My conversation with Roy

First of all, this post has nothing to do with photography or my business, but has everything to do with me. A concern that has weighed heavy on my heart for quite some time now is how can I help the less fortunate? And I don't mean hand them money, I mean really get in and help them. I thought of an idea a while back of starting an organization, but still wondered if it would do any good. I finally had the idea of taking a moment to stop and talk to someone who would know best if my idea would help or not.. A man named Roy, on the street asking for help in the form of holding a sign that read "Just Hungry. God bless."

I first drove by this man, and I rolled down my window to hand him $5. I wanted to see his reaction and how he handled accepting the money. When I handed him the money he was very grateful. He said thank you, happy new year, and don't ever lose that smile on your face. I knew this was the one, he was the one that I needed to ask these questions that I had rolling around in my mind. So I turned around, parked in a near by parking lot, and got the courage to go sit by him and start a conversation. Now for me this was scary. I had no clue what his reaction would be or if he would be open to giving me his honest opinion and story. The answers I received were exactly what I needed to hear.

I told him of my idea of how I want to help people that are in need and may be in common situations as himself. Not only did he like my idea, he then went on to tell me of other organizations that can help ME make my idea a success. I was shocked. Here I was, talking to a man who needs something so badly from someone else yet I became the one in need and he helped me. I now have the knowledge of where to start to really put my ideas into action.

I went on to ask him if he was homeless. I was a little nervous because now I was starting to ask some personal questions. He told me that now he is not homeless, thank God. All of the money he gets goes towards rent to live in a motel. He went on to tell me that last year his home was under the blue bridge. He said he has been sober now for 3 years and has turned his life to God and that is the reason that he now has a roof over his head. He said people will ask him while he is out on the street if he is a liar, and his response is no.. my sign says that I am hungry, I have no money for food or else I would not be out here. He then told me about the church he goes to and other wonderful churches and organizations that are out there to help people. Not one thing he said to me was negative. Even in the situation he is in, he still was so thankful that this year he is a lot further than he was last year.

The conversation helped confirm that I am on the right track and I can't wait to get it going! So here is my plan: I want to call it "Backpacks for hope". I want to collect backpacks and fill them with items such as food and water that can easily be eaten without needing to cook. I will also include a pamphlet of information for organizations that can help with housing, jobs, food, etc. I figured having the items in a backpack would be handy since a lot of people do not have transportation and walk quite a bit. I also want to include material that will be uplifting and a reminder to never give up hope. Now I know that this may not seem like a huge help to some, but it is something. And I know that not every person that is in a situation like this will want it, but its ok. If at least one person is helped by the contents of what they have found in their backpack then we have done our job. I would love to have the help and support from my friends and family and would love any suggestions you all may have!