One very cold night in January 2019, my best friend, Jenn, and I headed down to 3rd Ave in Seattle to participate in the Search and Rescue efforts with the Seattle Union Gospel Mission. We arrived at 7pm to be briefed on the efforts for the night and be divided into three teams being deployed to different parts of the city. Our mission was simple: to let the forgotten, overlooked and disregarded know that there are people in their community who care for them.
Jenn and I didn’t know what we were getting ourselves into that night, we both just felt a tug on our hearts to reach out to those we pass on our daily commute. We wanted to connect – to offer help and support to the faceless. As we entered each encampment area, some of us set up shop by opening up the van, prepping the food and blankets we had brought for distribution to those who came out to see us. A small group of others walked the streets, announcing loudly that we were here with food, hot cocoa and blankets for anyone interested in saying hello. Slowly, one by one, people started to emerge from tents and RVs, makeshift shelters and shadows. Each person was greeted with a warm hello and a handshake; regulars a hug and friendly smile. We passed out clothes to those who requested it, scarves, mittens and hats. We handed out sandwiches and hot cocoa; dog food to four-legged friends protecting our two-legged friends on the streets. We laughed and in addition to offering necessities, also offered a warm bed to sleep in for those interested in a different life.
“Babe, hurry up, the Love Bus is here!
client of the Seattle Union Gospel Mission
We entered our last and, quite honestly, scary-looking RV encampment nestled behind warehouses under the West Seattle Bridge toward the end of our four-hour shift. I volunteered to walk the area with a buddy to knock on doors and let people know we had arrived. As we announced our arrival, weaving our way through the dark neighborhood that rainy night, out of the shadows I heard a woman’s voice announce to her partner “babe, hurry up, the Love Bus is here!” Tears of both pride and hope filled my eyes as I realized how impactful our gesture of grace was to this community of people. That to this community, we were Love arriving.
We were Love arriving.
I often wonder why we so readily dismiss the homeless. Why is it so easy to walk by the disenfranchised, the sick, the hurting? Is it because we believed the hype about those in need…that somehow they are just lazy or addicts or trying to scam the system? That they’re homeless because they messed up somehow and “deserve” what they get?
We used to be a country of people who cared for each other, took care of the sick and broken, had empathy for those down on their luck. I would like to think we can become that again. And if you don’t know where to start, may I suggest reaching out to the Seattle Union Gospel Mission? There you can see the power of empathy and kindness and realize that you can make a difference…one Love bus at a time.
To learn more about the Seattle Union Gospel Mission and the many programs they offer to help the homeless find a new path forward, visit their website at ugm.org.
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