September 1, 2018 - Each week never ceases to amaze me. As we stepped into the park at 9am they were waiting for us. One gentleman, we could feel the heavy depression as we walked up to him. Momma Mel in her special way hugged him, prayed for him and heard his story. His name is Dennis. He is planning on starting the Talbot House Treatment Program on Monday. Another uses pipe cleaners and material to make characters. Once we've made a round of the park it's off to Noah's Landing to pack up the lunches. The residents are waiting for us and ready to pitch in and help. The cars are packed up with the lunches, then it's off to the park we left 2 hours ago. As we arrive at the park the total scene has changed. Many of the homeless we served earlier were gone from the park.A new group had come in.

These are the ones we have served for years. Another round of the park, (this time Dennis had a smile on his face instead of tears), pack the car once again and off to the library. When we get to the library they are lined up waiting. They know where we park and start lining up. We're able to hand them out a meal,ice cold water and usually a hygiene kit. Best of all, we get to hear their story.

It's not all alcohol/drugs, it's sometimes medical conditions that took away their life savings, divorce or loss of family due to death they never recovered from, post traumatic stress disorder, dishonorable discharge from the military, etc. Each one has their story and sometimes it can take months even years to build up enough trust to hear the story. We can sometimes offer resources available. Many times verbalizing their story begins a healing process.