It was a beautiful, sunny day in 1988. Our dedicated group of TOP’s founders and I parked our van at a corner of Lafayette Square behind McKenna’s Wagon, the food truck for homeless people. The White House was across Pennsylvania Avenue from the park.
When we started unloading bags of clothes, some of the people who were lined up for food came over to see what we had. Those folks got what they needed and returned to the food line as a second group joined us after they got their meals.
The second group was more talkative. They thanked us for bringing clothes and engaged in the usual small talk. One of the men stood by, listening to a conversation I was having. When there was a pause, he blurted out, “What we really need is underwear! Nobody brings underwear. When we get a pair, we wear them until they fall apart, then we go commando. Why, I’m going commando right now.”
It had never occurred to us to bring underwear.
That was the first of many times we learned of needs that weren’t being met. We already knew about the demand for socks, but another conversation taught us to bring mostly white socks. The dye in socks can make people break out in a rash if they have to wear them too long. I would have never thought of that.
Four years ago, David, our DC Ministry Director, spoke with a woman in McPherson Square, just a couple of blocks from the White House. She was quiet and reserved, but David could tell from her expression something was bothering her. As they spoke, he noticed her slip-on shoes were in bad shape. She never mentioned them and was grateful when he offered to get her a new pair. Although she usually kept to herself, she made a point of speaking to David whenever she saw him after that.
At about that same time, our old friend, Duke, asked for new pair of steel-toed boots so he could get a new job. Duke had worked with temp agencies and was on Social Security Disability but could never make enough have stability in his life. This opportunity was a game changer for him that paid him well. We got him a pair of work boots. He started his new job the next week.
These are just a couple of examples of ways we were able to meet specific and important needs of the people we serve simply by taking the time to listen.
Since 1987, we have reunited homeless people with their families, provided specific material needs, and referred them to other agencies for jobs, housing, legal help, and medical assistance. Our youth volunteers have led people to Christ, given them motivation to kick addictions, and even stopped a man from committing suicide all because we took the time to listen.
Most groups that serve homeless people hand out stuff and leave. My heart breaks for them. They miss opportunities to impact people in a transformational way and miss the blessings they can receive through these special relationships. I wouldn’t trade places with them for anything.
I’m so glad we learned about white socks, shoes, and underwear.