It’s always been about the journey, not the destination.
From the first Valentine’s Day Purse Project yearly event, to Tuesday night street outreach, we have learned and grown together.
I have witnessed and shared unconventional, yet unconditional, love for eleven years. I witnessed, but could not share many other miracles and nightmares.
Through it all, we had one vision. We knew that if we all did a little bit of what we do best, we could put it all together, and we could make a real difference. We could offer survival, and hope. If we all just shared a little bit of the best in ourselves, then we could bring out the best in someone else.
We watched people live, grow, crumble, sustain, over and over again.
Traci and I went out last Tuesday. The first person we saw was a lady whom we’ve been helping for the last five and half years. She’s been living on the streets for eight years. She’s got keys to her new apartment last week. Hallelujhau!
And on that happy note, I’m wrapping up Magdalene’s Mission.
I loved what I did, and I did what I loved. But…
- We’re getting a little too old to lug those trash bags and totes up and down three flights of stairs, or anywhere, for that matter.
- I wasn’t going to renew our lease in September at Fort St. for several reasons. The most important were:
- We were not allowed to keep or prepare any food (human or pet) inside the church.
- Security. Traci and I have been assaulted on numerous occasions coming in and out of the church basement.
- Honestly, I also need my house, time with my family, and half of my week back. I can’t afford to continue to work part-time while I do this. Once upon a time I could, but that was six years ago.
Also, in that time, the two other guys I ran around with in the beginning, now have their own non-profits, and are absolutely successful in their community outreach. I believe we have set a good example by raising the bar for dispersing meals, hygiene kits, blankets, handwarmers, etc.
It’s just time.
I have another nonprofit in mind who can utililze all those thoughtful hygiene, clothing, etc., donations for homeless people struggling to survive in Lansing and the area.
I’m going to keep going until the end of the summer. We’ll be out on the streets the last third Tuesday of July. It’s the only week available to go out in July. I’m going to rent a great big van and move as much stuff as we can.
August? I hope to be moved out of Fort Street by the end of August. I’m renting a big ol’ U-Haul and praying I can wrangle up some volunteers for moving day.
This is isn’t the very last Peace, Love & Hygiene report, but it’s coming. We’ve affected hundreds of lives along the way. And we did it it with generous amounts of grit, and mercy.
Because that’s how we do it in Detroit.
Amen.
