Never had my eyes seen such a heart breaking sight as we pulled up to the entrance of St. Vincent De Pauls early one Friday morning. Sidewalks and benches we're filled with sleeping people grasping the few possessions they could call their own. As the sun began filling the sky with light I could see a few tiresome eyes peeking out from under blankets and sleeping bags. Some we're already awake rustling around along the streets determining what to do with their day. You see I always knew homelessness was something very prevalent within the Phoenix area but never had I ever realized how bad it truly is until seeing and internalizing this sight. I was in complete shock, utter disbelief, my heart left completely shattered.

As a couple other college students and I walked inside St. Vincent's we were told we were going to be making sack lunches for the people in the area and handing them out. We organized ourselves into an assembly line for making these lunches in which some volunteers were stationed to put sandwiches in, pieces of fruit, chips, Bible verses, and I, I was put on cookie duty. One of the women in charge told me just to put a big handful of cookies into each bag and honestly being told to do that left me ecstatic because who doesn't love giving out cookies? Especially to people who haven't probably had a sweet treat in quite some time! Oh and let me tell you, these cookies weren't the boring shelf packaged cookies, these were the good cookies, the stuff you get from bakeries and those amazing Lofthouse cookies only sold during the holidays. We continued to pack the bags and with each large handful of cookies I became more and more eager to hand them out to this community in need. We soon finished packing and the prayed over the meals and the people they would be going to, and then the distribution began.

With each bag, I handed out, the smiles and pure joy on these people's faces left my heart overflowing with so much love for them, I just wanted to hug each and every one of them as they told me things like 'good morning', 'God bless you', or even a simple 'thank you'. Some of them would then tell us they were going to go tell and get their friends so they could get food too as they excitedly ran off for them. These simple phrases and kind gestures spoke volumes to me because these people in the midst very difficult times, literally having nothing, still gave to me one of the most wonderful things that can be given and received: kindness, love, and gratitude. Along with this many of them even took the time and energy to care for the others around them within this community by spreading the word about the food or making sure friends got a sack, in which was all so humbling and heartwarming to observe.

Watching these people open their bags and seeing the smiles and hugs shared when they saw the contents left me grinning from ear to ear so hard that my cheeks began to burn from straining my facial muscles. It blows my mind that through Christ using me and the other volunteers to pack these lunches He allowed for us to provide and love on these people in difficult circumstances. Yet God also used these people, these beautiful, strong, and story-filled people to show me and others that joy can be experienced in any circumstance, that it can be the simple things, like a handful of cookies and a smile that can completely change someone's day.

Homelessness and poverty is, unfortunately, a reality of this world and is something many try to ignore or are oblivious to. This heartbreaking issue is prevalent almost everywhere and is occurring whether you see it or not within your community. There are many ways to reach out and help to this specific community such as getting involved with a homeless ministry through yours or a local church, serving or volunteering at food banks, shelters, or distribution sites. Even simple things such as keeping a bag filled with non-perishable snacks and water in your car can help in moments you may see someone in need while on the go. And lastly, the most powerful thing you can do for these people living in these situations is to take it to God. Pray for these people, pray for guidance and clarity on how the Lord may want to use you to help this community. The Lord will guide you and He will guide them, we simply just need to open our ears and not just hear but truly listen to His truth filled voice.

“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." -James 1:22

“In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.” –Psalms 5:3

Interested in more information? Visit:

http://phoenixrescuemission.org/homelessness/

https://www.stvincentdepaul.net/volunteer