Last Saturday, my son and I went along with a group of high schoolers from Westover Church to do street outreach to homeless people in downtown Greensboro. The teens distributed dozens of pairs of thermal underwear, bottled wear, snacks and toiletries in a parking lot at the corner of Lee and Eugene, near one of the shelters. The thermals — very popular and very needed in the freezing weather — were gone in no time.
Afterwards, we made 50 bags with bottled water, snacks, and toiletries and went to the downtown library. We each took a couple of bags and spread out, talking with homeless people standing outside, sitting in the entrance of the library, and those sitting at computers, reading in chairs, and relaxing in the warm (and full!) sunroom. We quickly gave out all the bags, without ever making it to the second floor of the library. (So yes, there were more than 50 homeless people at the library. Probably lots more. And yes, Greensboro needs a day center.)
The high schoolers seemed to have a great time meeting our homeless friends and giving out the bags. They’re already looking forward to their next street outreach.
The next day was Sunday, and it was even colder. Some churches were delaying or canceling services because of the cold, icy weather. As my son and I drove to Grace, we wondered aloud about where all our homeless friends were, and if they were finding places to stay warm and dry. We hoped that a lot of them would go to church. The library doesn’t open until 2:00 p.m. on Sunday. And we don’t have a day center in Greensboro.
Praying for a day center for Greensboro! Our two shelters in town have been maxed out recently with lots of families. The politicians may soft pedal the recession, but those who work with the homeless/food pantries know it first.
Come to think of it…does my town have a day center? hmmm…