This year in several cities in the U.S. and Canada, there is a project called:
The Homeless Partners Christmas Wish List
The homeless are men and women who, because of circumstances that could happen to any one of us, have found themselves on the street, without the everyday comforts that most of us take for granted. They could be someone in your own family, a sister or brother, aunt or uncle, cousin or even a son or daughter. Some are veterans who came back and found they were having trouble returning to the way of life they had before serving overseas and who saw things over there that most of can only imagine or see in our most horrible nightmares.
The homeless do not have extravagant needs, mostly just the basic items, such as clean underwear and socks, things that we take for granted. Warm coats and footwear. Bus passes so they can look for work. Phone cards so they can call family members located in another city or inquire about jobs.
Many homeless people are talented artists, musicians, writers and some make jewelry. By donating art supplies, they can be afforded the tools to create works of art, thus giving them the ability to earn an honest living, or at least the ability to buy a hot meal and a place to sleep.
Some are capable of working in the building trade, but because they have no tools, tool belt or steel-toed work boots, they are not able to find work. These can be new or used, as long as they are in sturdy and reusable condition.
The Christmas Wish List program provides a way for the community to express basic human caring, respect, and understanding for the homeless in a safe and effective way. It encourages the community to treat the homeless as people of equal worth and dignity rather than as “invisible” or disgusting.
This project is a way of putting into practice the central themes of Jesus: Love and grace.
There is a saying: “There but for the Grace of God go I”. If you would like to undertake the project in your city contact homelesspartners.com.
Please click on the link below to see and hear the videos and read about each shelter. Then go to the Homeless Partners website to read the stories and pledge a gift to the person with whom you feel a connection. Remember, gifts don’t have to be new. As long as the gift is in new condition, it will be greatly appreciated. No money will be accepted.
http://apps.attainresponse.
Posted by Jerry Maday
