Don’s ride is an electric wheelchair, moving quietly through neighborhood streets on his way to Hope House. He makes his entrance through our back door via the ramp, greeting the volunteers as he passes them. Don is a large man and he often has trouble finding clothing his size and that is easy to put on from a wheelchair—he is usually looking for sweatpants, size XXL. He also often “shops” for his wife, who is working when he visits us.
The other day, Don arrived with a bag of books hanging from his wheelchair—a donation to share with us. We’ve noticed an increase in Don’s visits lately, and when he’s done shopping, he often sits and drinks coffee and watches the people coming in and out. I told him that day that he is always welcome to come by just for a cup of coffee and a cookie—he doesn’t need to be “shopping” to be here. That got a smile and some conversation from him.
Don is just one example of a growing trend at Hope house, the social interaction and the human contact element of what we do. Many more of our clients are choosing to “sit awhile” and visit with us and with each other. In this way, Hope House has become an important and vibrant part of the neighborhood community, a place to connect with others, socialize, and just feel human again. Imagine living your life with little to no contact with others on a daily basis; no one speaking your name or asking how you’re doing. How lonely a life is that?
We are ALL part of the Body of Christ, are we not? Thanks to our donors and supporters, we are able to “feed” our clients in many important ways. I invite all to come share life at Hope House!
