Project 365: January 8, 2010

Today’s pictures are covered in tear stains.

Kansas City is experiencing one of the snowiest and coldest winters on record.

Due to the present economic climate, the number of homeless in Kansas City is on the rise. People who once had a warm home, are finding themselves on the street.

Today—the predicted low temperature was to dip down to -16° … with even deadlier windchill readings.

When I saw on the news Monday night that today was going to be that cold, I felt a ping in my spirit that I needed to do something to help the homeless in the area.

A few hours later, I had a facebook announcement out asking for donations to help warm the homeless in Kansas City.

Literally hundreds of items were donated by the grassroot efforts of many good samaritans. The donations were so overwhelming, that it took 3 large vehicles to load everything.
Literally hundreds of items were donated by the grassroot efforts of many good samaritans. The donations were so overwhelming, that it took 3 large vehicles to load everything.

So I, along with a wayward group of amazing people, went out and delivered blankets, coats, hats, gloves, you name it to the homeless in Kansas City today. Here’s what we discovered:

Kansas City does not have an established Tent City. But we found these footprints leading to a camp area along the Paseo in Kansas City, MO. It was a long and difficult walk from the road. You can look and see the sign by the pole, which is about where you enter down a path to get there.
Kansas City does not have an established Tent City. But we found these footprints leading to a camp area along the Paseo in Kansas City, MO. It was a long and difficult walk from the road. Some of the snow went past my knees in some places. If you click to enlarge the pic, you can see a pole and sign. That's about where you enter down a path to the camp.
Outside of the Tent Home. This is literally where the homeless of Kansas City call their "home."
Outside of the Tent Home. This is literally what some of the homeless of Kansas City call their home.
Inside of the tent home and what appears to be their living room and kitchen area.
Inside of the tent home and what appears to be their living room and kitchen area.
Area designated at the bedroom. We assume more than one family resides here.
Area designated as their bedroom. We assume more than one family resides here.
Notice the dolls and toys. The idea that children may live here, tore us apart.
Notice the dolls and toys. The idea that children may live here, tore us apart.

I am not about guilt-tripping.
I am not about getting praise.
I am about awareness and taking action.

I have seen poverty. Maybe enough to make me a little numb to it. I had always known there were homeless people living in Kansas City. But when I saw this today, it rocked me hard. There’s a reason I began this post by saying today’s pictures are tear-stained. I feel tears welling as a I type this.

And I am now grateful to have made witness to it and do a small part to help. But we didn’t even reach the tip of the iceberg.

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The reality is this: for a lot of us, we are only a few missed paychecks away from a similar fait. So, be thankful for what you have, and remember to pray for and give to those who have nothing.

I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you do also for Me. Matthew 25:40

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If you feel so led, make a donation to reStart, Inc.

By Crystal Renaud

Crystal Renaud is the Founder & Executive Director of WHOLE Women Ministries whose projects include Dirty Girls Ministries and WHOLE Women’s Conference. She is also the author of Dirty Girls Come Clean (Moody Publishers), a speaker and student who lives in the Kansas City area. Follow @crystalrenaud on Twitter and visit her website for info on coaching and speaking at http://crystalrenaud.com.

0 comments

  1. Crystal, I had no idea. I mean, I know we have homeless people here. But to see your pictures and to know that it’s just half an hour away from my home? My keyboard is tear-stained this morning. Thank you for not just the information, but your heart.

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  3. Seeing that box of Huggies just ripped my heart apart. Can’t imagine the pain in the heart of a mother who can’t warm her baby. This is one of those times a picture really is worth a thousand words.

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  4. Seeing this is a tear-jerker and it should be. We should all be doing our part in helping our fellow bro. and sis. Thank you for all that you did. This was encouraging to read and gets the word out that we are to help out where and when we can. If you don’t have the money give of your time. Thank you and GOD bless!

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