Eight Days Later… HOPE is key

 Well, hello again!

The tent is off the lawn, and an eight feet tall HOPE is there instead.  This wasn’t planned.  The team that erects our Advent words each year chose to bring HOPE down off the hill and place it in a more prominent spot this year, and a lot of us feel that is just perfect.

We are so HOPEful that the project that has just begin will continue with the great energy and support that it has received so far… with our on-line, community and congregation supporters.

We are HOPEful that the Panel Discussion tomorrow evening will shine more light on the Poverty & Homelessness situation in Lincoln.

We are HOPEful that even more people will sign the petition at the event tomorrow night and at the church until December 9th.

We are HOPEful that the team at Trinity working on Proposals for the Provincial Government will be successful on their first submission to MPP Sam Oosterhoff, by crafting the perfect proposal for an Ontario Guaranteed Income or similar support that is’t sent back for more work.

I think my HOPE for this continuing project is overflowing and immense.  There are times when my HOPE takes my breathe away.

I HOPE that people listened to my greatest anxiety while I was living like a homeless person, and that they make eye contact with people… homeless or otherwise.  Being invisible, shunned, ignored… hurts so much and takes quite a bit of time to recover from; if ever.

I HOPE people talk about poverty and homelessness, and make it easier for people to say they are struggling with meeting their rent, paying bills, buying food.  Remove the shame and work towards solutions.

I HOPE people listen when someone admits, even in the smallest way, that they are having financial difficulties, and offer support.  Support such as suggesting they call 211, and ask where to find help.  Or call Community Care West Niagara and ask what can be done BEFORE they lose their home.

I HOPE that the spirit of the Christmas Season lasts longer than the trees, lights and decorations do.  It’s hard, in the new year, with bills and resolutions and just being tired of the grey cold weather, hard to stay positive and HOPEful, but giving of our hearts needn’t stop because Christmas is over.

But most of all, I HOPE that the need for Food Banks and Housing Support declines instead of increases, and yes, I am just that naive to believe it could.  It’s what I HOPE for the most, and with all of the support I’ve seen and felt, I can see how by working together in many ways, the work can be shared and the HOPE can be realized.

If you want to help, leave a comment on what you can offer and I will be in touch (or DM if you’d rather).

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