Monday, April 9, 2012

Animals

Sorry for such a late post!

Last week on our run we came across a group in the pit. Upon handing them sandwiches, one man stated “oh someone is here to feed the animals”. The group ignored the comment. He then said “thanks, we are just the outcasts of society here.” This idea of being social outcasts is a common thought among the homeless. Each day thousands of people pass the homeless deliberately trying to ignore them. This feeling of being ignored and negative stigmas can make anyone, who is down on their luck, feel like an outcast of society. At Lesley Delivers, we try not to pity others so after he said this, we felt a bit awkward. I tried to stay positive and said “well, you’re not outcasts to us”.

Among the group there was also a woman with a dog. I offered the dog a sandwich as well. She told me that the dog has extreme allergies and cannot eat any grain. My dog has the same condition so I immediately felt a connection. She continued to tell me how her dog easily gets sick and needs to go to the vet about once a month. Knowing how expensive vet bills are, it amazes me that someone who is struggling to feed and house herself, will make the effort to take care of a sick dog. Many people often characterize the homeless as selfish and lazy; however this is far from the truth. Every time I go on a Lesley Delivers run, I learn about selflessness and good-hearts of the homeless. This woman breaks all stereotypes and I have great respect for her ability to continue to care about others (even dogs) throughout personal challenges.

~Claire

Sunday, April 1, 2012

We Are All Still People

Hello everyone!

This week for Lesley Delivers I went on the route that goes by The Tannery. We saw a few familiar faces or spots with familiar boxes and some new ones. There was one person who was kind of hidden behind a pole in a spot across from the t entrance that is accessible and has an elevator. Luckily someone in our group spotted the person, so we went over to offer him a sandwich. The person had appeared to sleeping but as soon as someone put a sandwich down beside him his head snapped up. He seemed surprised we were offering him a sandwich, and grateful too. We were also able to give him a hat, which was awesome. We saw another person who remembered us from the week before. I was glad that he got to see that we do give sandwiches out regularly.

During the reflection, the other run shared an experience they had when giving out a hat. When they offered a woman her choice of a hat she began trying on the different ones, posing, and asking how they looked. I think that this is a great example of how even though someone may be homeless, they are still people just like this. I am sure most of us pose with a new piece of clothing when we get it, wondering if it looks good, just like this woman.

Ginny