Real Change?

I realize that I should be asleep, but I had a coffee with dinner so here I sit. There is a program in Seattle called REAL CHANGE. It is an newspaper, that is sold by homeless persons all over the greater Seattle Area. The persons must first quilfy, I think that means that the must be sober, etc. Anyway, they sell these newspapers for a dollar, and with the work, they are able to earn enough money for housing, food, and other necessities. It is a really cool concept and at its' essence, is not 'charity.' Many people may indeed give only because the feel sorry for the person, but they are working for the 'handouts.' Each time I see the vendors, I try to help them out, not because I feel pity, but because I think the program has the right idea. Homelessness has always been a question in my mind, but little exposure and comfort in my world have kept my thoughts only in passing.

However, tonight I was confronted by a very polite man. His name was David and our encounter once again sparked my thoughts. He introduced himself, shook my hand, and explained to me the program. I told him that I knew of the program, but didn't have any change. I was headed to the grocery anyway, so I promised change on the way out. He seemed thrilled to wait. When I got inside I realized that I may be able to do more. Sure, the whole "give a man a fish principle" (also the basis of Real Change) but it was after midnight and the loafs of bread looked mighty good. I wanted one, but I was full, so I got one for David. I went back outside, gave him a $ for the newspaper, and then handed him the loaf of bread. He didn't just say thank you and shy away, he grabbed my shoulder and smiled. He broke that comfort zone that so many of us Americans are used to. This homeless guy reached out and grabbed my shoulder, just one step shy of an embrace. Shockingly, I didn't retreat, it felt totally natural. It was one man helping another man, and there were genuine feelings exchanged. Simple, I know, but not typical on the streets.

I hadn't noticed, but peaking over my shoulder was another Real Change vendor (homeless guy, bum, whatever you please). He was jealous, not only because of the sale David had made, but because of the huge loaf of bread. I looked back at David and said "be sure to share that loaf with...?" I did not know this guy so, following David's lead, I extended my hand and introduced myself. His name was Skip and mine was Beaux. These both bid me farewell and walked along the sidewalk. I went to unlock my bike. Within seconds, David and Skip, started it all over again with two bikers who had just arrived. The two bikers were startled by the gusto of the "bums" and quickly declined. I, as an innocent bystander, chimed in. "Hey" I said, "there is a great article about the Native Tribal Journey on the front page, it is worth it." I gave them a smile and they reluctantly returned it. One of them finally said "you know what, I'll take one." David turned to me and exclaimed "Thank you sir." but this time, he let Skip have the sale. I finished unlocking my bike, and rode towards David and Skip walking down the sidewalk. David was clutching the bread, but Skip was right there. I passed by, wished them a good night and they reciprocated. I rode away feeling great. Not because I helped somebody, but because I had a real human reaction with someone that in any other circumstance, I am most others would have subconsciously dubbed sub human. Call me what you will, but I am the first to admit that I judge, I profile, and I am sure that I am not alone. Am I any better than David or Skip, hell no. But that is not what it is about. I don't know what it is about, but it's not a matter of better or worse. David reached out to me (yes I understand he does that to everyone, and that may have been his 50th newspaper sale of the day), but it sparked my mind.

David is fighting to make it in a cruel world and I am sitting inside, with a full wallet and a full stomach. The least I can do is wonder about a solution. There are 6.86 billion people in the world. Some of them are going to be poor and hungry, but where do I fit in. Have I been given a lot to sit and be a glutton. I don't think I am here to or capable of "saving the world," but I do fit into this puzzle somewhere. Maybe my contribution is a dollar and a loaf of bread, but I think I have more to offer. Someone had a vision with Real Change, and it was/is a good one. What else is going on around the world to fight these issues? I did not write this for any real reason, except maybe to spark conversation. What can I do? What can you do? What can David do? It is fact that the world has trouble supporting all of these people, but it is also fact that, at this moment, we are all here together. Rich, Poor, young, old, happy, sad. How do we live together? How do we help each other? How do we tear down barriers? I don't know, but I know that what David did is a start. I am human, he is human, now lets talk. Drop the superficial barriers, Leave the judgment for whatever gods/goddesses there may be, and open your eyes, mouth, and heart to the world around you.

Check out Real Change @ www.Realchangenews.org

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdtR17KQ19c&eurl=http://www.realchangenews.org/donations.html