Have you ever heard? “They don’t deserve it!” “Those drug addicts are all the same, they steal, lie, cheat – just to get their next fix!” “Anything you give them – they’ll sell for drugs!”
Jade lives on the street. She has a family who’ll gladly take her back whenever Jade wants to get help, treatment, and counseling. But Jade doesn’t want too.
Jade is somebody’s daughter, somebody’s mother, somebody’s sister, somebody’s lover. Jade lives in a dark space, an empty space, a loveless space, a lonely space, a trauma-filled space. Jade is twenty-six.
Jade’s hands are blue from the cold, her feet need warm socks, and she would use a cup of coffee. She tries to get extra money by pan-handling but city by-laws restrict that action and store owners are reluctant to have people begging in front of their entrances. Her welfare support is spent in the first few days – she has no idea where it went or what she bought. But Jade is still hungry, still cold, and still lonely.
The Bible story of Manna – God’s acceptance, love, and provision given to an undeserving people – motivates what Manna Homeless Society does in Oceanside. We care, value, honour, respect, and cherish the most vulnerable demonstrably with emergency food, coats, socks, gloves, hats, heat-reflective blankets, boots – whatever we have been provided; we share with those in need.
This year Manna has noticed more people living in vehicles than ever before. We hear from Seniors who can no longer afford rent, medications, and food each month – so need to choose what to give up. We see the children of long-term Oceanside residents making poor, self-harming choices. And to all – without judgment – we offer emergency help, some hope for a better future, and the awareness that Oceanside is a caring community that helps one another – even those who don’t seem to deserve it.
This Holiday Season please consider three personal action choices:
1. Re-alignment in perspective – not to judge too quickly or harshly those evidencing poor self-harm choices – these are our sisters, cousins, brothers, moms, daughters and sons.
2. When you see someone in need, text or phone for help from Manna: 250-248-0845.
3. We’re in desperate need of winter boots, gloves, and coats – please drop off all donations at our receiving box opposite the main entrance at the Wildlife Recovery Centre on Leffler Road in Errington.
