We take so many things for granted and often make judgements based on what we have taken for granted. Have you ever found yourself beside someone and thinking to yourself “stinking bum … take a bath, wash your clothes!”? I had. We take for granted the ability to bath ourselves and wash our clothes. Because of this we assume that those who need wash themselves are in that condition by choice. It is not until you find yourself homeless (or without money for luxuries such as laundry) that you appreciate just what a luxury access to laundry and the ability to shower/bath is.

The true surprise is not that many of the people in these circumstances are grubby, but how many of them are clean, neat, tidy and the great efforts they must make to be presentable. Think about it! If you are homeless were do you wash your clothes? Laundromat, I hear you say. You need cash for the washers, dryers and for laundry soap. Even for those who receive money from welfare, spending money on laundry means doing without something else.

On of the ironies of living homeless (or in poverty) is that it is easier to find clean donated clothing than it is for you to wash your clothes. When first I fell into this state I did not understand this fact of life as I watched people scramble for clean used clothing. I thought it was about building up their wardrobes (still had the attitude of one spoiled by the luxury of laundry). I have come to see that it is about having clean clothes – and developed an appreciation for the Luxury of Laundry.

And if you think that throwing dirty clothes away and using donations to obtain clean clothing is wasteful – it is. But for the homeless there is no choice. They cannot do laundry. Those on welfare are reduced to this level as well. Clean donated clothing means you have saved money that you can spend on luxuries such as shelter, personal hygiene products or even the ultimate luxury – your job search. When you are forced to deal with the system you quickly learn it is about rules and political ideology and not about assistance.

Washing yourself is another luxury to be treasured. Have you ever seen someone go into the washroom at a grocery store or gas station and when they spent a long time in the washroom, assumed they were in there doing drugs? Did you even consider an alternative explanation? Next time pay attention to whether their clothes had changed or if their hands and faces were cleaner when they emerged. For many of the homeless a long stay in a washroom has nothing to do with drugs and everything to do with bathing. Those spoiled by easy access to personal cleanliness then to forget about the wash in public washroom. The homeless learn the art of taking a bath in the sink of a public washroom. Washing anything at this time of year presents extra difficulties. For the cold you need more layers and heavier clothing but wet clothes in these climate conditions and temperatures are an invitation to illnesses such as colds, fevers and pneumonia. Having your person wet presents even more of a danger of becoming ill.
So the next time you find yourself thinking ‘dirty bum’ stop and think about just how hard it is for the homeless and the poor to be clean. And for those who firmly believe that cleanliness is important, you can choose to take action to assist these in need to have access to the luxury of cleanliness.

Ah, yes. Dave and his merry band of volunteers. A ministry to the streets, preaching without words. A growing ministry because there are so in need and their ranks are being added to by the government and its’ ministry all the time.

It is a place to go on a cold night for a hot coffee and a chance to warm up. For those who hunger a place to get a bite to eat to ease the hunger pains. A place for blankets, gloves, hats and coats to survive the cold. A place just to sit and relax with people who are not judgmental, who listen and who lend support and assistance.

When someone come in less than sober, they get their coffee not lectures. They are accepted for who they are and given a place, knowing that they must be permitted to work out their own fate. But also knowing that while you have to let them find their own way, this does not mean you need to turn your back on them and abandon them to the elements and the streets. You can ( and to a certain extent must) help and support them until they reach the point at which they can begin to change themselves. And when people reach the point where they come to accept their powerlessness, are ready and comfortable enough to ask for help. They are there with help and to help.

There is only one glaring problem with Street Hope. Far, far to much need on the Street for the limited resources they have available. There are so many mores that this refuge needs. More space, more food for the cold and hungry, more volunteers, more people willing to take on the challenges of helping or offering employment, more, more, more …

So many mores and only one Dave. I have heard the worry expressed that Dave may burn himself out striving to fill so many mores, of seeking to help all those in need, of caring for those society has abandoned.

If you, your friends, church, company, or organization would care to join and
HELP SAVE DAVE!!
604-832-8884
website: www.churcharmy.com