Good morning! Last night was an odd one. We saw people, but not a lot of people. I don’t know where anyone is! Homelessness is a bit different in Detroit. In most cities, I’ve noticed, the people who live without shelter gather up in an area where they can look out for one another. They find an out-of-the-way place and try to exist without much notice. Usually. I know all the exceptions. Remember, I’m me?
But for the most part, it’s a game of hide-please-don’t-seek. In Detroit, those camps are not allowed. In Detroit- you get your tent sliced up, and all your belongings thrown away. It’s against the law to sleep outside if you’re not renting a camp site. If you build a fort, the police burn it down. Our homeless people are scattered throughout the city and are always being forced to move around. No one has a phone. If the cops see you, they will arrest you if they recognize you. If you get arrested, when you get out of jail, you have nowhere to go, and no one to call.
But we are relentless with our love. We found people. I saw my Ms. GG! It’s been a while. At least I know she is warm and dry. Drug houses and abandoned houses seem to be the only real shelter from the weather. But I won’t give up. I see good things happening for people.
The people we work with are hard to connect with resources because it’s hard to stay connected with them long enough to complete the process. But the other outreach teams have some amazing individuals who are both fearless and brilliant at their work. One by one, we’ll all live in an even keel society.
The beginning of January Magdalene’s Mission will be part of another blitz. That means we will travel all over Detroit for 10 hours serving homeless people in every corner of the city with a couple hundred other volunteers. Thus, I am mad collecting donations right now. Everything on the wish list is going out. All the books, socks, notebooks and bibles, I can fill into a drawstring backpack. I need A LOT of backpacks. We can do a major amount of good right when everyone will need it most. If you’re looking for an end of the year tax-break, Magdalene’s Mission is a registered 501c3 nonprofit organization (tax-deductible, baby!) All information is on the web site: Magdalenesmission.com.
Molly and Teddy, if you are reading this, you are irreplaceable. We’ll keep you busy preparing for the Blitz! These ladies provide the right amount of hands and hearts that Traci and I need to keep this going every week.
I ordered stickers! They should be in soon. That’s a thing I’ll be leaving around places and sending out. Request some and I’ll send them.
November 30th, I’m speaking to the Women’s Ministry at Living Water Church here in Whitmore Lake. I’m excited about that.
AND
I start bartending at Tommy’s Bar on Third St. right next to Fort Street Presbyterian Church tonight. Come on in and say Hi! I’ll be working behind the bar on Halloween night, too. And before the Lions game on Sunday.
It’s a lot. But the efforts will be worth it. Every life we save, every ounce of self-preservation that you have helped inspire.
As far as our homeless friends go, and for everyone else out there struggling with their own battles. I seen you, too. Just don’t give up.
Like my old buddy, Sam, sings to me:
“There been times that I thought
I couldn’t last for long
But now, I think I’m able
To carry on
It’s been a long
A long time coming, but I know
A change gon’ come
Oh yes, it will”
Because that’s how we’ll do it in Detroit.
Amen.
(Songwriters: Sam Cooke)
