04/05/2026
OMD made its latest trip to try and help those who may need it…. Waited till the rain stopped today, then headed to the local grocery store to get apples, bananas, oranges, some single serve pretzel and cracker snacks, water, and yes though not too healthy- some soda. Went downtown first and found some individuals there. Since buses don’t run on Sunday, they usually sit at the bus stop on Second. Handed out some food and drinks, and spent sometime talking to a man who just started talking… he had a job for thirty years, had some bad luck, and now lives on the street with all he has. He had quite a bit of stuff with him, not sure how he moves it all around. Asked him what he could use besides food and drinks, and he said things I didn’t think of- Laundry cards to clean his cloths, lockers downtown to store things so that when he goes to see a doctor, he doesn’t have things stolen- and carts to carry things- things I wouldn’t think of but will work towards helping with whenever OMD can. Then headed to encampment down on Cameron, and quite a few individuals came up to get things and said to me” haven’t seen you in a while…thanks for coming back” …makes me realize I need to go up more often. Although I wish none of them had to live there, it is nice to be recognized and remembered as someone who has been there before. I think with time that they will trust me and know I am there to help anyway we can. Had one couple come up to me and ask if I could help them get propane, and of course I said yes. Took their tank to a local store and exchanged it for a new one. Bought them some milk as well as they had cereal back at there tent.
As I headed home, I was reminded again as to how blessed I am that I have a home to go home to. My life may not be without sadness and worry, but I am so lucky to have what I have. Most of the people at the encampment are people just down on their luck, and OMD will do whatever we can to help.
Please share, support, and follow OMD here on Instagram and on FB. My FB account still disabled, have actually given up sending emails, but apparently what is posted here somehow gets there. Please spread the word - so appreciate you all following.