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Vacuum

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I knew her from the warming shelter. On the nights when I dropped in to help, she was often there. So cheerful. Always polite. We could only speak through the translation app on the phone, but we used it. We had several conversations. She worked during the days, at odd jobs she could find, some of them housecleaning. Being able to find work was very important to her. It’s hard to work when you don’t have a place to keep your belongings during the day. There are many who are unhoused who would like to work, but can’t manage it… read more

All of Us Need All of Each Other

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Interdependence Expands Freedom Independence is defined by ability to choose your actions, make decisions. When independence is understood as self-reliance, however, freedom suffers. If you were truly self-reliant, you would spend your day figuring out how to get enough food and water and keep yourself safe. You wouldn’t need love or understanding, nor would there be a point in offering it. Interdependence, relying on and caring for others, increases options and thereby freedom. Nearly everyone relies on a network of relationships each day. We may eat food that someone else grew, use streets we didn’t pave, and live in a… read more

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No Safety if You’re Poor

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Article 1 Section 1 of the California State Constitution was recently brought to my attention. It reads: “All people are by nature free and independent and have inalienable rights. Among these are enjoying and defending life and liberty, acquiring, possessing, and protecting property, and pursuing and obtaining safety, happiness, and privacy.” When delivering water last week, we were excited to bring a bike procured for someone in need of one. When we found him, we saw his tent and belongings had been burned entirely by another person. When the fire trucks came the night before, he and his neighbor told… read more