UPDATE

I just found out today that the League of Women Voters are actually having the meeting, not the 15th of this month like I had been told, but on the 28th (still at 7:00pm). Also I found out it isn't at the downtown library, but at the Croaker Rd. library. Whew, I'm glad I talked to the right person to get all of this straight.

Things are really gearing up for Thanksgiving! We are looking at doing 500-800 meals this year. And God is sooooo AWESOME to have supplied so many volunteers for this effort. Bedtime...goodnight

Are You Homeles...
living in the woods, on a campground or in a motel? Have you ever wanted to get your opinion of affordable housing and fair pay wage heard, but nobody would listen? Over the hundreds of years, how often have the homeless been able to gather together in one room and be heard? AND WITH MEDIA ATTENTION!!! Well here is your chance. November 15 at 7:00pm, the League of Women Voters is hosting a panel on homelessness. This is being held in the downtown libray auditorium room. Who makes up the panel? Who are the experts on homelessness? Professor Popp (who has been very instrumental in the "No Child Left Behind" program.) AND!!! Joyce O'Brien from the United Way. So, if want to be heard, come to the meeting! Oh and even better, there is Q&A time at the end. Hit them, hit them hard. Ask them about services offered here. Find out why so many people are still without homes here. Ask them what can be done. Tell them how you feel.

MAKE YOUR VOICE BE HEARD!

In The Words Of Emeril...

BAM! I'm baaack! Now that I have gotten that off my chest, so to speak, time to update. Having a ministry, I have found, takes a good recipe, like one from Emeril or the Recipe for Love (author unknown).

Hearts Full of Love, Heaping Cups of Kindness, Armfuls of Gentleness, Cups of Friendship, Cups of Joy, Big Hearts Full of Forgiveness Minds Full of Tenderness
Stir daily with Happiness, Humor and Patience.
Serve with Warmth and Compassion, Respect and Loyalty.

But just as important as the recipe, the cook has to take their time so they don't burn or get burned. Well that is what we needed was time...time to rest, time to work on our lives, time to settle in and regenerate. Am I rested? Not really in regards to our jobs are so overwhelming. But I have recuperated from life in a motel. I never realized what a toll it took on me physically and mentally. But I have noticed over the past couple of months wanting to get back to working with the homeless again. Granted we never fully stopped assisting, we just slowed down to 25mph.

Slowly, we are rebuilding our forces, planning our strategy and getting ready for the battle. Yes, unfortunately, here in Williamsburg it is a war to fight for the rights of people who have no homes. Fight for affordable housing, fair paying jobs and the right for 3 meals a day. January will be our new year, as we come out with a bang.

Since March, we have financed 4 campers for people who were living on the streets or in run-down motels; financed 5 vehicles for people who couldn't typically afford a car; and assisted several people with clothing and household needs that they didn't have the money for. We have also met some great groups at W&M who are eager to join forces for the common good of the poor and needy. Even though I haven't heard from HATForce yet, I have met with Catholic Campus Ministries and met a cool group called "Food, not Bombs". Young Dems, WUMC college group, and some Greek societies are coming up within the next couple of weeks.

Nov. 12th is our 'Homeless Reality Tour', which should be even better than last year. And of course our Homeless Thanksgiving, which we are estimating between 500-800 meals this year! Currently, we are in need of fundraising for the groceries it will take to provide these meals. And also we are in need of money to advertise in the Virginia Gazette so we can collect food donations throughout Williamsburg.

Even though I am trying to play catch up on this blog, I will say until January, I won't be posting everyday, but you can always check back on a weekly basis. Well, time for me to get ready to go throw newspapers.