Dear Friends,
It occurred to me several years ago that most (all?) of the good things that happen in our lives come about because of our relationships. If you see people who are not getting the results in life they want, it is probably because their relationships do not support the achieving of those results.
Put another way, we believe people who live outside don’t have a housing problem – they have a relationship problem. When there is a power inequality between two groups, the onus for changing that is on the more powerful group. Therefore, the single most effective thing we can do to end homelessness is to build those relationships.
My friend Marti has bought into that. Even though her husband is unemployed and their own stability is far from certain, she comes out on Saturday morning to make friends who have less stuff than she does. For her, these are real relationships – so when she read in my last email that her friend Karen was living in a tent with her husband, she decided that just would not do.
Which is why on Christmas Day, Karen and Steve moved in with Marti and Troy and their two kids. Because Marti believes that if Karen is her real friend, then she can’t say she follows Jesus while her friend sleeps outside in a tent in 20 degree weather. (You can read the full story here).
Because of their relationship with Marti and Troy, Steve and Karen are now indoors and safe. And when Karen had a heart attack a few weeks ago, she had someone to take her to the emergency room. And after she had surgery to put a stent in, she had a safe and warm place to recuperate. And when her prescriptions totaled over $230 a month, she had people to help her with that. Karen would tell you the only reason she is alive right now is because of Marti and Troy.
Karen and Steve are housed right now, but not stable – long-term they need their own place and a steady job for Steve. Troy and Marti are stable, but barely. He is unemployed, but managing to get a bit of temp work here and there. However, their food budget has now shot up, having these two extra people to feed. So, I am asking for your help.
Troy and Marti need some help with the financial burden of having two extra mouths to feed at a time when their own resources are stretched so thin.
Karen’s medications are running over $200 a month. We are working with the drug companies to hopefully get this reduced, but until that happens, we are committed to seeing she gets her meds.
If you are able to help us cover the food or medical costs, go here and make a one time gift – even if it is only $10 or $15. Just pick “Karen Fund” from the drop down. (To send a check, just put Karen Fund on the memo line.) Of course, your gifts are tax deductible, etc.
And Steve needs work – any kind of work. He has a construction background, but is eager to do almost anything. If you are in the Triangle and you hire people, let me know if you would be willing to talk to him – I personally will vouch for him.
And whether you can give or not, please pray for Karen and Steve and Marti and Troy. After all, they need the prayers and, well, you could probably use the practice.
Love Wins. Always.
Hugh Hollowell
