While most of us spend our days in one rat race or another suffice to say we all have comfort. To an extent. I sometimes wonder how I'm going to pay the next bill but I know for the most part I'll at least be able to pay a few of them. I didn't consider how fortunate I am to have a worry such as that until May 25, 2011. On that day I had the opportunity to meet and commune with several very special people during an opportunity to visit House of Hope - Los Angeles. A Transitional Housing Facility for those in transition.
As most of you know I have been collecting cans of food intended for them and never could I have expected the experience I had. I was met by Mike Fitzgerald, a member of the organization, and a young brother by the name of Khalil, a resident. Nestled in the bottom of the Hollywood Hills just off Normandie and Santa Monica Blvd, House of Hope operates several homes and the first one we visited was very eye opening. A home of 33 beds, all of them occupied, is where we went first. I was fortunate enough to meet with several of the residents as well as the Site Coordinator. The first reality check I received is that poverty knows NO boundaries. Most of the residents were at work or out but some were sleeping, on the computer, and even lifting weights.
This house also doubles as a Soup Kitchen that feeds a large number of homeless people per day. Here I am worried about how to pay my cable bill and if I should have Chicken Tacos or Spaghetti for dinner and these residents have hundreds of people in and out of their home daily. While talking in the back yard I was greeted by a feisty, yet friendly dog that you could tell brought life to the residents here. While talking with Mike he mentioned that all victims of one form of addiction or another. Through struggling with substance abuse they can take residence in House of Hope for "3 hots and a cot" until they regain their footing in society.
Mike, a volunteer of 16 years and recipient of an Honorable Discharge from the United States Marine Corps based out of Camp Lejeune in North Carolina as well as an Engineer with Delta told me that he came out to LA and started helping with House of Hope and "got attached". The most shocking thing he mentioned is that in the 35 year history of the Home he has seen some residents come in and never leave. The fact they accept that meant something to me. Yes, it's a home for Transitional Living but if the resident never has the opportunity to leave, they don't have to.
The second home we went to was a much more vibrant home. The house has been used by House of Hope for six months and was also coed. The novelty of the facility as well as the presence of women seemed to provide warmth that the other location lacked. I was first greeted by Rhonda who had the brightest smile and flirtatious nature. She was just happy to have someone to talk to and wanted to thank all of you for donating food. We discussed God's true nature with brother Khalil and snapped a few pictures. The best part about this home was the smell of fried chicken in the air just before an early dinner. Those yams and greens donated should serve as GREAT sides.
All in all I couldn't help but notice how much alike we all are. The pictures of their families on the wall, laughter in the air, and the TV on in the background just felt normal. These folks just happened to miss a step in life and are trying, very hard, to get back in the mix of things. The only difference is that while we are asking ourselves what we are going to "do" tonight, they are asking themselves how they are going to survive tomorrow. And that survival is sustained by House of Hope. The visit was great and very eye opening. My cousin Brandon even joined and brought some toiletries and a friend of mine Creighton even came out to capture the moment as only he could.
The ladies at the Coed home, in all of their appreciation struck a chord with me. They said the get so many things from people kind enough to help, but female hygiene products are always the last donations made. "Folks are quick to give food, but we have feminine needs that sometimes we can't meet". I plan on going back to help out and meet with them again and if you are reading this and feel led, please consider the needs women have. If there is anything you may have in the hallway closet that you won't be using, please let me know.
When finished all I could really think about was the original message Christ brought with Him: Charity & Love. If you understand that message and want to help please contact me. They need food, toiletries, feminine products for hygiene, and people who care. I'll be going back in a few months and would love to have you come out with me or contribute however you can. You may have problems, but you also have a roof over your head that you can afford. Come on out and see these people smile for yourself. If anything it will give you the will to keep fighting yourself!
For more details of facility and needs please visit: http:/www.housepfhopela.com or contact me for details. Also, for future opportunities and more information follow me on Twitter @The_GreaterGood.
