H-A-N-K . . .
That name would be Hank.
Most of my blog posts are random and have no specific goal in mind other than to entertain me, myself, and I. And to document places I've been so I can remember I've actually been there. This post is different in that I'm serious and am in some sort of way, reaching out for advice.
We'll start with this link: Grand Junction Mutual Aid
This is a public Facebook site that has over 14,ooo members. It is no different than the other thousands of sites that popped up when we found ourselves in the middle of a pandemic and wondering what to do and how to help. These sites were created by caring, wonderful people who saw a need and used social media to reach out to the public.
On Thursday, the site randomly popped up on my phone. I had joined the group several months ago when I was 'sheltering in' in Oklahoma.
This is the message I saw that was posted by a beautiful, caring young lady:
Hi everyone. We have a homeless man sleeping near the entrance to our store. Next to David’s Bridal and Kohl’s. He’s kind, quiet and not bothering anybody, he’s been here all week sleeping on the bench. Does anyone have a sleeping bag and warm gear? Feel free to pm me.
This man's name is HANK.
Hank who lost his job, as many others. Lost his house, as many others. And is now living on the street. Actually, living on a bench outside David's Bridal.
Hank is now homeless. He has two blankets and a blue plastic tarp.
Later on Thursday, an Update was posted:
UPDATE: A KIND LADY AND GENTLEMEN PUT HIM UP IN A HOTEL FOR A FEW DAYS IF ANYONE WANTS TO DONATE ITEMS FOR THIS MAN ONCE HIS TIME AT HOTEL IS UP PLEASE LET ME KNOW. I CAN PICK UP ITEMS OR YOU CAN CALL THE HOTEL AND PAY FOR AN ADDITIONAL NIGHT. THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!!!
Hank put all his belongings into a trash bag and was taken to a hotel nearby. His feet were numb. The temperatures at night dropped into the teens. IT WAS IN THE LOW THIRTIES WHEN HE LEFT FOR THE HOTEL.
Next Update:
HIS ROOM IS PAID FOR THROUGH THE 24th. As of now he’ll need to check out on Christmas Day. If you’d like to pay for another night, HE’S AT WOODSPRINGS SUITE 970-644-5902 address is 659 Market Street.. I will pick up and drop them to him if you have things you’d like to donate. He needs food and warm clothing.
Next Update:
HIS ROOM IS PAID FOR THROUGH JANUARY 1.
The rate at Woodsprings in $65 a night unless a week is booked at a time. The weekly rate is $50 a night.
****************
A short-term solution is in place. It's the long-term solution we are working on.
"Give a man a fish, he eats for a day. Teach a man to fish, he eats for a lifetime.
The problem is, Hank knows how to fish. He just needs a place to fish. We are in the process of learning about Hank . . . if he's a Veteran . . . what skills he has and what type of employment would work best for him. There are several people who are involved who will get this information this week. But, at the, moment, Hank is warm. He even has a tiny Christmas tree with red bows and lights in his room which is equipped with a microwave, refrigerator, and two burner cooktop. Food can be left at the reception area for Hank to pick up.
I began this post saying I was reaching out for advice . . . please feel free to make suggestions. Or if you find it in your heart to extend Hank's stay during these terribly cold days and nights in Grand Junction, the hotel info is above. They know him as "Hank, the homeless man living on a bench by David's Bridal." You can also go to the Grand Junction Mutual Aid FB link above, scroll down, and find the post. Your comments and suggestions are welcome there.
I will end with this original story by Loren Eisley:
One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean.
Approaching the boy, he asked, “What are you doing?”
The youth replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.”
“Son,” the man said, “don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can’t make a difference!”
After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish, and threw it back into the surf.
Then, smiling at the man, he said…..“I made a difference for that one.”