Last week I was in Calgary visiting the Mustard Seed, which is an organization similar to Siloam Mission as it works to alleviate the hardships of homelessness and poverty.
One evening I was walking along one of the downtown streets and I came across a man with a large shopping cart filled with many little treasures. He stopped me and I thought he was about to ask for spare change, but he was attempting something else. He offered me a gift.
He had an old squash racket that he had found on the street and asked if I would like it. I suggested he should keep it because it was his. However, he told me he really had no use for it and would like me to have it. So I accepted.
The racket sits in my apartment now because I don't play squash. It's not about the use of the item though; rather it’s about where it came from. Besides, perhaps it gives me a reason to learn the sport.
We just recently sent out our summer newsletter entitled "Unexpected Gifts". The theme reflects the idea that we often have low expectations of our neighbours who live on the streets. We think that because they are experiencing poverty and homelessness, they must have nothing to offer. Often, the things we receive from people who are homeless (whether it be material or otherwise) are unexpected. We assume they have nothing of value to give. It's during moments like the one described above that we realize how wrong we are.
Sarah Enns
Community Education Coordinator
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Monday, July 13, 2009
Does Anybody Hear Them?
I was listening to a song by Casting Crowns yesterday and realized it reminds me of many of the people who use our services at Siloam Mission. It also reminds me of how often we attempt to ignore them.
Here are some of the lyrics…
She is running
A hundred miles an hour in the wrong direction
She is trying but the canyon's ever widening
In the depths of her cold heart
So she sets out on another misadventure just to find
She's another two years older
And she's three more steps behind
She is yearning for shelter and affection
That she never found at home
She is searching for a hero to ride in
To ride in and save the day
And in walks her prince charming
And he knows just what to say
Momentary lapse of reason
And she gives herself away
Does anybody hear her?
Can anybody see?
Does anybody even know she's going down today?
Under the shadow of our steeple
With all the lost and lonely people
Searching for the hope that's tucked away in you and me
Does anybody hear her?
Can anybody see?
If judgment looms under every steeple
If lofty glances from lofty people
Can't see past her scarlet letter
And we've never even met her
- Does Anybody Hear Her, Casting Crowns
Here are some of the lyrics…
She is running
A hundred miles an hour in the wrong direction
She is trying but the canyon's ever widening
In the depths of her cold heart
So she sets out on another misadventure just to find
She's another two years older
And she's three more steps behind
She is yearning for shelter and affection
That she never found at home
She is searching for a hero to ride in
To ride in and save the day
And in walks her prince charming
And he knows just what to say
Momentary lapse of reason
And she gives herself away
Does anybody hear her?
Can anybody see?
Does anybody even know she's going down today?
Under the shadow of our steeple
With all the lost and lonely people
Searching for the hope that's tucked away in you and me
Does anybody hear her?
Can anybody see?
If judgment looms under every steeple
If lofty glances from lofty people
Can't see past her scarlet letter
And we've never even met her
- Does Anybody Hear Her, Casting Crowns
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Faron Hall
Everyone is talking about Faron Hall. He’s the man that jumped into the
I’m acquainted with Mr. Hall and he is a very quiet man, kind, and soft spoken. He generally keeps to himself…but that all changed last week. Mr. Hall was all over the news with the media announcing his heroics as, “homeless man saves teen.” He was overwhelmed by the attention and grateful for the many offers of help.
What I found interesting though was the fact that the story appeared to grab our attention more because of the fact that it was a “homeless” man who did the saving. It’s like we found it surprising that someone who’s homeless would do something like that.
Does being homeless make a person unlikely to do something heroic? Does homelessness mean that compassion and goodwill are lost?
When discussing the story with a Siloam Mission patron, her comment was, “homeless people have big hearts you know,” and she nodded her head confidently.
We assume that something strange happens to a person when they are experiencing poverty or when they become homeless. We subconsciously think that somehow this life circumstance voids them of normal human instincts and empathy. How ignorant we sometimes are.
I hope that Faron Hall is a reminder that those who have homes and those who do not are really the same in the end; we are all human. I also hope this is a reminder that will stick with us and not just fade away in a couple of weeks.
Sarah Enns
Community Education Coordinator and sj101 Coordinator
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Community is the Best Bet!
That’s what all the speakers at Street Level seemed to say – and I agree!
As previously explained, Street Level is a conference of many organizations working with poverty and homelessness. A dozen other Siloam Mission staff members and I were in attendance and we each felt it was a great learning experience.
The theme was “A Legacy of Justice” and, amoung other things, a reoccurring idea was that in order for people to flourish we need a strong sense of community. Speakers included authors, pastors, directors, CEOs, professors, counsellors, musicians and political activists. Every single one of them stressed the importance of a strong and genuine community.
How can we expect people to change when they have no encouragement? How can we expect to succeed if we have no support? How can people feel important and valued when no one tells them they are?
Today, when we think of the word “community” we think about the area of town we live in and perhaps our neighbours that we hardly ever speak to. We often think of a physical space. Yet the idea of community is so much more.
Community is about people. It’s about interaction and working together. It’s about having others around you that you know you can count on when times are rough. Community is about sharing the good times and the bad times. It’s about care and support.
It’s ridiculous how far we’ve moved away from genuine and caring interaction. We’d rather send an e-mail than talk face to face, send a text message than give someone a call and watch a movie while sitting at home alone than grab a coffee and chat. We’d rather do it ourselves than ask for help, buy one of our own than share with someone else and hold on to everything instead of allowing others to benefit from something we have. We think we don’t have time to stop and help because we’ll be late for something and we refuse to risk relationships out of fear of being hurt or mistreated.
Why are there so many people experiencing homelessness in Canada? I think it’s largely because of our culture’s sense of individuality. Why are there so many who are lonely and suffering with depression? I think it’s definitely linked to the idea that we need to be self-reliant in every way. We need to start building stronger and more supportive genuine communities so that as people we can care for each other and work together. No one honestly wants to go it alone, so let’s stop pretending we can.
Sarah Enns
Community Education Coordinator and sj101 Coordinator
P.S. For an interesting take on the idea of community, read Shane Claiborne’s book, “Irresistible Revolution” or check out “the simple way” at http://www.thesimpleway.org/.
As previously explained, Street Level is a conference of many organizations working with poverty and homelessness. A dozen other Siloam Mission staff members and I were in attendance and we each felt it was a great learning experience.
The theme was “A Legacy of Justice” and, amoung other things, a reoccurring idea was that in order for people to flourish we need a strong sense of community. Speakers included authors, pastors, directors, CEOs, professors, counsellors, musicians and political activists. Every single one of them stressed the importance of a strong and genuine community.
How can we expect people to change when they have no encouragement? How can we expect to succeed if we have no support? How can people feel important and valued when no one tells them they are?
Today, when we think of the word “community” we think about the area of town we live in and perhaps our neighbours that we hardly ever speak to. We often think of a physical space. Yet the idea of community is so much more.
Community is about people. It’s about interaction and working together. It’s about having others around you that you know you can count on when times are rough. Community is about sharing the good times and the bad times. It’s about care and support.
It’s ridiculous how far we’ve moved away from genuine and caring interaction. We’d rather send an e-mail than talk face to face, send a text message than give someone a call and watch a movie while sitting at home alone than grab a coffee and chat. We’d rather do it ourselves than ask for help, buy one of our own than share with someone else and hold on to everything instead of allowing others to benefit from something we have. We think we don’t have time to stop and help because we’ll be late for something and we refuse to risk relationships out of fear of being hurt or mistreated.
Why are there so many people experiencing homelessness in Canada? I think it’s largely because of our culture’s sense of individuality. Why are there so many who are lonely and suffering with depression? I think it’s definitely linked to the idea that we need to be self-reliant in every way. We need to start building stronger and more supportive genuine communities so that as people we can care for each other and work together. No one honestly wants to go it alone, so let’s stop pretending we can.
Sarah Enns
Community Education Coordinator and sj101 Coordinator
P.S. For an interesting take on the idea of community, read Shane Claiborne’s book, “Irresistible Revolution” or check out “the simple way” at http://www.thesimpleway.org/.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
The Man on the Bridge
Last week I attended an event in Ottawa called Street Level. Many organizations working with poverty and homelessness were represented at this conference and the goal was to come together to learn from each other, encourage each other and show our government that we still care about the issues. I feel fortunate to have gone.
I found myself being educated on a few different things while at the 4 day conference. I also found it to be an affirmation of the work we do at Siloam Mission. The major thing that seemed to keep popping up was how important real community is in life.
However, I don’t really want to talk about what I learned at the conference right now, I’ll do that later – and more than once I’m sure. What I want to mention at this point in time is something that wasn’t part of the conference at all. I want to tell you a bit about a man I met one afternoon as my husband and I were walking towards the parliament buildings; the man on the bridge.
It would have been easy to miss him; his clothing plain and his face weathered. He didn’t take up much space on the sidewalk as he quietly sat by his neatly displayed art work while sketching a drawing of the Rideau Canal. It was obvious that he didn’t have much and one would think he’d be pushy about it, but instead he patiently waited for others to notice him.
We stopped and chatted for a while. He told tales of travel, employment and loss. He spoke also of the rare passersby that take a moment to admire and possibly purchase one of his drawings. His tremendous talent was indisputable and yet, I found myself wondering if he really created the works of art or if this was all some elaborate scam. In a world that has taught us to be so skeptical, wouldn’t you wonder the same?
After deciding that this man did actually draw the pieces he had for sale and that it really didn’t matter whether he had or not anyway, my husband and I purchased one of the beautiful sketches of the parliament buildings. He cleared my skepticism further when he then offered a second drawing at no cost. He said that art is a way that people can connect and that artistic expression is a gift.
The man on the bridge was an inspiration to me. During our conversation he told us the true gift for him is not when people buy something but that it’s when people stop and talk with him. He said that the gift is when people take a moment out of their lives to notice him and engage with him as a human being.
His genuine longing for attention, his need for human care and his openness to others reminded me, as I often need to be reminded, that “the greatest of these is love”(1 Corinthians 13:13).
When you pass someone on the street, instead of ignoring them out of fear of the unknown, look at them, acknowledge them and perhaps, if it seems appropriate, stop and talk with them. They are people too and, like everyone, they just want to be noticed.
Sarah Enns
Community Education Coordinator and sj101 Coordinator
I found myself being educated on a few different things while at the 4 day conference. I also found it to be an affirmation of the work we do at Siloam Mission. The major thing that seemed to keep popping up was how important real community is in life.
However, I don’t really want to talk about what I learned at the conference right now, I’ll do that later – and more than once I’m sure. What I want to mention at this point in time is something that wasn’t part of the conference at all. I want to tell you a bit about a man I met one afternoon as my husband and I were walking towards the parliament buildings; the man on the bridge.
It would have been easy to miss him; his clothing plain and his face weathered. He didn’t take up much space on the sidewalk as he quietly sat by his neatly displayed art work while sketching a drawing of the Rideau Canal. It was obvious that he didn’t have much and one would think he’d be pushy about it, but instead he patiently waited for others to notice him.
We stopped and chatted for a while. He told tales of travel, employment and loss. He spoke also of the rare passersby that take a moment to admire and possibly purchase one of his drawings. His tremendous talent was indisputable and yet, I found myself wondering if he really created the works of art or if this was all some elaborate scam. In a world that has taught us to be so skeptical, wouldn’t you wonder the same?
After deciding that this man did actually draw the pieces he had for sale and that it really didn’t matter whether he had or not anyway, my husband and I purchased one of the beautiful sketches of the parliament buildings. He cleared my skepticism further when he then offered a second drawing at no cost. He said that art is a way that people can connect and that artistic expression is a gift.
The man on the bridge was an inspiration to me. During our conversation he told us the true gift for him is not when people buy something but that it’s when people stop and talk with him. He said that the gift is when people take a moment out of their lives to notice him and engage with him as a human being.
His genuine longing for attention, his need for human care and his openness to others reminded me, as I often need to be reminded, that “the greatest of these is love”(1 Corinthians 13:13).
When you pass someone on the street, instead of ignoring them out of fear of the unknown, look at them, acknowledge them and perhaps, if it seems appropriate, stop and talk with them. They are people too and, like everyone, they just want to be noticed.
Sarah Enns
Community Education Coordinator and sj101 Coordinator
Monday, March 16, 2009
The Invisible Homeless
Not too long ago I met Keith*. Keith is a kind man with a big toothless smile. He eats most of his meals at Siloam Mission but never stays the night in our emergency shelter. He resides at the McLaren Hotel in downtown Winnipeg, a stone’s throw away from Siloam. He has been staying there for over 20 years. Shocking? I know. What’s even more shocking is that he’s not alone in his circumstances.
You’d be surprised to find out that there are many people in similar situations. There are a number of people who live in rooms in downtown hotels, and to some of them Keith’s 20 year stretch is nothing.
Does living in a skuzzy, run down, dangerous hotel in the middle of the city mean you have yourself a home? I think not. Yet, it’s what Keith has and it’s what he’s surprisingly used to. Keith is one of the many invisible homeless.
Then there’s Mike *. Mike’s a young guy, energetic and warm hearted. He comes by once in a while to access our health centre and get some fresh clothes. We’ve never put him up for the night though; he stays with friends. Mike’s a “couch surfer” and, like Keith, he’s not the only one in that situation.
There are many who spend their nights with various friends or family members. They usually stay for a night or two but after that have worn out their welcome and have to find themselves alternative accommodations again. Night after night they never know for sure if there’ll be a place to stay.
Does having a roof over your head at night automatically mean you have a home? Not really. This is Mike’s life though, this is what he does, and he’s come to expect it. Mike is one of the many invisible homeless.
The invisible homeless are people who can’t claim a permanent residence but are not necessarily seen wandering the streets or sleeping in homeless shelters. They quietly accept homelessness and loneliness. If you’re living in a hotel or moving from couch to couch, you’re not out on the streets, but you’re still homeless.
Sarah Enns
Community Education Coordinator and sj101 Coordinator
*Names changed to protect privacy
You’d be surprised to find out that there are many people in similar situations. There are a number of people who live in rooms in downtown hotels, and to some of them Keith’s 20 year stretch is nothing.
Does living in a skuzzy, run down, dangerous hotel in the middle of the city mean you have yourself a home? I think not. Yet, it’s what Keith has and it’s what he’s surprisingly used to. Keith is one of the many invisible homeless.
Then there’s Mike *. Mike’s a young guy, energetic and warm hearted. He comes by once in a while to access our health centre and get some fresh clothes. We’ve never put him up for the night though; he stays with friends. Mike’s a “couch surfer” and, like Keith, he’s not the only one in that situation.
There are many who spend their nights with various friends or family members. They usually stay for a night or two but after that have worn out their welcome and have to find themselves alternative accommodations again. Night after night they never know for sure if there’ll be a place to stay.
Does having a roof over your head at night automatically mean you have a home? Not really. This is Mike’s life though, this is what he does, and he’s come to expect it. Mike is one of the many invisible homeless.
The invisible homeless are people who can’t claim a permanent residence but are not necessarily seen wandering the streets or sleeping in homeless shelters. They quietly accept homelessness and loneliness. If you’re living in a hotel or moving from couch to couch, you’re not out on the streets, but you’re still homeless.
Sarah Enns
Community Education Coordinator and sj101 Coordinator
*Names changed to protect privacy
Monday, March 9, 2009
Siloam Mission Receives Meaningful Donation
Over the last week there has been quite the media buzz about an elderly gentleman from inner city Winnipeg named Mr. William Woodford. Mr. Woodford surprised the staff at Siloam Mission when he arrived at our doors on February 27 with a bank draft for $40,000. His further donation of $10,000 on March 3 was nothing less than shocking.
The media was all over the story as Siloam Mission thanked Mr. Woodford for his generosity and he was honoured as an aboriginal person for his admirable deed by the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs. He was honored in this way not only because of the sizable donation but also because of the source of it. Mr. Woodford is a victim of residential schools. Recently the government of Canada decided to give those who were victims of abuse under the residential school system monetary compensation for the wrongs of the past. Mr. Woodford decided to give the money to others. When asked how he decided what to do with all that money, his response was simply, “Well, God told me that.” Mr. Woodford gave the money that was meant to be his compensation, gave also out of his personal savings and has said he will continue to give on a monthly basis.
This is an act of generosity, love, forgiveness and hope. Mr. Woodford is one of the most generous people I have met. And yet, let’s not forget about the many others who also trust us with their resources and faithfully give to Siloam Mission. They are not caught by the eye of the media but they are wonderful nonetheless. Some of our donors are corporations, some are individuals from the community and some are patrons who give out of their meager earnings longing to give back to the place that has been there for them during hard times. Let us also not forget about all those who volunteer with us diligently giving of their time to others who are in need of a helping hand or a listening ear.
What dear Mr. Woodford has done should serve as an example to us all. He deserved the residential schools compensation; he suffered great injustice as a child and as a young man, he served our country in World War II, he now lives in a humble abode. He could have kept the money and did whatever he wanted with it, claiming that he deserved it, and rightfully so. We should all be willing to give up what is “rightfully ours” at God’s prodding. However, we all know how difficult it is for the rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven as Jesus once told us (Matthew 19:16-24).
Sarah Enns
Community Education Coordinator and sj101 Coordinator
To read some stories about Mr. William Woodford and his generous donation, check out this link.
http://www.siloam.ca/news_40000_donated_in_the_news.html
For more information about residential schools see CBC’s reports at this link as a start.
http://archives.cbc.ca/society/education/topics/692/
The media was all over the story as Siloam Mission thanked Mr. Woodford for his generosity and he was honoured as an aboriginal person for his admirable deed by the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs. He was honored in this way not only because of the sizable donation but also because of the source of it. Mr. Woodford is a victim of residential schools. Recently the government of Canada decided to give those who were victims of abuse under the residential school system monetary compensation for the wrongs of the past. Mr. Woodford decided to give the money to others. When asked how he decided what to do with all that money, his response was simply, “Well, God told me that.” Mr. Woodford gave the money that was meant to be his compensation, gave also out of his personal savings and has said he will continue to give on a monthly basis.
This is an act of generosity, love, forgiveness and hope. Mr. Woodford is one of the most generous people I have met. And yet, let’s not forget about the many others who also trust us with their resources and faithfully give to Siloam Mission. They are not caught by the eye of the media but they are wonderful nonetheless. Some of our donors are corporations, some are individuals from the community and some are patrons who give out of their meager earnings longing to give back to the place that has been there for them during hard times. Let us also not forget about all those who volunteer with us diligently giving of their time to others who are in need of a helping hand or a listening ear.
What dear Mr. Woodford has done should serve as an example to us all. He deserved the residential schools compensation; he suffered great injustice as a child and as a young man, he served our country in World War II, he now lives in a humble abode. He could have kept the money and did whatever he wanted with it, claiming that he deserved it, and rightfully so. We should all be willing to give up what is “rightfully ours” at God’s prodding. However, we all know how difficult it is for the rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven as Jesus once told us (Matthew 19:16-24).
Sarah Enns
Community Education Coordinator and sj101 Coordinator
To read some stories about Mr. William Woodford and his generous donation, check out this link.
http://www.siloam.ca/news_40000_donated_in_the_news.html
For more information about residential schools see CBC’s reports at this link as a start.
http://archives.cbc.ca/society/education/topics/692/
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