Pushing past those who mean to hinder...
After not getting a lot of monetary support through facebook and other social media, I posted a query on a Dallas message board for any small businesses that may want to help in the Backpacks For The Homeless campaign.
I got a lot of hateful comments from people saying that it only hinders programs set in place that the homeless should seek out and continues and encourages the cycle of homelessness. I wanted to share the response I gave here:
Although some people made great points it was discouraging to see some people not realize doing nothing is not helping. I started this two years ago after watching a video about how to load a backpack for 20 bucks to give to those in need.
I likes the idea and put it out there on Facebook and we raised 500, and I was able to get multiple volunteers from my church.
The thing is, I told these volunteers this was not a way to push God onto people. We were not going to hand these bags out then say God bless you or a flyer to the church.
I told them we would not be the group that expects thank yous or gratitude, we would be the ones that did it because it is right.
I took donations and made everything transparent saved receipts for viewing on request and even convinced two local Goodwills to donate backpacks.
I even got someone to buy bulk beanies through AMAZON and sent to me.
We put together bags and maxed up the toiletries, neglected to add the razor for shaving because that seemed too enabling for something hurtful and we ended up with a ton of bags.
Some people wanted to donate, some only wanted to help pack and some wanted to come out and distribute.
To each their own. Everyone that helped pack them got a bag and we told them to keep them in their car to distribute when they see someone in need.
Yes, do some people do it so they can feel good about themselves and say, LOOK AT ME I AM AMAZING? Yes. Yes they do.
Do some of them never participate again? Of course.
But most of the times it gives people perspective, and this leads to more volunteers in the community. This teaches humility. This helps in a grander scope.
I could go on and on about the shelters and existing organizations that are in place but I did my research already, others should as well before getting on a splintered soapbox.
I know what helps and what hinders. I know the system is not perfect and neither is this campaign, but boots on the ground starts with a step, and this can lead to a much larger thing to help.
This mentality of people saying to not do this reminds me of people who say that a lot of people who think the "welfare system is what helps people so don't give your friends or family money who are struggling to pay bills, there are programs out there..."
It all starts somewhere. My close friend Brian Quinn started by handing out bottled water in the summer, coffee in the winter in Topeka Kansas.
They call themselves Silverbackks and the organization went on to be honored by the Points of Light Foundation at the White House.
Knowing Brian, I know that the most important aspect of this was not the glory and attention to him, but that it highlighted Silverbackks and helped garner them more and more support.
I am just trying to start somewhere.
I don't hand out backpacks.
I offer them, and shake hands, and talk to people and give them eye contact.
It's time to stop griping about statistics because these are people, not tally marks. And treating them like people instills confidence, and hope. Two things sorely needed for someone to pick themselves up and move toward a better life.
I know this because it is exactly what I needed to do the same.
I have a Gofundme page but also feel that if there is still skepticism, I can provide some more info on request.
I sincerely appreciate the debate and reasons people have given to not do this, the ones without the mockery and unnecessary rudeness that is, but I will get things done one way or another. You don't have to get on the bus, but please get out from in front of it. :)
https://www.facebook.com/SilverbackKS/
https://www.gofundme.com/mujvvmhz
