RICK - "Go-to Guy" - Helps fellow homeless
A couple of weeks ago I made it a point to talk to some of our community meal guests at The Church of the Good Shepherd. I wanted to know what our meals meant to them, other than filling them up with tasty food on Saturdays. The following were some of the comments I heard:
“I have been coming for about four years. The friendship and kindness are greatly appreciated.”
“The meals are good and nutritious and help to stretch the budget.”
“Very helpful in trying times.”
“We feel comfortable here and appreciate the good food.”
“This is a godsend for people who can’t afford food and entertainment, for those who can’t afford to go out for something like that.”
I talked a little longer to Rick. He visits with us weekly and even helps us to set up the dining hall with tables, tablecloths, salt and pepper shakers and decorations. And then, at the end of the meal, he helps us take the tables down and clean up the area. Since the facility has old plumbing that quite often needs work, he may be called upon to “unplug the toilets!” He is a reliable asset to our volunteer crews and yet he is our guest. On the rare occasions when he is late or misses a Saturday, we worry!
I know a little of his story. He used to live with his mother and cared for her until she died. Soon after that he found that he was not able to stay in the home which was located a mile or two from our meal location. Since then he has been living in the woods close to where he used to live in a house.
The covenants of the area do not allow for setting up tents so he uses tarps and plastic sheets to avoid the rain and snow. The neighbors know him and help by allowing him to wash his clothes in their washing machines when needed. They probably sneak him a meal now and then also.
Rick has been coming to our meals for about two years, about the same time he has been living in the woods. He visits us and appreciates the warm food, used clothing and toiletries we offer, and the companionship found during our meals. He comes ready to help set up and clean up.
And then, being the caretaker that he is, he always has information for others who need help. He knows where to go for needed tents, sleeping bags, rides, counseling and medical help. Got a problem? Ask Rick where to get help! We have resource information for our guests and he quite often will take copies for those who don’t come to the meals, telling of where meals are offered, where and when to take showers, medical van locations, job search help, where and when to get gas vouchers, bus tickets, rental and emergency housing help.
We provide the “stuff” but he is indeed the “go-to guy” for those in need in our area. He knows the schedule and where the help can be found. He is a treasure in our community.
