I stood in the middle of Franklin Square in Washington, DC and watched three church groups in succession pull their vans up to the curb, dish out some food, say “God bless you” to the people they were serving, get back in their vans and leave for the next park. I also watched the same guys we had given hot-stuffed baked potatoes to less than 20 minutes earlier go to each of those vans and get another loaded plate.
Now before you get your dander up over this, you need to understand an important point. During the weekdays, most homeless people get by on one meal a day (68% according to a 2007 survey we conducted). Some days they even have to miss that one meal. Weekends are the only time they get to eat until they actually feel full.
The problem with the “feed and leave” approach is that we are so intent on reaching the maximum number of people, we fail miserably in inspiring real change. How many of those folks who came by knew that Marcell was 52 years old, had been out of work for three months, and for the first time in his life, was homeless? How many of them knew that Kevin was having a hard time finding a job because of his criminal record?
I have to tell you, it’s a wonderful feeling to find a pair of shoes to fit a homeless man who had to cut the toes out of the shoes he was wearing because they were too small or to hand a plate of food to someone who hasn’t eaten in a day or two. But it’s even more rewarding to see Reggie, who had given up on life after a series of major catastrophes, work up the moxie to try again because a group of teenagers believed in him, encouraged him and prayed with him. By the way, he was off the street in less than three months.
Most poor people are not going to escape their plight through programs alone. They need somebody in their corner. Each of us, can impact the life of a poor person simply by being a friend.
To my dear sisters and brothers in Christ with the “van by the curb” ministry, please know that I applaud and rejoice in your work. Don’t stop. I ask of you only one thing. Try making time in your busy feeding schedule to connect with the people you serve. You’ll never regret it.
Steve Jennings
Executive Director, Teens Opposing Poverty