Feeding the Homeless

A couple nights ago I went to downtown San Diego to feed some of the thousands who live on the streets in that area. I stood at the end of the serving line offering a cup of lentil soup for each of the more than 200 persons who marched in front of me. I looked into the eyes of each one and asked if they would like a cup of soup. It was all a very moving experience and as I reflect upon it several thoughts and questions flood over me.

1. Each of those persons has a life story. I suppose that a mother rejoiced at the birth of each one of them. Did they go to school?  Serve in the military? Do they have any current family contacts? How did they end up on the street homeless and hunger ? Where will they be 30 days from now?

2. I was struck by the large number of women in line. I have been serving at this location occasionally now for some 15 years and I noticed how each year the number of women increases. I noticed especially how the women still tried to dress as best they could- While many of the dresses were obviously well worn they were clean and some effort seemed to still be made to have colors match. Some of the women even wore a bit of lipstick. Most looked me in the eyes but a few diverted their look. Life on the streets must be especially difficult for women.

3. There were people of all ages. I was struck especially by a young man of about 18. He seemed quite self-conscious and appeared to be ne  to street dwelling. I did not see evidence of drug abuse and I could not help but wonder, ”How did he get into this position?” Similarly, a person of about 25 who also seemed new to the situation appeared. He was neatly and nicely dressed. I had the feeling this was all anew and very uncomfortable experience for him. Of course, I also saw some faces of people who have been on the street for a very long time.  I was reminded that study after study shows that there are several different groups that make up that population. There are those who have just recently lost their jobs and or their homes. Others are veterans with pts syndrome. Some are perpetual drug abusers, some choose street live, others are trying desperate to get off the street. Some have to choose between eating and paying rent.

4. I was very saddened by the fact that many had no, few, or terrible teeth. I learned that tooth disease is the most prevalent illness of the homeless. And I was saddened to be told that the American Dental Association formally declined to have any part in any of our country’s affordable health plans-so all these people re ineligible for any kind of Medicare or other aid for dental care

5. It was obvious that homelessness knows no gender, racial or ethnic boundaries. There were men and women of all ages and skin color. But I did notice that there was only one person ( an elderly female) who was false assumption based on my many years working with the Chinese that the Asian’s heavy stress on education, family and the work ethic result  in fewer Asians among the homeless?

6. I also noticed the extreme friendliness and gratitude  o our homeless guests. All but maybe four out of more than 200 failed to say  “Thank you.” One gentleman with near tears simply said “Thank you.  This is my first mal in four days !”

One final word: the sponsoring group was the Third Ave Charitable Organization affiliated with First Lutheran Church. They really know how to do this right. They prepare a healthy good tasting and attractive dinner. They respect each of the homeless guests. They organize the process so that flows seamlessly. Thy carry the trays of those unable to do that for themselves. They carefully control serving size and the allow people to return as long as there is food. They welcome, respect and join in prayer with those dong e serving.

As I go home from the event I say a prayer of thanks for the many of us, the hungry and the well fed are brothers and sisters. And the words of Jesus ring in my ears, “I was hungry and you fed me.”