The man was visibly frightened as he approached us and asked for money.

He stepped backwards as he spoke to distance himself from his request, from his own words, and any consequences that might follow.

A fickle focus, trailing thoughts, glassed over eyes, and disjointed perception of time made it clear he was a user. Having come down enough to beg, he confessed he expected I would be angry at him; that I might yell at or even push him out of the way. Handing him some cash and the coffee I purchased in the 7-11 for his frozen fingers I asked, “Why would you ever expect someone to react like that?”

Homelessness. (Pic | C. G. P. Grey)

He raised his arms in a slight shrug. He gently twisted side to side to let us see all that he was as he spoke.

“Look at me. I’m a black piece of shit. Look at you. Who’s going to help me?”

My wife and I hugged him as he cried and continued to denigrate himself. We both tried to stop him by telling him that these horrible feelings were not true, and that things would get better, but the tears kept coming as he started to ask questions. He asked us about god and eternity, speculating aloud to strangers in a 7-11 parking lot what this existence might all be about. I opened my mouth to answer but my words abandoned me at the sight of a man at his lowest, and the fact that despite our words he would not have a bed that night.

As we parted ways he promised us he would figure out existence. My heart broke as I walked to breakfast hand in hand with a person I know loves me.

…

Tonight this man will join more than 550 people that are homeless in the city of Norfolk. Some suffer from substance abuse problems and others from mental illness. An increasing number of people were simply too close to the poverty line to weather the recession. Many of these folks will find refuge in our area shelters and some in transitional housing; many others will sleep on Norfolk’s streets. Every one of them needs our help and our love. Are you willing to step up?

In 2005 Norfolk Mayor Paul Fraim laid out an ambitious and admirable goal of ending homelessness in 10 years. Four years later, in 2009 according to the U.S. Conference of Mayors, Norfolk experienced one of the highest per capita increases of homelessness in the nation. The closing of the Ford plant coupled with the economic downturn strained our mayor’s very best intentions, and yet the city remains committed to this commendable goal. However, they need our help.

I believe that we, the people of Norfolk, are the only ones that can truly see this social ill laid to rest. Politically we must insist that this remains a top priority for our city government. Financially we need to support those projects and organizations that are making real and lasting good. We need to volunteer our time and talents, and we too need to be in this for the long haul. Where do you get involved? I’m glad you asked because here is an easy way for you as a citizen to get the ball rolling, and all you have to do is enjoy having fun. If you don’t enjoy fun then this event is not for you, but if you do…

Did Tatum draw a picture of Tatum?

This Sunday at 8pm at 37^th and Zen there will be a Party for a Purpose. We will have music and art galore, dancing and drinks ($3 dollar O’Conner’s pints anyone?), raffle prizes, and wonderful people coming together for a wonderful cause. 100% of proceeds will go to area shelters and homelessness outreach groups. Representatives from these organizations will be on hand as well with information for how to further get involved. We will also have a representative from the city’s Office to End Homelessness letting us know about their long term plan and where each of us can plug in to help.

Your ear drums will groove and soar to the music of The Branch and it’s Bird, Kayce Mcgehee, The Middles, DJ Corey Hodge.net, DJ Lord Thomas, and Collyn Coates.

Your eyes will pop out of your skull as you enjoy original works of art from Avery Shaffer, Thom White, Jaime Simpson, Amanda Page Stephens, Asha Baiden, Nichole Ashikis, James Corcoran, Olivia Zoog Newman, Tatum Sumners Ford, Galina Varchena, and Gabriel Robinson. The amount of good things happening will make your mind spin like a whirling dervish.

Ending homelessness is something the city of Norfolk truly can realize, but only if we the residents want it and work for it. Please come dance, sing, drink, and love while supporting those who need it most. It’s my sincere belief that one day we will proudly say we ended homelessness in our city. We will say that in Norfolk every citizen is loved and cared for, and that we let no human experience the paralyzing loneliness and physical hardship that is homelessness. Come out and bank some karma.

For the Facebook event page and more info, click here.