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Little Things Are Huge PDF Print E-mail
Monica
Monica
Several years ago the executive Director of Midnight Run, an organization that delivers food, clothing and toiletries to homeless people living on the streets of downtown Manhattan, spoke with a volunteer group from Valley Forge Presbyterian Church as they helped one hot summer night with his daily run.  The director revealed that he himself had once been homeless after he made some poor life choices while attending Duke University. 
      
When asked what had bothered him most about his experiences during his months of homelessness, he surprised his volunteer helpers with his reply.  He did not speak about exposure to the elements, hunger, or fear of being mugged while sleeping on park benches.  Without a doubt, he replied, the thing he hated most was being filthy and ungroomed.  His unkempt appearance and bad smell are what set him apart from "normal" people who were clearly disgusted by him as they walked around him with an air of superiority.  He said that he knew when people saw and smelled his tangled hair and unwashed body they did not think of him as a fellow human being.  And when he would look into a mirror in a public bathroom, he stopped feeling human. 
     
One day, an outreach worker from a local mission approached him and offered him a small bag of toiletries, and this one small gesture changed his life.  As he washed himself off, he was reminded of the person he had once been.  For the first time in months, he felt hope and the possibility he could turn his life around.  And indeed, he did, with this as his first small step.
     
Recently, I was reminded of this conversation by an interview with Monica, a client of the Hospitality Center who is reclaiming her life with the Center's help after chronic illness robbed her of her middle class, suburban life.  It is amazing how closely her feelings parallel those of the director of Midnight Run.  This is what Monica had to say:

"When you give me toothpaste and deodorant, you give me back my dignity.  I can remember where I came from.  I no longer feel so removed from 'normal life.'  When we have soap and shampoo, we take them for granted, but when you are without them, it is a serious setback.  You feel like a different person.  You certainly have no confidence in a job interview.  When you feel clean, you feel able.  When you feel physically dirty, you feel shame."

Giving clients  soap, toothpaste and toothbrushes, deodorant and shampoo is just one small service the Hospitality Center provides, but it makes a major difference in the lives of people.  No price can be set on restoring a person's dignity.  Collecting hotel-sized toiletries and buying trial-sized items can help someone start on the road to recovery, and it is something most people can contribute within their budgets.  Toiletries mean more to the Center now than ever since our recent installation of shower facilities as well as a washer and drier. Because of this, donations of detergent are also welcome. Please consider making this part of your ministry to the poor.
 
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