that a wall is complete and utter bullshit.
Oh, and those of us who live in sanctuary cities think that sending us refugees is just fine.
One casual acquaintance of mine (I only know him through Geeks Who Drink in my city) is planning to drive supplies for immigrants to a city in the southern part of this state. Although it looks like we'll be accepting refugees who will need supplies here.
I also do volunteer work at our local homeless shelter. I work with one particular faith group -- I don't happen to be a member of that faith group, but friends of mine who are got me involved. Actually, it wasn't very hard to persuade me to help. It's the kind of thing I wanted to do, and is largely done by faith groups. Since I'm not at all religious, I had no other outlet for my inclination. It was genuinely wonderful when they approached me about this. Yes! I could do what I wanted to do.
What was really charming was when my friends first approached me. They were very circumspect, and truly beat around the bush. "We have a question, but you don't really have to do it, but maybe you'd like to join us. . ." it went on like that. I said,"What in the world do you want?" They, somewhat shamefacedly, said, "Oh. Our church has this hot water ministry in the summer, and perhaps you'd like to help." The church in question had a couple of showers and had for several years at that point done what they called their hot water ministry, which consisted of a hot lunch, showers for as many as they could accommodate in the time involved, and what the called a community closet, a clothing exchange.
Well, I loved it. I learned to really like the kitchen in that church. And I think the most important thing I learned was how very hungry homeless people are. I was astonished at how much they ate. Over time I've learned that such hunger is normal.
Since then that specific church no longer does the hot water ministry, but we do a volunteer stint at the local homeless shelter.
I know I can't solve the problems of the homeless, but at least I can attempt to give them enough food.
I genuinely love doing this. I've gotten good at fixing food for large groups. It is giant fun so far as I am concerned. And more than once I've been terrified that we will run out of food before the night is out. That has never happened (praise whatever seems appropriate) and I take a lot of personal pride in our feeding of the homeless.
I cannot begin to imagine what it is like, even though I see these people in front of me when I work the homeless shelter.
I have been poor, and I have been hungry. In the early 1960s I got dental work through a local Catholic charity organization. For some years after, when I participated in a charity fundraising, I designated my contribution to that particular organization.
Anyway, I've been on both sides. A recipient of charity, which I vastly appreciated. And as someone who can help out, which is incredibly gratifying.
I can only hope that those who read this will be moved to do something similar in their community.
= new reply since forum marked as read
