philly

In a couple of hours I'll be heading over to the Arch Street United Methodist Church to start my 4 month shift at Grace Cafe, an overnight homeless shelter. I'll be there every Wednesday night for a few hours serving some grub, talking a little and keeping the peace a bit too. I volunteered the same amount last year and it was a wonderful time. I learned a lot about the city throughout my time downstairs at the church.

I meant to write a big post last year after it was all over, but I got wrapped up in long hours at the day job and I didn't get around to it. So many thoughts running through my head, but one that sticks out is via an email I got from a fellow volunteer and good friend about one guest who died since last year. She was hit by a car. Erika was always cheery bopping around with her headphones on. She was about 19. She caused her share of trouble at the Cafe, but so did most people. She spent a couple weeks in jail, I believe for prostitution. I'm gonna miss her smile this year.

My first night at the Cafe last year I met Ricky. Ricky is deaf and has been on the streets for at least 8 years if I'm remembering his story correctly. He reads lips remarkably well and speaks without too much difficulty. Ricky had just been released from the hospital. He was hit by a cab. The cab sped off. I ran into Ricky a few times on the street after the Cafe closed, but I haven't seen him in a long time. I hope that he's found a stable home. If not, I hope to see his face. I hope that I don't hear a sad story of why Ricky won't be at the Cafe this year.

I know of at least 2 people who got off the streets during my time at the shelter. I know Mike is still living on his own. I hope that Eugene is too.

I have a feeling that most of the people won't remember me, but that's okay, I'll remember them. I'm looking forward to catching up with some people. I'm not sure if the people I worked with at the Cafe last year will be back; I hope so. I hope the stories I hear will be happier than sad.

Tomorrow, there will be a Homeless Memorial Day ceremony at City Hall's Dilworth Plaza (west side). From Philly IMC's Aaron Couch:

Why: Many of you noted this summer when I reported that, after a decrease in the late 90s, homelessness is again on the rise in Philly.

Thursday is a day to reflect on the over 60 persons who died homeless on the streets of this City and recommit ourselves to creating a city where people sleep on the street because they don't have a better place to go.

I'll be there. If you have a sec on your way home after work, the ceremony will be going on until 5.30p.

If anyone's interested in volunteering in any capacity – by no means does it take a weekly commitment to be involved – please contact Rev. Joyce Wilson at the bottom of this page.

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