  People used to sit on the front porches and spin yarns........tell stories.  Well, yarn as pictured here tells stories too.  The story is how it became yarn, how it jumped into someone's shopping basket wanting to find a home, how it called out to the knitter/crocheter about what item it should become, and then how it warms someone on a cold night sleeping outside, and gives both physical and emotional help/warmth and hope.

Yarn is a powerful thing, and what's made from it.......goodness it tells a story.  A story of how someone you don't know, took their precious time to make something out of love and yarn for just you.  And so there are many stories about yarn and Homeless.

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.

Tent Cities for the Homeless

A-Z Challenge = Tent Cities , Trespassing, Tiny Houses

Tent cities spring up near railroad tracks, bridges, underpasses and wooded areas.  They can be quite small with a handful of homeless, or larger inside large city limits. The above picture is a make shift tent and if you click you can see others behind in the woods.  Obviously, the police are checking something out.  In many areas they are told they can't be there, they're on someone's land, it's a health hazard.  Sometimes they're arrested and the belongings bulldozed.  Some communities leave them alone.

 Another make shift area in a wooded area.

 Not a great way to live, but some actually feel safer in these tent cities then inside at shelters because they can control the situation and who's there.  And there's never enough room for everyone at shelters so people try to live in little groups, looking out for each other, and each others stuff.

In cities, the tent cities tend to be more like this, actual tents that people have given them.  Some pile their goods up during the day and as night falls the tents pop out.  Nationally, local governments and police are cracking down on the tent cities.  Some communities are building additional shelters once they realize the numbers needing housing.

It's a catch 22, many have no where else to go, yet they don't, in most cases have the legal right to camp wherever they choose.  A difficult problem.  Some reports suggest abandoned houses ought to be utilized to house homeless, some are building little houses that are merely a place to sleep in locations where tent cities used to be.

 Certainly these look nicer then the tent cities, how they would be maintained might be a question.  But variations of these little houses are popping up in small groups around the country as a means to help.

These appear to be on wheels and are almost a dumpster type size.  I saw pictures of some that were half as tall, meant to be a place to sleep made from dumpster and storage crates.

I don't know if this is a good solution or one that will catch on and be sustainable, but it's a start and I think it's good to see something being done that's positive.


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.

John Helinski, Homeless in Tampa

While Sunday is a day outside the April A-Z challenge, I've continued to post on Sunday.  Meet John Helinsky, age 62 homeless in Tampa, Florida. Living on the street, sleeping in a cardboard box when he could find one, on a park bench when he couldn't.  For 3 years John lived that way in downtown Tampa, being as invisible as he could.  Like many homeless, he had no ID, his SS card had been stolen.

Dan McDonald, unlike many police chose to help not harass John.  He couldn't bear to see this senior citizen living homeless on the streets and got him checked into a homeless shelter.

 Where Charles Inman, caseworker applied added his help.  One of the problems facing homeless without ID's is actually getting them ID's.  You need birth certificates to get other ID's, and that can be quite as chore.  Add to this the fact that John Helinski was born in Poland, a US citizen and you have extra paper work that needs to be done.  International phone calls were needed to track down a record of his birth, then drivers license and social security cards were obtained.

One he had proper ID's, more digging took place.  He remembered having a bank account, but the bank had changed names.  Through extra effort from both the police and the caseworker the bank was found and John had a nest egg, his social security had been deposited and had earned him some interest during those 3 years living on the street.  He's pictured here near his locker and bunk at the shelter where he's still working with his case worker, preparing to transition into living in an apartment.  Even with money, living in a permanent housing situation takes some adjustment.  We don't know what caused John to become homeless, or how much he has in his account; but the stories say enough that he can live modestly in an apartment, or perhaps even purchase a home, if he chooses that route.

This story broke on both CNN and ABC, perhaps elsewhere, both those are the 2 sources I found.  Thank you RoseMary from Tenn for letting me know you'd read a story on bing about a man in Tampa.  This is definitely a story worth retelling.

I wish we had more stories like this with happy endings.

Below is the Sunday wrap of the A-Z challenges to date.  If you've not read them, please do.  Reading and sharing the information is helpful, even if you can't join us with knitting and crocheting.

A=Afghans, Family Heirlooms
B= Bridge and Beyond, Behind the Scenes
C=What is Crochet
D=Donations
E=Exposure Kills Homeless Vet
F= Crying and Homeless and Freezing Temperature
G= Gubbio, A Homeless Project, St. Boniface Church
H=Hobo and Homelessness
I= Inspiration
J= What is Joy
K=Knitting
L=Knitting Looms
M=Mittens, Knitted, Crocheted or Loomed
N=Caring for the Needy
O=Jack Otis, Classmate, Homeless
P=Policing the Homeless

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.

Policing the Homeless

 A-Z Challenge = P=Police, Policy, public land, personal care.
The picture is truly the nicest picture I could find where police are interacting with homelessness.  I say the nicest because in story after story, picture after picture, video's too numerous to count...Police harass homeless, arrest homeless, talk horribly to them, and in a few recent cases kill them.  This picture they are arresting the wonderful old gentlemen in the white jacket who's prepared meals for the homeless.  This took place in Ft. Lauderdale.  This 80+ year old man has been arrested multiple times, his food thrown out, and the homeless made to scatter.  There's an ordinance in Ft. Lauderdale against feeding the homeless.  This man has fought each arrest and has won and returns to his mission, only to be arrested again.  The last time I read, the police were told to leave him alone.........however, what about other people in that city, other locations where someone wants to help?  The ordinance hasn't been changed.  And sadly, Ft. Lauderdale is NOT the only city with such an ordinance.

This is a memorial of a homeless man who was killed by The LA Police Department.  The man allegedly didn't stop after he'd been tased and so he was shot by 3 Policemen.  This happened on skid row, when police responded to a call about a robbery.  Things escalated, the homeless man didn't want to go with the police, and he fought them and lost his life.  I didn't find information that indicated whether or not he was in fact quilty of said robbery.   The homeless community there with him on the sidewalk was outraged, as were some passers by who felt it wasn't handled very well.  The point is, being Homeless is NOT a crime, but being homeless is indeed criminalized in many cities across the country.

Detroit has a practice of "dumping" homeless.  In tourist friendly areas police round up homeless and in essence kidnap them, put them in police cars and vans and drive out of the city or to a lesser populated area of the city and literally, DUMP the homeless.  There is a law suit currently about this practice.  The area they've been taken from has warming areas, and other services needed by the homeless, so often they painstakingly return to the same area.

Recently in New Mexico a homeless man was shot in the back (multiple times), police say he was going for a knife.  They may stand trial for murder, that's yet to be determined.  He had a camp set up on the outskirts of the city,  and they wanted it gone .

Tent Cities in New Jersey, California, Florida, Colorado, Hawaii and Virginia and more are being raided by police. By raided, I mean people are told to vacant and their items are trashed if they don't comply immediately.  One city has a brochure suggesting people trim all their bushes and trees and clean out any brush so there's not place hidden where homeless might live or set up for the night.

While being homeless isn't a crime, almost everything associated with it is.  It's a crime to panhandle, sleep in a park or on a bench, or sit in an alley, to camp on public land.  It's a crime to lotter...and many homeless must lotter during the daylight houses, walk the streets etc until it's time to get into a shelter.  So, you see it's quite a vicious circle.

Many police departments consider homeless an inconvenience to them.  They consider homeless to be lazy bums, mentally ill, drug addicts and alcoholics.  And certainly, that's true in some cases, but it's also true many are not.  Some police departments do try to direct homeless to areas where they can get help, but not enough from the articles I read.  Some police enforce the statutes, some look the other way feeling there are more important things to do.  There doesn't seem to be a standard.

This isn't being written to make people choose sides, but to open peoples minds about the extent of homelessness and it's associated problems.  Homeless try to be invisible, they don't want to be noticed. They don't want to wear bright colors, thus my constant request for dark colors, items with minimal stripes.  By not calling attention to themselves, they have a better chance of going unnoticed by police and others.  The Police are charged with upholding the law and so that automatically puts them against homeless people and all that it entails.

Some people say that homeless are lazy.  I think the energy it takes to stay alive, to stay safe, to find food, to find lodging, to move from the street to the shelter and back again, and to stay away from the police takes alot of energy; both mentally and physically.

We do what we can to help ease their burden by supplying them with warmth in the form of hats, scarves, mittens, slippers, and socks.  We collect and donate personal care items, that are so needed, how else will they be able to clean up, to feel more human, to be able to work.  YES, many homeless do have jobs.  Many homeless are children who need to go to school.

Can you do something to help?  The answer is YES.  There is something everyone can do, it's just a matter of what you're financial, physically, and emotionally are able to do.

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 Classmate, Jack Otis Homeless

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 younger folks, 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.  Your picture couldn't be put in the year book otherwise.

Jack and I 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 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.  He was 49 years young.  I was heart broken when I pieced together his story, as were many of my classmates.  Searching for classmates for a class reunion is how this sad story came to light.  I was contacted by an old friend of his who shared that he had been working in North Central Wyoming in 1981 as a doodlebugger on seismic crews drilling for oil on ranches.  He went from there to Colorado and worked, but after that they lost touch.  I don't know or when he ended up in Arizona, or when he started riding the rails.

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.  This is the sad 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.

There are many causes of homelessness, but regardless of circumstances they are people, they are someone's son or daughter, they are someone's friend.  We must lend a hand.  So, for all the Jacks in the world I ask.......can you help?

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.

Sunday Review for A-Z Challenge

Picture of Primrose Afghan, assembled and donated to Homeless Families Foundation  previously, but happens to be a picture on hubby's laptop, and since I dislike blog posts without pictures thought I'd pop this one in.

Happy Sunday, thought I'd do a little review of the A-Z challenge so far.  I believe I'm enjoying it more this year because rather then be upset that people aren't really participating, using the system, going to the trouble of reporting (as we're suppose to)offending blogs to the organizers, I'm just passing them by and moving on.  By not dwelling on them, keeping track etc I am less bothered.

The positives:

• Have gained followers, was around 295 ish when challenge began
• Have had thoughtful comments from people who have learned something about homelessness they didn't know or realize before.
• Have inspired some folks to get out their knitting or crochet needles and hooks and help us, and or donate to their locale shelters
• Simply spreading the word about the problem,the need to help, and ways to help...........always positive

How I've used the challenge:

• As soon as I signed up I started visiting 5 blogs daily from the linky, so about 10 days prior to the official start of April 1, I began getting some visits.  This is suggested
• Wrote a reveal post (separate linky to join prior to the official start to reveal the theme of your month of blogging).  Not everyone, in fact the bulk of those in the linky didn't elect to select a theme or post theme.  Visited 5 additional blogs daily for about 4 or 5 days or the reveal linky
• Wrote and scheduled all posts ahead of the start on April 1st, in order to spend time daily visiting blogs.  
• Continued to visit 5 blogs daily not before visited from the linky, and returned every visit/comment made here
• Started a blog log (in the right sidebar) of those that visited and left comments and continued to visit them.  

The Alphabetical Blog Posts to Date: (please if you missed one, do take time to visit)

A=Afghans, Family Heirlooms
B= Bridge and Beyond, Behind the Scenes
C=What is Crochet
D=Donations
E=Exposure Kills Homeless Vet
F= Crying and Homeless and Freezing Temperature
G= Gubbio, A Homeless Project, St. Boniface Church
H=Hobo and Homelessness
I= Inspiration
J= What is Joy

Google stats indicate the A, B, and G posts had the highest stats of visits with G being 146, though, we received far fewer actual comments.  I'm not up to speed to know if those are simply clicks vs time spent to actually read.  I think it may just be clicks?  Any one know?

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.

Hobo and Homeless

 A-Z Challenge H= Hobo and Homeless
The above picture might be what you think of when you hear (if you're as old as me you knew the word), Hobo.  Wikipedia defines Hobo as a migratory worker, a homeless vagabond.  They believe the word started to be used in the Northwestern part of the United States around 1890.  The origin of the word is dispute/has many possibilities vs is unknown.  A Hobo travel to find work, had no permanent address.  The typically "Road the Rails" to move from one community to another.

The might have done odd jobs, usually manual labor in exchange for food, sometimes money.  They were known to hang out at the docks when ships would come and go and the rail roads.  Some thought riding the rails was a bit romantic....seeing the sites, not being tied down.  But, they often didn't have a roof over their heads or know where the next meal came from.  They weren't well received in many communities.  They spoke a language all their own with chalk symbols to leave behind important information for other Hobo's that might travel that direction.  The symbols might be as simple as a cat which meant a nice lady lives here, or top hat meaning a kind gentlemen lives here.  Those symbols would attract other Hobo's.  They might however, leave symbols indicated they weren't welcomed, to be aware of barking dogs, or mean police etc.

There were some notables who Hoboed before they made it, such as: Woody Guthrie, Robert Mitchum, Carl Sandberg and George Orwell; but..........for most it was a tough life.  Perhaps it was easier to be a Hobo then compared to being Homeless now.   Somehow I think so, towns are bigger, there are fewer families farms where you might work a day, or receive a meal, or be allowed to camp awhile.

The face of Homeless seems more wretched to me, filled with more despair and danger.

Hats, another word that starts with H.  Hats are one of the items we knit, crochet, and loom and donate.  Can you help?  A warm head can help warm the rest of the body, it can help keep someone dryer, and it can save a life.

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.

Exposure Kills Homeless Veterans

A-Z Day 6 E=Exposure

This incredible picture truly looks like somewhere over the rainbow.  This was taken by Steve Edquist at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery in Minnesota.  A final resting place of honor for our Military. (Thank you Steve for the use of your photo).

Meet Jerome William Jackson, better known as Jerry.  He was a Lance Corporal in the United States Marine Corp from 1975-1978.  This picture is the face of a homeless man, taken in 2005 at The Union Gospel Mission in St. Paul where Jerry lived for awhile off and on after being evicted from public housing.  Sadly, this Marine died of exposure on Feb 21st.  His body was found in a homemade shack in below freezing temperatures in Indian Mounds Park.  This Marine who served his country had schizophrenia, making life difficult for him and sometimes those around him; though he was well liked by those who knew him at Our Saviours' Lutheran Church.

No one should die of the elements, of exposure in this country; and most certainly not a Veteran.  But, it happens.  According to an article by Piper Hoffman of Care2, about 700 Homeless People die every year from exposure.  What a sad statistic that is.

This is a sad story, one of many and one of the reasons we do what we can here on Bridge and Beyond.  Warm hats, scarves, and mittens can save a life.  And so we knit and we crochet and we donate.  This isn't the first post I've written about the death of a homeless person.  Very recently I posted about Michael B. Williams, Jr.

However, this is also a rather heart warming story, as the community came together and took care of arrangements to honor this man, Lance Corporal Jackson.  He was buried at Ft. Snelling with military honors, a 21 gun salute and bag pipes.  Mueller Memorial provided their service for free, and arrangement were made to locate his brother, Don and bring him in for the service.  He was honored to receive the folded flag from his brothers casket.  The brothers hadn't seen each other in several years.   Communications were strained and difficult with the disease and the homelessness.  RIP Jerry.

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, Family Heirlooms

 Meet Great Aunt Viola and her husband Harry.  They were married back in 1932, 83 years ago.  Notice the afghan to Viola's right...the left side of my old picture.

 This is Great Aunt Viola's Mother, Mary Florence, my Great-Great Grandmother who was born 4 days before the start of The Civil War in 1861.  Mary Florence crocheted that afghan.  Likely 83 years ago as a wedding present for her daughter, Viola.  Though it's possible, she made it before or after that; that's a logical conclusion given family history.

That afghan was made by my Great-Great Grandmother, used by her daughter, my Great-Aunt, given to my Dad and used alot!  And now I have the honor of owning it.

Though it's in need of some repair, it's still around and is probably at least 83 years old!  Afghans, knitted or crocheted are family heirlooms and carry a-lot of sentiment and meaning.  We here on Bridge and Beyond knit and crochet afghans to bring meaning, and hope to those less fortunate.  We donate our Afghans to Homeless Families Foundation as a way to say congratulations and best of luck.  Congratulations because they have moved forward, they are transitioning from shelter living to their permanent living situation.  That's certainly something to celebrate and commemorate.  We also hope these afghans we make and donate give them hope for a brighter future, to know someone cares for them, and made something special for them.  We hope the afghans we donate carry a special meaning to those who receive them, must like this special afghan does for me and my family.

Today is the first day of the annual A-Z Challenge for the month of April A=Afghan.  Welcome to those in the challenge who may be seeing this blog for the first time.  The blog is dedicated to helping the homeless through knitting and crocheting.

**We call this project, "Welcome Home", you can use those words and or afghans in the search box to see some of the afghans that have been donated in the past.

2015 DONATIONS:
Hats: 179
Scarves 67
Mittens/Gloves/Wrist Warmers: 45
Slippers: 50
Rain Poncho's:  53
Cotton Washcloths: 109
Afghans: 6
Socks: 126
Cowls 12
Shawls 1
Misc: items like personal care and things don't fit into above categories aren't counted

This is the starting portion of the 2nd square to "Learning Logs", my regular readers will remember the fits this ghan has given me, but.....I can say things are improving with the various changes I've made to the pattern.  Comparison to square #1 is HERE

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.

Rest in Peace Michael B. Williams, Jr.

This photo is courtesy of a high school friend of mine, thank you Deborah.  The church is 1st English Lutheran Church

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.

Toothless and Homeless and Amazing, Doug Seegers

Being Homeless is not the life people lay in bed at night and dream about.  People become homeless for a variety of reasons, we do what we can to help along the way; but every now and then you see, read or hear something like this..............something that makes you smile and say Thank You God.

Please turn on your speakers and enjoy!



The story's Link is HERE

And Proceeds To Blow Everyone Away

 16 Hours Ago  No Comments

This is Doug Seegers, an out-of-work carpenter who was born in New York. He’s a man in his sixties and up until recently he lived off the money he was given by people in the streets of Nashville. In 2012, Aaron Espe, a musician from Minnesota, posted a YouTube video of Doug singing a song he wrote many years ago called “Going Down To The River.” His vibe and his haunting voice made the video go popular, and everyone got the chance to hear his unique voice. This time, he got together with country stars Jill Johnson and Magnus Carlson to sign his original song. The YouTube description says, “This man deserves to get a roof over his head so help him become famous by spreading the word!” It makes me very happy to see someone like him is starting succeed in the most unexpected way!

 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.

Bridge and Beyond, Charity Helps the Homeless

Folks I wanted to share a sweet review of our Bridge and Beyond.  One day while doing a google search in order to write a blg post, I accidentially came across this post.  I thought it was very nice and wanted to share with  you all who make this possible.  I need to do a follow up with the poster, as we don't collect the squares anymore to possilbly update that portion of her review.  We still have plenty on hand in need of being assembled, and will only return to collecting squares when those are all completed.

http://www.loomahat.com/bridge-and-beyond/

The red afghan is one from quite some time back, one of my pesonal favorites, but I always like to post a picture with a log post, so nabbed this one.  The squares here were lots of different sizes and piecing it together was a bit of job, with lots of filler in the red yarn that brought it all together.

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 are People, Like You

All homeless are lazy bums, drug dealers, criminals ...right?  Isn't that what lots of people think, the people who don't want to help them, the people who say feeding them a hot meal will only promote more laziness and dependency?  And because they're all drug dealers, criminals you should be afraid them and wipe out their homes (areas where they collect to live under bridges, vacant lots etc.).  How often I've read such things on facebook and if you've not heard these sentiments from people, read articles supporting these statements and others I'd be surprised.

Meet Anthony Mendez, who as a 9th grade teen lived with his 3 siblings and his mother in South Bronx.  His best friend was shot, and a year later his family evicted from their home end up in a shelter.  Scary and demoralizing no doubt for this kid and his family.  He had to get up at 4:30 in the morning in order to get enough buses to get to school from the shelter.  I wasn't able to post the full story here, but do encourage you all to follow the link below to read his amazing and inspiring story and how he'll be The First Ladies Guest at the State of Union.

Please remember this story, and or the story about Leo Grand I posted HERE the next time you read or hear about all homeless being lazy, and criminals.  Please enlighten those that make these statements.   When someone asks you why you knit, or crochet and donate your gifts of kindness and Christian Love remember these success stories and keep your hands busy caring for others.  YOU are apart of something that truly does matter.  Thank you all, please keep up the good work.

Story Link Click HERE

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.

I Get by with a Little From my Friends

Wanted to share this amazing story about Leo Grand, a homeless man, an unlikely friendship with Patrick McConlogue and Logan Ury.

He's asked how he keeps such a positive attitude and his answer, FAITH and FRIENDS.  My mind immediately thought of the Beetles song, "I Get by with a Little Help from my Friends", thus the blog post title.

As I watched this video the 2nd time in order to get the names correctly, I wondered why the police didn't return his computer, how sad it is that a man not bothering anyone, sleeping on a park bench is arrested, and what happened to him since this story.

Here's the link to the mobile app, Trees for Cars, click HERE The app gets good reviews.  If you're living in or working in an area with lots of folks, car pools are indeed a good idea.  Reduce your costs, reduce the wear on your automobile, reduce your pollution and support Leo, a homeless man.  The app costs a mere .99.  I see from some of the comments, some folks have purchased the app, even if they can't use it because where they live....in order to support Leo's brilliance.  I work 4.5 miles from my house, I'm unusual, if it weren't for odd hours I could walk it; but most people spend hours in the car coming and going to work.  Please check it out.

Doing a google search I found that Leo Grand and Patrick McConlogue had been on the Today Show in 2013.  I also found that while he has earned some money from the app, he is still homeless...that was dated May of 2014.

Year End Donation Totals

Some  of you may have seen this very old afghan before.  This afghan was crocheted by my Great Grandmother.  It's in need of repair.

As you can see it's pulled away in a few places.  I've not yet determined the best method of repair.  I wanted to share this with you all, as I tally our year end totals.  Why?  Well, one of the things we do is provide afghans for people making the transistion from shelter living to permanent housing.  A welcome home, a celebration, a wish for a brighter future is what we offer in addition to a warm afghan.  An afghan, can last for generations and can be very meaningful.

Our year end tatallies while below this time last year, are still impressive.  Each and everyone of you who've supported the cause here on Bridge and Beyond should congratulate yourselves and feel pleased you were able to help so many people in need.  I thank you, and hope you'll all continue to care for those in need with your talented hands, hooks, and needles.

Hats: went from 1053 in 2013 to 971 in 2014.  (81 less)
Scarves: went from 666 in 2013 to 590 in 2014 (76 less)
Socks: dropped from 281 to 199 (82 less)
Afghans: dropped from 55 to 32 (23 less)
Slippers: dropped from 153 to 121 (32 less)
Rain ponchos: from 213 to 61 (152 less)
Mittens: from 300 to 130 (170 less)
Cotton Washcloths: fro 577 to 334 (243 less)

If you're able to increase your efforts in the coming months, that would obviously be welcomed.  If you're not, please understand what you do do, does matter.......even if it's one pair of mittens or pair of slippers.  Together, we do make a difference.  The Power of One should not be underestimated.

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.