PLEASE MEET RELLIK:
"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference." - Robert Frost
The barriers of homelessness are seen all too often as being those of the person homeless. We point over there to issues of mental health, drug dependency, housing, jobs, and other shortcomings of that person and society at large.
While these are all important and needing to be addressed, often we overlook one of the biggest barriers, the barrier within ourselves. The one that keeps us from reaching out to those in need when our compassion begs us to do so.
If we take time to get off our own life-path, to help someone that is struggling with theirs, we will end homelessness.
Rellik is of the White Mountain Apache Nation. He's been homeless for 16 years, most of that time living in a tent. It's hard to even comprehend that, especially when you sit with Rellik and get to know him. He shares openly about his struggles with both physical and mental health issues. He also shares about his dreams, about getting into housing. And of course, his constant dream of doing art and playing music. And oh yeah, he loves people! Throughout all of it, the ups and downs, especially the downs which there have been many, he keeps a levelheadedness to him that is remarkable.
Rellik is hoping to take Beginning Blacksmithing at Pratt Fine Arts Center to add to his jewelry making talents. The class costs just under $400 with a $35 supply fee. Rellik wants to save up for it but it will be difficult as he is several months behind in his phone bill. We are hoping to raise funds to help Rellik take this class!!!
UPDATE: The Paypal link has been pulled in that the goal of raising $435 has been reached with $445.68 donated, wowWOW!!! A heartfelt THANKS to everyone that made this possible, especially to Michelle who asked what was needed to finish it off and donated the last $100!!! All funds will go to pay for class expenses. No funds go directly to Rellik and as is always the case, no funds go to Facing Homelessness, none at all!
A community size LOVE to you Rellik. Thank you for sharing so beautifully your road less traveled.
Northgate Neighborhood | Rex
A QUIET THOUGHT - If you're moved by the goodness of this community, please visit http://www.facinghomelessness.org/ and click on the 'donate' button and consider a "monthly recurring" donation of just $5 in support of the work. THANK YOU!
#Kindness #JustSayHello #FacingHomelessness Crosscut KING 5
