Today is the birthday of Cesar Chavez and I heard this saying of his this morning:
"The love for justice that is in us is not only the best part of our being, but it is also the most true to our nature."
Monday, March 31, 2008
What Hunger Looked Like Today
I started back at Metro Carering today after a three-week hiatus for Spring Break. When I arrived at 9 AM for the staff meeting, there was a line at least 10 people long, even though the doors don't open until 9:30. People who want to get in right away know they have to show up early, or risk waiting 2+ hours to be seen. Mondays are always busy, since most food banks are closed on the weekend, and today was especially busy since it was the end of the month.
There were only 3 counselors today doing intake so I tried to move quickly while still offering a "listening ear." People feel like they owe me an explanation for being at the food bank. I lost track of how many clients I saw today, but over half of them were brand new. They are embarrassed about asking for "hand outs" (their words, not mine) and I try my hardest to offer them help without offending what little sense of dignity and self-respect they have left.
I was struck today by how few of my clients were people of color. Many were single, white males. The first client I helped was a gentleman named Todd. Todd recently became homeless (I'm not sure why) and is living on the streets. Todd is a white male in his forties, and he has a college degree in Biology. He was accepted to a Master's program in Florida for their Marine Biology program but has no means to get there and start a new life in Florida. He recently had his wallet stolen with all forms of ID. Metro Carering helps people obtain new IDs but he was told he would have to call back on Friday to make an appointment for next week. In addition to requesting food and toiletries, Todd asked to see our collection of donated books...today our shelves were empty.
Alfred is another client I saw today. Alfred had his own home and painting business, but a year and a half ago, Alfred was riding his motorcycle through a busy intersection when he was struck by a pick up truck. He was taken to Denver Health (David's hospital!) where he laid in a coma for 35 days. He remained in the hospital for 4 months and underwent two brain surgeries to repair the nerves behind his eyes that had been knocked loose in the accident. He survived the accident, but has trouble finding work since the doctor refuses to sign off that Alfred can return to painting, carpentry, or welding. (His only skills) The doctor told him to find a "no stress job." (No stress jobs don't exist for people with limited education...)
Not only does Alfred have trouble finding work, but he is left with the $1.5 million in medical bills from his surgeries and lengthy hospital stay.
I don't expect all of you who watch our blog to read the lengthy stories I just posted... I mostly had to write it down because it weighs on my heart and mind. I also feel the need to convey that people who go to food banks are not trying to "work the system."
My friend Katie, who works at another food pantry in Denver, invited me to a book talk on Saturday. I hadn't read the book, but I went along anyway. The book is called "Closing the Food Gap: Resetting the Table in the Land of Plenty." (I provided a link below)
http://www.amazon.com/Closing-Food-Gap-Resetting-Plenty/dp/0807047309
It was REALLY interesting. The author talked about the food crisis that affects people living in poverty. I had heard of other books that addressed the problem our current system of food production places on the environment and how buying local will help the environment. What I liked about this author is he addresses the importance of making good, fresh, healthy food available to ALL people, not just people who can afford it alrleady.
It seems clear that hunger is merely a symptom of poverty, and if we want to alleviate hunger, we must do something about poverty. Mark Winne, the author, reported that people with low incomes receive 95% of their food from public sources (food stamps, WIC, etc) and only 5% from private sources (food banks). What this means to me is that churches should spend a lot more time focusing on increasing funding for food stamps, WIC, etc as well as paying attention to public policy that affects people living in poverty. Maybe we should spend an equal amount of time lobbying for an increase in minimum wage as we do stocking the shelves of food pantries...
There were only 3 counselors today doing intake so I tried to move quickly while still offering a "listening ear." People feel like they owe me an explanation for being at the food bank. I lost track of how many clients I saw today, but over half of them were brand new. They are embarrassed about asking for "hand outs" (their words, not mine) and I try my hardest to offer them help without offending what little sense of dignity and self-respect they have left.
I was struck today by how few of my clients were people of color. Many were single, white males. The first client I helped was a gentleman named Todd. Todd recently became homeless (I'm not sure why) and is living on the streets. Todd is a white male in his forties, and he has a college degree in Biology. He was accepted to a Master's program in Florida for their Marine Biology program but has no means to get there and start a new life in Florida. He recently had his wallet stolen with all forms of ID. Metro Carering helps people obtain new IDs but he was told he would have to call back on Friday to make an appointment for next week. In addition to requesting food and toiletries, Todd asked to see our collection of donated books...today our shelves were empty.
Alfred is another client I saw today. Alfred had his own home and painting business, but a year and a half ago, Alfred was riding his motorcycle through a busy intersection when he was struck by a pick up truck. He was taken to Denver Health (David's hospital!) where he laid in a coma for 35 days. He remained in the hospital for 4 months and underwent two brain surgeries to repair the nerves behind his eyes that had been knocked loose in the accident. He survived the accident, but has trouble finding work since the doctor refuses to sign off that Alfred can return to painting, carpentry, or welding. (His only skills) The doctor told him to find a "no stress job." (No stress jobs don't exist for people with limited education...)
Not only does Alfred have trouble finding work, but he is left with the $1.5 million in medical bills from his surgeries and lengthy hospital stay.
I don't expect all of you who watch our blog to read the lengthy stories I just posted... I mostly had to write it down because it weighs on my heart and mind. I also feel the need to convey that people who go to food banks are not trying to "work the system."
My friend Katie, who works at another food pantry in Denver, invited me to a book talk on Saturday. I hadn't read the book, but I went along anyway. The book is called "Closing the Food Gap: Resetting the Table in the Land of Plenty." (I provided a link below)
http://www.amazon.com/Closing-Food-Gap-Resetting-Plenty/dp/0807047309
It was REALLY interesting. The author talked about the food crisis that affects people living in poverty. I had heard of other books that addressed the problem our current system of food production places on the environment and how buying local will help the environment. What I liked about this author is he addresses the importance of making good, fresh, healthy food available to ALL people, not just people who can afford it alrleady.
It seems clear that hunger is merely a symptom of poverty, and if we want to alleviate hunger, we must do something about poverty. Mark Winne, the author, reported that people with low incomes receive 95% of their food from public sources (food stamps, WIC, etc) and only 5% from private sources (food banks). What this means to me is that churches should spend a lot more time focusing on increasing funding for food stamps, WIC, etc as well as paying attention to public policy that affects people living in poverty. Maybe we should spend an equal amount of time lobbying for an increase in minimum wage as we do stocking the shelves of food pantries...
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Spring Break
Spring Break is almost over but I can't complain since I got two weeks instead of one! David and I went to KC for Spring Break and Easter. I realized when we got back that I did a HORRIBLE job taking pictures of everyone we saw! Still, I'll post the ones I DID take.
Eating lunch on St. Patrick's Day
Playing Apples to Apples
Easter with Ashley, Ali, and Macy
Driving back: Midas didn't sleep a wink!
Eating lunch on St. Patrick's Day
Playing Apples to Apples
Easter with Ashley, Ali, and Macy
Driving back: Midas didn't sleep a wink!
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Sunday, March 9, 2008
All study, no play!
I just thought I would write a quick note since we haven't talked to many of you! David took his online statistics test yesterday and got a 95%. He is busy reading for his next test since he is working 5 night shifts this week.
I have been a slave to the computer and am trying to crank out 7 essays before Thursday. I am ready to put this quarter behind me!
Here are some cute pics of the dogs taken this weekend. They seem pretty sad that we are so occupied with school!
I have been a slave to the computer and am trying to crank out 7 essays before Thursday. I am ready to put this quarter behind me!
Here are some cute pics of the dogs taken this weekend. They seem pretty sad that we are so occupied with school!
Monday, March 3, 2008
Updates
Nothing TOO exciting, but thought I would add an update or two...
David started his online statistics class. It is the last pre-req he has to take in order to start at Denver School of Nursing in July! He has been doing homework and recovering from the "crud" that is going around.
My friend, Lauren, came to spend the weekend with us. We had a great time, and she even went with me to my weekend praxis class on "School De-Segregation."
I am in my last two weeks of class for the winter quarter. Tomorrow is my New Testament exam and next Thursday is when all my final papers are due. After that, I will be off for two weeks!
Jim Wallis is coming to Iliff tomorrow so I will have him autograph the book I haven't had time to read! Rats. Maybe on Spring Break I can catch up on my pleasure reading! =)
David started his online statistics class. It is the last pre-req he has to take in order to start at Denver School of Nursing in July! He has been doing homework and recovering from the "crud" that is going around.
My friend, Lauren, came to spend the weekend with us. We had a great time, and she even went with me to my weekend praxis class on "School De-Segregation."
I am in my last two weeks of class for the winter quarter. Tomorrow is my New Testament exam and next Thursday is when all my final papers are due. After that, I will be off for two weeks!
Jim Wallis is coming to Iliff tomorrow so I will have him autograph the book I haven't had time to read! Rats. Maybe on Spring Break I can catch up on my pleasure reading! =)
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