I Made A Homeless Person Very Happy Today

[Left Coast2020]

I was riding my bike past a "TarJez" (Target for you common folk) today when a homeless woman I had spoken to before said Hi to me as I passed on the sidewalk. Last time I rode by I had some extra change in my pocket--which I gave her, and a Quaker Oatmeal bar. This time I had no extra change or Quaker bar--not thinking about running into her again. We chatted for about 5 minutes and I went on my way. When I got back to my temporary residence, I told my host (who helps homeless at a church) about my encounter. She told me she is making a care package and asked if I would remember her face. I knew what she was thinking.

I had been given an large loaf of whole grain bread from a bakery that helps homeless and some fruit.

I went to my garage fridge, grabbed the bread, the fruit, and a couple of V-8s (they are really good for ya). My friend Karen (not her real name) came out with some TP, an extra sweatshirt, various womens things, socks, an umbrella, and more food. At this point I was wondering if this lady on the street would still be in the same location. But I hopped she would be. I wanted her to be there. I was feeling good about what I was doing.

With Karen driving we head off to Tarjez. Upon arriving, the homeless lady was not there. I felt a little bummed. So we drove around. We looked around Smart & Final. We looked around a IHOP, then we went across the street to a 99cent only store where I saw a guy with a shopping cart who was with the lady. He remembered me and told me she was with another guy behind a tire store lot in a tent (some trees and vegetation provided good cover from police or "evildoers&quot .

We drove behind the tire store and began calling the Lady's name. She came out from a tent and saw me. At this point I had a wonderful feeling, because I said Happy Birthday to her pulling out the big bag of stuff for her. The smile on her face said 1000 words. I knew she needed these things. When you are homeless, you don't have TP or a hot shower, or warm clothes when it rains. Karen apparently felt good about this too because she is committed to helping these people. We told this person about a church that can provide shelter, and a place to eat a good meal called "Gathering Inn" which is located in Roseville--east of Sacramento. I honestly felt very good about giving her some food and other essentials that were clearly needed. I don't have much myself, but she has nothing. She said she did not know about Gathering Inn. I feel good now knowing that someone who has nothing, can at least have some sort of beginning toward something: Dignity, life, and the thought that there are people in this world who do give a damn. I hope she goes to Gathering Inn. It will give her a feeling that we all need in dire times, and that one thing is "hope". I'm sure I will she this person again. I will report on future meetings.
I hope others on this site can do similar things for someone in need. It really does make you feel good inside.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. Blessings on you for the good deed you did today!

I hope that she will find the "Gathering Inn" and make use of it. Perhaps they can help her with more than just a good meal.

Recommended!

[Ecumenist]

2. God bless you, LeftCoast2020! You are a rare earth angel and I am completely awed and PROUD

of you. From a fellow DU'er to the South and West of you....

[Left Coast2020]

4. Thank you so much.

I'm more aware now of what its like to suffer though life since I damn near wound up on the streets myself--after losing my job in China. I did not want to come back to this economy. I see it almost every day and it tears me up inside. If only there could be some wealthy bankers on the street, we may have a more compassionate society.

[Odin2005]

3. EPIC WIN!!!

(BTW, Tar-jayz? REALLY??? )

[Rowdyboy]

6. I don't think my partner has EVER called Target anything but "Tar-jeh"...must be an inside joke!

[Odin2005]

10. I live in Fargo and I've NEVER heard it called "tarjayz".

If you said that here people would look at you funny.

[Left Coast2020]

11. I didn't have time to look it up a French dictionary.

I think you are correct. "Tar-jeh."

Thanks.

[nadine_mn]

15. Here in MN we refer to it as Tarjeh...makes it sound fancier

Than wallyworld or KameApart

[Thav]

17. Around here it depends on the store

If it's really clean and seems kinda upscale, it's a Tar-zhey.
If it's your average big box store - it's Target.
If it's rough, dirty and not pleasant to be in, it's a Targhetto.

[Rowdyboy]

5. Love is love however and whenever it manifests itself....thanks dor showing her that many of us care

[The Doctor.]

7. Ya done Jesus proud.

Thanks for being kind.

It's the least that decent people can do... but it really is so much.

[renate]

8. you made us happy today, too

Thank you for this wonderful warm fuzzy feeling.

Hugs to you and Karen and your new friend!

[Liberty Belle]

9. I've done something similar.

Once a friend gave me some belongings of his wife who died, and asked me to see that they went to a good cause. I was on my way to take them to a charity when I saw a homeless woman with no gloves, on a cold winter day. I stopped and gave her a pair of red cashmere gloves - you should've seen her face light up!

I gave another homeless woman a fur cap, and a matching scarf, and some leather gloves to another street person. To think such small treasures can make such a difference to someone....and how many just drive by as though these people do not even exist.

I've often bought a cup of coffee or a hot meal for a homeless person who looks truly in need, or offered a clean blanket if they have one in tatters. Why don't more people do these simple things?

[byronius]

12. Well done. ::Applause::

[Raine]

13. TERRIFIC, what a nice thing to do

You deserve a BIG

[Elfin Yeti]

14. Reminded me...

...about a year ago I got out of my car to go into the grocery store and heard some lovely guitar music. As I approached the store I saw a 30-something black man sitting on a folding chair on the grass in the lot with a sign over his opened guitar case that read "just trying to make ends meet". I decided to get him something to eat while I was in the store and spent no small amount of time choosing healthy items, you know, a pre-made chef salad, some whole grain rolls, a drink. When I exited the store he was still there so I smiled, told him how much I enjoyed his music, and handed him the bag. He looked at me indignantly and howled, "I ain't one of them homeless people!" Taken aback, I said with just as much indigence, "I don't eat meat! What am I supposed to do with it?" He took the bag indignantly and by the time I'd loaded my car and headed out I saw his friend pick him up in a shiny new BMW! I guess he wasn't really having much trouble making ends meet!

[nadine_mn]

16. Thank you

I love hearing stuff like this

[jillan]

18. You are wonderful!!!!!! The happiest I made a homeless man was before Christmas

He was standing outside of an entrance to a parking lot with all his possessions and his dog.

While I was shopping I picked up some granola bars for him - always filling and kinda healthy - and I also picked up a large box of dog treats for his dog.
I handed him those things along with some cash. But he was most excited to get the dog treats for his dog. Look what you got! Look what you got! he kept telling the dog.

Brought tears to my eyes how a little something can mean so much to someone in need.
And I was only regretful that I didn't buy the dog some actual food.

We all need to keep that in mind. You never know when that could be us ~ or someone close to us.

Thank you for this thread Left Coast 2020 and for your big heart!

[Nye Bevan]

19. You are a wonderful, special person,

and I know you made Jesus smile.

Thanks for sharing.