April 4, 2020

I have had a few ask how the People Helping People program is going now that we have opened it up everyday.  I’ll answer that in a couple of ways, I think multiple viewpoints is important.  

First, it’s successful in the fact that we are making a difference in one person’s life.  If all we did was feed one person a day, I would consider it a success.  That one meal may be the difference in that person’s life.  That is success for us.  We are feeding a lot more than that though, so far it’s almost 400 people in 12 days.  The first few days we were only giving away about 10-15 meals each day.  Now we give away about 40-50 meals a day.  This makes my heart feel better.

Second, the financial costs, it is what it is.  When I opened this up last week it was my intent to cover the costs of everything on my own.  Just find a way to make it work because it needs to be done.  Many of you have stopped by and contributed.  Thank you.  Many of you have mailed in a check.  Thank you.  We got a check in the mail on Wednesday from Tacoma, Washington, we got a phone call for a donation from North Dakota, thank you.  5 dollars, 10 dollars, 100 dollars and more.  The kindness of people is truly something beautiful.  You all are beautiful people helping people.  

Lastly, the texts and messages.  I’ve heard from crystal, from Megan, Woj, Ian, Sam, Sydney, Lauren and so many more.  Stan, Marcie, Danny, Rob, Sister Sarah sent me a hand colored Sesame Street drawing.  I appreciate you and everyone for reaching out.  I appreciate how you feel about what we are doing down here.  It’s uncomfortable for me to hear and read people saying nice things about me.  I’m just doing what’s right, nothing special at all.  It’s the right thing to do.  But I’m trying to be more understanding of people reaching out to say thank you.  Don’t do something because you get praise for it, do it because it’s the right thing to do.  Don’t do it for the article in the paper or on tv, do it because it’s the right thing to do.  Don’t do it because you get a thank you card in the mail, do it because its the right thing to do.  We opened up PHP because it is the right thing to do.  Do it for the guests who need help, the college student who just lost their job, the family of 4 who’s parents just lost their job.  The senior citizen who’s social security check doesn’t come for another 11 days.  We will continue to have your back.  Every single day.

Today’s quote comes all the way from a cabin in Alaska.  It’s where I spend my days in my mind when I daydream about change.  It’s from my friends the Beatles..

But of all these friends and lovers

There is no one compares with you