In 2015 I became involved in supporting our "Unhoused" people (initially volunteering with "Blackbird Outreach"). I became passionate about helping our unhoused people because I witnessed folks being evicted from a camp they had set up at the Springs Rescue Mission property. I saw elderly people walking with all their possessions in a shopping cart, some with their small pet tucked into their coats (because it was cold) with no destination. They looked so lost. I put myself in their shoes. Over the years I met many folks who were being told where they couldn’t live but not where they could live. This could happen to so many of us, after losing a job, after a major health crisis, after the death of the household provider… There is such a lack of affordable health care (including mental health) which places so many out on the streets. The cost of housing is far beyond the income for so many. In 2016 I became the co-founder of "Spreading Smiles & Sandwiches". Initially "Spreading Smile & Sandwiches" would come together at Dorchester Park on the second Sunday of every month to help hand out supplies to displaced people. At these meetups, volunteers distributed a hot lunch, a to-go lunch, granola bars, water, clothing, shoes, sanitary items, compassion, and additional resources to help those living on the street. Today this organization has moved to another location due to city government barriers but still serve our unhoused people, doing what our name says: Spreading Smiles & Sandwiches! And I would be remiss if I didn't mention that Vista Grande United Church of Christ in heavily involved in making our friends smile by making sandwiches.
Due to my current battle with glioblastoma (brain cancer), I'm personally unable to physically join the wonderful volunteers that continue to support our unhoused people but I continue to support this worthy activity by providing supplies that make our wonderful neighbors' lives just a little bit better.
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