Social Action on the Street

By Kathy Zachmann

Every winter, Florida has an influx of visitors. Some of the most heart-wrenching visitors are the homeless people who come to Florida to escape the cold weather. More often than not, they are men who look very thin.

After years of wishing I could help them, I came up with “street packs”—baggies with supplies in them that I can carry in a convenient way. I thought about what items would be of help to me if I were homeless. I realized that I would need food and maybe the ability to wash my face and brush my teeth.

I used to wonder how I could give these people food from my car when I would see them on the street. With some, I offered to go to the nearest fast food restaurant and bring food back. When they were on an interstate off-ramp, getting back to them could be difficult.

The bags have turned out to be an easy and convenient way to help others. I have given out dozens of bags in the last few years. It costs me about $55 to make up six bags. I shop at dollar stores for many of the items.

Each quart-size baggie contains one washcloth, one hand sanitizer, an energy bar, a travel toothbrush with toothpaste, a handful of mint candies and a $5 gift card from a fast food restaurant. Finally, I always include a page from Daily Word. I write on that page, “God loves you very much and so do I.”

The first person I came across was surprised and confused when I handed him a baggie rather than money. When I told him that inside the bag was a gift card for a fast food restaurant, he started crying. He said he hadn't had anything to eat since the day before. I've seen him twice in the three years since I began passing out the bags.

I've met many others. One person I never saw, but I went ahead and dropped a bag in a cart filled with sparse worldly possessions.

I wanted to tell you (Unity) how wonderful I feel sharing the Word and a bit of food with those who are less fortunate. Daily Word easily slips into a street bag. I always keep one bag in my car and my fiancé does as well.
 

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