“Can I trouble you for a black trash bag,” the kind gentleman asked me at the end of lunch at Pullen Round Table. I replied not at all and went into the pantry and started going through our bag of plastic bags looking for a black trash bag. Since he was standing there holding a sleeping bag, I assumed he needed it for his sleeping bag. Since I could not find a black bag, I came out with a large clear trash bag saying “How about this one?” He chuckled good naturedly and said, “Nah- that won’t work, but thanks for checking.” One of the other volunteers whispered to me, “he needs something dark to cover himself with.” To say I was horrified was an understatement. He was asking me for a black trash bag so he could cover himself up like trash so no one would see him as he slept huddled up next to a building. I have not been able to get this image out of my head all week!
I have been volunteering at Pullen Round Table since October of 2016. I have grown in so many ways since my 1st day there when I just served them food. I have learned so much about poverty; food and housing instability, and homelessness in general. I find myself thinking about ways we can help the homeless in our city. I talk about Pullen Round Table all the time. I ask for donations and bring in toiletries, plastic grocery bags, extra food, etc. that I feel will help my friends at Pullen. I enjoy serving them lunch and spending time talking to them. I have researched agencies where many can get help. I have even spent hours at an agency with a guest, only to be told we would need to wait another three hours or come back on Monday. I have listened to those more experienced in working with this population to learn how best to help them- to give them a hand up- not a hand-out. As mentioned in a previous blog, I have even trampled through the woods moving a couple from one camp site to another.
However, I can honestly say this one statement and event probably hit me harder than anything I have experienced yet in my “Pullen Career.” I sadly picture this distinguished looking man, who has not been around in a while, huddled against a building covered in a black trash bag, praying someone won’t see him and report him for trespassing. Is that how we see our fellow-man- as garbage along the side of a building? Something we can just step over as we go about our own plans for the day or night?
If you came to Pullen Round Table, it would take you awhile to even realize that the majority of the people in there were facing housing and/or food instability. “They” look just like you and me, though some may have all their belongings in a rolling suitcase or a reusable shopping bag sitting beside them at the table. They spend the hour at Round Table enjoying a meal and good company with friends. You hear laughter and lots of conversation. It is an hour on Tuesdays and Thursdays that many ride an hour or two on buses to get there for or even walk several miles to attend. That is how special this time is for them.
Although I don’t have to ride the bus or walk miles to get to Pullen each week, I can honestly say that Tuesdays and Thursday are my favorite days. I cannot wait to get to Pullen; to help set up for the meal; to help serve and then spend time talking to my friends there. It always seems that I make a new friend each week!
…and today- I will bring in a roll of black trash bags in case anyone asks for one!
nowwhat360 