However, I am reminded that everyone does not share my enjoyment of a storm in the night. There are those who are terrified as they huddle under a tree, in the dark, behind a dumpster, on a doorstep with no protection from the storm because they are among the thousands experiencing homelessness in Houston, Texas. They are wet, they are cold, and everything they own, including their food, is soaked. They are my neighbors, as they walk the same streets as I and live near me; however, their reality is much different than mine.

So, fast forward to my life…

I wake up every morning from having slept in a comfortable bed, safe inside my home. My hot tea is brewed, and I listen to the news. With my help, my granddaughter gets ready for the day at summer camp. We eat breakfast together, my 2 dogs and 2 cats, too, and I hug my husband as he goes to work. Even with many problems facing my own family, I have a safety net around me. I drive in my warm or cool car, depending on the weather, to Hope Center Houston. Rain, ice, or heat, I am protected from the elements. My phone rings, and my sister calls to check on me. Even away from home, my family is still surrounding me. What a difference a mile makes…

I leave my safe neighborhood, wave to neighbors, and then turn east onto FM 1960. Less than a mile from my house is a reality check. No longer am I able to forget that I live in a large city where circumstances are very different for many. On the street corner of Cutten and 1960, I see worn-out and broken people panhandling. Their eyes are without light, and survival for the day depends on them being demeaned by passersby to get enough money for a meal. It is the rare individual who rolls down the window to hand them money or a “manna bag” (gallon bag with a protein, water, a fruit cup, peanut butter, cheese crackers, and a breakfast bar). To think that they “just don’t want to work” is a fallacy. How do you get a job when you have no address, you sleep behind a dumpster or on a doorstep, have no way to bathe, your clothes are dirty, you have no transportation, and you are hungry all the time? This is their reality, and with the early morning storm, they are wet, as well.

On to Hope Center Houston (HCH)…

I drive up to the gate at Hope Center Houston, and I see 40-50 people already lined up. We are not yet open, but our neighbors experiencing homelessness are patiently waiting, hungry and wet from last night’s storm. I am reminded of the difference in my life from theirs. Our guests are wet, hungry, and tired. Many are elderly, and some are in wheelchairs or using walkers. Our “guests” see HCH as a place to change their lives for the better, which is our goal.

HCH has the most amazing staff, volunteers, and Board of Directors! They serve the people most people view as nuisances, and they do it with great love. Denominations, egos, and judgment are left at the door. All get busy, working together, transforming and restoring the people served by giving of their time, gifts, treasure, and service. They have built an HCH community that is in this for the long haul, healing people one person at a time. Many thanks to all who have helped us to serve the ”least of these.” You have made a difference to many!

May God continue to bless HCH with people who care!

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