No one loves the warm weather more than the homeless. Atlanta was kind enough to show us spring this Saturday, and the warm sun sprinkled smiles and peace across even the weariest faces.
We went down to the homeless shelter and it was strangely empty on the women’s and children aside. The woman working at the front desk said they are placing a lot more families now, and I hope that means in stable environments where they have a chance to plant some roots.
As we walked through Woodruff and Hurt Park, many old-timers recognized our big purple StandUp for Kids shirts and started talking to us, “StandUp? Where you’ve been?” or “StandUp for Kids, holla!” or “I know you!” I can’t express the ease and satisfaction I feel when we are called into the nests of the homeless, it’s such a testiment to the dedication of our volunteers, and the five years we’ve been roaming the streets. Personally, I feel more rewarded when a homeless man remembers my face than a store clerk or an old college friend. When I am recognized on the street, and invited into a conversation, I know that the level of respect and sense of equality I feel between my life and his, is mirrored in his own heart. Plus, homeless adults are our biggest allies, they often pass our our cards and tell us about kids.
I had several new volunteers with me, and I am glad they watched my conversations unfold, how we approach and treat homeless adults, how well regarded our organization is among the people who need it most. One of the new volunteers asked me how long it took before I felt like I ‘knew’ the streets. I guess I knew my way around town in about two or three months, I felt very comfortable engaging in conversation around six months, I felt at home and confident on the streets in about a year. He said one reason he wants to do this is to leave his comfort zone. Ha! I thought, wait until you are more comfortable here than anywhere else. Then you are changed, and you know the whole world is your comfort zone.
Now that it’s been two and half years, I think I love the streets. I am not always at my best, and sometimes I stumble in conversations, or my mind is distant or my will is tired, but I love the streets in the same way that love people. No matter my mood or personal problems, I will always be there for the other. Always.
We didn’t meet any new kids on the street, though we saw Ricardo who was being his typical, playful self. Meeting new kids is obviously the biggest goal, but I think we reinforced our presence on the street, and we all went into the rest of our Saturday a little happier.
