Looking Out for Others

He's been down on his luck - to say the least!

He's been living in his broken-down van for 3 years. He was unjustly kicked out of emergency accommodation before that. Throughout it all, he's been trying to cope with a massive load of grief and trauma that led to his homeless experience. Last week he had a tooth snap in 2, causing excruciating pain, today the pain has subsided a lot, but he's sitting on a crate politely asking his neighbours for spare change. Today is cold, it's windy and has a bite to it, and he feels it! 

He laments how difficult it is to live in a van when you're by yourself and in such pain. He laments how the weather has changed, how cold it is, and how he covets warmth.

I was meeting him to give him some good news, that he has a strong possibility of getting housed, very soon! He likes the look of this small place. To him, it meets his expectations. His journey has been long and hard, but the dim light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter and brighter. He's cautious though, as he knows journeys can have unexpected twists and turns. But at least for today, he hopes for a brighter tomorrow, he's smiling with anticipation.

Then he does what so many people experiencing homelessness do, he turns his attention to others. The cold is rough, but there are those without a van, and he mentions them by name. The pain is tough, but what about these people? He mourns how others are "still out here", and celebrates with those who have recently moved out of their homelessness and into their own homes.  

His response, his compassion, his concern, and his looking out for others is nothing unusual. It is usual in homeless communities. It is usual for generosity to shine in the struggle. It is usual for those in poverty to lift up those also in poverty. This compassion for others is often overlooked and ignored, but the truth is, it has always been one of the strongest and most beautiful traits among those experiencing homelessness.

I think of Jaime, who'd been experiencing homelessness in Chicago for over 30 years at the time, when he was offered an ideal apartment, he named a bunch of individuals he thought needed it more than him. I think of all the people who looked after small fragile Frenchie when he came into the shelter, they gave out of what little they had and made sure he was warm, comfortable, and secure. I think of the food I supplied to those living under bridges and in abandoned buildings, knowing they would divvy it out and make sure no one would go hungry. I think of story after story, real people with real names and in real distress, driving, giving, advocating, feeding and constantly looking out for others who they know need help as well.

Thank you, my friends, for teaching me what true love and compassion and generosity truly are.