Be Careful Out There

So, since I announce the Week of Homelessness yesterday, I have received a lot of comments from people who are concerned about my safety on this endeavor.  These comments have come from my friends, family and colleagues.  I am moved that they are concerned about my health and safety.  I certainly feel loved and appreciated.  But, I want to remind everyone that there are hundreds of  people in our city for whom street homelessness has become a way of life.  We should all be concerned about each of those individuals each night as they fall asleep under a bridge or in an abandoned building.  They all have value.  They are someone's son or daughter, brother or sister.  They have dreams and aspirations.  I remind myself that we are all much more alike than we are different.  We travel through life searching for meaning and purpose.  Some find that through faith, some through meaningful relationships with family and friends, but we all search for acceptance and love.

Last night, I had a chance to meet six amazing young people through our youth resource center, Ground Floor.  All six, under the age of 21, are living in an abandoned building close to downtown OKC.  Five young men and one young woman who is 5 1/2 months pregnant.  Two of the young men are brothers,  Their mother lives in Oklahoma City, but they say they feel safer living in the cold, dark building than they do at their mothers home.  Years of abuse, neglect and drugs drove the brothers to the streets.  The six now describe themselves as a family.  They look out for each other; making sure everyone has food and warm blankets.  Those kids have value.  They are important. They have the potential to change the world, but to do so, they need help.  We should be concerned that this happens in our city.  We should be appalled that children sleep alone in the dark and cold every night.  The good news is that they are now connected with a group of caring adults that are working to get them off the streets and into safe and appropriate housing.  We are working to help them find their place in the world.  A place that is safe where they can dream and aspire and become extraordinary adults.

So, while I am moved by the concern of my family, friends and colleagues as I start my adventure tomorrow, I encourage everyone to remember that there are people out there, right now who need our compassion and support.

If I can help someone, I must.

I don't have to do everything, but I must do something.

Much Love,
Jonathan