Want to Help? - October 18, 2023

This past Sunday, I was again in St Catharines meeting people who are presently without housing.  This time I was taking up Alice’s suggestion that we make use of the many hotdogs left in the church freezer from the outdoor service.  I checked with Charliy and she liked the idea.  She suggested a spot and fortunately we were a little behind schedule which allowed the rain to stop.  I cooked about 6 dozen hotdogs and people came by to eat and talk and some to pick up items.

Apparently, we found a good time as we filled a gap in the schedule of when meals are available from other organizations.  I was again impressed with how orderly things were.  I had to tell people they could come and get the food,  and encourage them to get a bun and put condiments on it themselves, and let them know they could have more.  I think I was feeling that many of them felt disempowered and so needed permission and encouragement for each step.

I had some interesting conversations including playing Dutch Bingo with an Italian fellow and it turns out we know someone in common from nearly 50 years ago in Port Colborne.  Another man told me he was heading into his third winter living in his car.  Those two needed no invitation to talk.  Others, however, responded only after an invitation, a smile, and an offer to help.

A few things I learned.  Hot chocolate is a much bigger hit than coffee.  Water bottles were far more important when it was hot a few weeks ago.  And the plug in my truck will not keep a coffee perk going even if the coffee is already made.

I also learned that Charliy is in charge of making sure our guests play by the rules, even as she will give away her own stuff if someone needs it.

As it turns out, there were a lot of extra hotdogs in the freezer.  And so, the plan is to go back again this coming Sunday and do the same thing again.

Anyone want to come along?  Let me know.  This could turn into a regular thing if we have the people power.  If October is too mild and you would prefer a January shift, put that on your resume.  I must say, I was well aware that at the end I got to jump in a warm truck and go to a warm house…and it is only October.

And if going along on a Sunday (3-7pm ish) is not your thing.  Hot chocolate packets, small LED flashlights to give away, a generator for me to borrow, Halloween size chip bags are a few of the things that could add to the experience.

And (be warned, this is a heartbreaker) there was a young girl there (I am really hoping she lived in a house nearby) who was in shorts and her skinny legs looked plenty cold.  So, if you have trackpants or hoodies or jackets you don’t need, it is always worthwhile to have a supply of warm clothes for just such an occasion.

Thank you for all the interest you have shown so far.  Let me know if any of these requests grab your attention and we will move forward accordingly.

Finally, I want to pass on to you the many words of thanks I have received along the way.

Pastor Erick Schuringa