Sunday, October 20, 2013

On Warmth and Hope and How They Aren't So Different

As the weather gets cooler, I get to thinking. I think about our homeless friends in Harvard Square. I think about how difficult the winter can be. And I think about the importance of doing little things on the way to reaching a greater good.

I love going out on Tuesdays and providing a meal for someone who may be hungry, but this week we had another event take place: Warm Blankets from Warm Hearts. Another aspect of Lesley Delivers, Warm Blankets from Warm Hearts is a blanket wrapping and card decorating event. In addition to passing out sandwiches on Tuesdays, we will start to hand out these wrapped and decorated blankets. Although this may seem like a small gesture, in reality it can mean so much more.

To me, warmth isn't just a physical reaction. It is something that can comfort your soul, make you feel secure, and put your mind at ease if only for a moment. In short, it can make you feel hopeful. I'd like to think that as winter slowly makes its way to New England and we begin to pass out these blankets (graciously donated to us) that we are doing something good. We are providing people with the opportunity to experience that soul-warming sensation. I hope that we give people hope; Hope for humanity, hope that things will be o.k., and hope that they can keep going. All it takes is a blanket and some love.

-Audrey

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

What can we do?

Rest easy, Colleen.



Homelessness is a struggle. When paired with addiction, it is even harder. Finding support around both of these issues is difficult. There are organizations available in the area, but these places are not always utilized.

Colleen was always out in the Square with her boyfriend. We saw her daily, brought her sandwiches every Tuesday, coffee & ice cream on other days out on our own time.
Last week, we saw what homelessness can do to people. We see this every day, but never to this extent. We have hope that building connections can change the way homelessness is seen, and erase the stigma from such a prominent issue.

Seeing so many new students come out to our weekly runs gives me the hope that we can do something really great here. Lesley Delivers strives to break down the barrier that homelessness creates. Homeless people are humans, just like you and me. Going out and having conversations is the first step. Sooner or later, you'll find yourself speaking to them on a day-to-day basis, giving these regular people who are ignored day in and day out the connection they long for. The next step is spreading this awareness, and talking about it. Say hello when you're walking by with a friend. When they ask why you did that, say why. Call people out for being rude and disrespectful. Be an advocate. Join an organization dedicated to issues around homelessness.

We can all make a difference. Breaking this barrier is the first step. The rest is up to you.

~Theresa