A New Chapter - The Murphy's

On October 2013, Saturday Blessings became part of Matthew 25, outreach program of American Martyrs Catholic Church in Manhattan Beach.

During a meeting of Matthew 25, my husband James, presented the Saturday Blessings project, giving a complete explanation of our mission.  The members were enrolled in the idea and signed up to participate and support us.

PJ Murphy Matthew 25 Co-Chair, loved the idea, her commitment went further bringing her husband Tim and Meghan her teenage daughter to the work.

For first time, Saturday Blessings had actual volunteers outside the family. The Murphy’s diligently learned the process of shopping, assembling the breakfast bags and personally deliver. And most importantly, when giving the food were offering a human contact to our  homeless friends. The connection came almost immediately and very natural between them.

I have a nice memory of Tim actively talking about sports with a couple of guys, and everybody were laughing and enjoying the conversation. In another stop he found a homeless from his home town, that was another way of interaction, and most important of connection.

PJ has been able to inspire a homeless painter, Lawrence.  He’s a skilled artist who produces beautiful drawings in pencil.  She helps him with art materials.

And lastly, but not the least, is Meghan, 18.  Meghan is warm, engaged and very responsible. She’s not afraid to wake up very early to travel to DTLA giving out bags, smiles and hugs.  Around half of the homeless population we serve is Hispanic. Meghan learned Spanish and while she was shy at the start, it didn’t take too long for her to gain confidence and fully connect in Spanish. 

Meghan is now a full time college student, however, this past October she brought a group of classmates to volunteer in the program and they also loved the project.

Tim & PJ are committed volunteers who support the cause year-round, while Meghan Murphy is currently one of the Directors of Saturday Blessings Board.

Meghan also wrote a wonderful essay about her experience in joining Saturday Blessing project that is posted in our website.   

From our Volunteers - Tom Freeman

On June 2014, Tom wrote us an email expressing his desire to participate in the Saturday Blessings project.  We happily accepted.

Since that Friday afternoon in last June when he came over to volunteer, Tom has been a wonderful and ever-present supporter of the project. 

Almost every week for the past year, Tom has set time apart Friday afternoon after work, to dedicate to Saturday Blessings project.  He starts with shopping and continues with help in preparation of the breakfast bags.  Agile and accurate, he fills the brown bags, and in "no time," they are ready to be packed in the car. 

One of the things that is easiest to notice, is the love and dedication Tom has for his role in this project.  His generous spirit allows him to be ready any moment,  any time to help the poor and needy through Saturday Blessings.  He helps us think about the importance of sharing our work and message so that Saturday Blessings can receive more support, more volunteers and thus grow to serve more of our homeless friends. 

Tom's big smile and soft spoken personality is well suited for connecting with our homeless friends.  On Saturday mornings,  while giving breakfast bags, he politely addresses them with a courteous and friendly "good morning sir".  They feel respected and sometimes the conversation starts there.  Tom likes to walk down the street to reach to the people who are far away and make sure that everybody receives a breakfast bag, clothing, etc. engaging in a casual chat or simply listening.     

Over the past year, Tom has become a vital part of this project.  During our summer absence, he will take over the weekly responsibilities of Saturday Blessings. His wife, Sandra, with Spanish fluency, is also an active volunteer so together, we have no doubt, they will continue to deliver breakfasts and love to our homeless friends in DTLA. 

From our Volunteers - Discovering Friendships

Saturday Blessings has probably impacted my life more than anything else I’ve experienced thus far. When I was 18 years old, I was heading down the wrong path. I had lost sight of who I was, and even more, I had lost sight of my faith. My dedication to service and God’s will had diminished, and my primary focus in life had become myself. One day, my mom came home from a church meeting where Saturday Blessings was discussed. She asked my dad and I if we wanted to participate in feeding the homeless. This was my chance. I immediately said yes, desperate to rekindle the light of the Lord in my life. My parents stared at me in disbelief. “You understand we have to be out the door by 5 am, right, Meg?” I understood.

So, later that week, I went with my parents to Maria and James’ (the founders of Saturday Blessings) house to make 96 sack lunches. Each lunch consisted of one cheese sandwich, protein bar, water bottle, soda, and bag of chips. Throughout our time packing lunches, Maria and James explained how kind and gracious the majority of the homeless were, and although it was sometimes necessary to be cautious, it was never necessary to be afraid. When I left their house, I already felt my dedication to God’s work returning. The next morning, my parents and I woke up at 4:30 am and met James and Maria at 5. Even though I was tired, I didn’t sleep on the ride to Downtown Los Angeles because I was so excited. When we arrived, I was shocked to see hundreds of tents, blankets, and cardboard boxes lining the street. I followed James down the street, nervous whether or not the people who embraced James and Maria with hugs would accept me. To my surprise, I received a warm smile or “God bless you” from nearly every recipient. My heart melted, and my faith grew stronger with every kind face. Soon enough, I was having full-on conversations with people and being enveloped in hugs myself. When we ran out of lunches and clothing to distribute, I lingered in my conversations, not wanting the morning to end. Eventually, it was time to go home, as our homeless friends needed to pack up their belongings and go about their days. Everyone waved us goodbye. On the car ride home, I cried. I cried out of sadness for my new homeless friends, and for the homeless we didn’t have enough food to feed. I also cried tears of joy because I had accepted the light of the Lord into my life again.

Sometimes the Lord enters our lives at the most unexpected, yet most vital times. Saturday Blessings is not only a blessing for about 100 homeless every Saturday, but for myself as well. I do not know, and I do not want to know, where I would be today if my mom had not invited me to participate that evening. I am sure glad she did though. To this day, almost two years later, I continue to participate in Saturday Blessings. Sadly, I do not participate as much as I would like due to college, however, every time I go, it is as if I never stopped. I am embraced in hugs and showered with smiles from my friends. Yes, my friends. Saturday Blessings is not only about feeding and clothing the homeless. It is about building life-long relationships with them as well. I am so incredibly blessed to be a part of Saturday Blessings, and I look forward to the years to come. 

Stories about our Friends

The most well-known story about homelessness, is about poverty and mental illness.  While that is undeniable, it is also true that there are more to the tale than that.  There are stories about generosity, work, love, friendship, hope, faith, and even humor. We witness this every week with our homeless friends.

Often, when I look at them, I wonder about who they were before.  Do they have a family, a mother, a father, maybe children, and how they were loved.  I find it amazing that in the face of such difficult circumstances, they still have an smile to greet us and a blessing to thank us. 

Edward Walker

Edward Walker (Aug. 25, 1938 - Sept. 20,2010), was a homeless man who became our friend over two years. Every time he received our breakfast bag he was happy to talk.  He was a retiree with a very modest pension, not enough to pay for a room. He didn't really need our breakfast bag, but he loved the human interaction and personal attention. He was well informed of current events and had many opinions.  Among his homeless fellows he was called the Professor.  We had the chance to get to know him, and we invited him a couple of times to have a longer breakfast at “Philippe's”. 

One chilly morning after giving him a breakfast bag, I noticed he looked very sick and could not even talk.  I asked him if we could take him to the hospital, but he didn't accept and only asked for vitamins and coughing medicine. 

"I just need to gain my strength back" he said.  Later when we returned with his vitamins, he was waiting for us ready to go to the hospital. We drove him to a nearby clinic, where luckily he was accepted, because his retiree status.  Later he was transferred to a hospital and then to a nursing home.

We visited him in all the facilities.  We celebrated his birthday with a cake and candles.  Sadly, it was to be his last one.  He loved chocolates, Pay Day was his favorite, so we brought him that small treat every time we visited him. Once he told us he was thankful of the attention he received in the nursing home, but he missed the freedom of going out whenever he pleased.  He missed Santa Monica, his favorite place and looking at the stars at night. Unfortunately his diagnosis was not good enough to leave the hospital any time soon.

He passed away on September 20, 2010 in a hospital bed under the attention of nurses and doctors.  He died in peace in a better place, not on the cold corner under the tunnel where he used to sleep. He didn't have family, but he had us. We arranged the funeral service with love and dignity.  

Edward understood the concept of our actions, that its not just a matter of handing a breakfast bag to the homeless, but rather the act to connecting and trying to make a difference in a life a the time. Maybe to some of our friends, it is not much of a difference, but maybe to others, like Edward it can make a big difference. And all of this started thanks to our simple little breakfast bag.  

Luis

He's the music man.  He sings and plays guitar. He carries his instrument with him at all times and you see him sleeping next to his guitar.  He works in small taverns nearby playing and singing popular music.  However, he does not make enough money to rent a room.  Being a homeless, he says, makes it difficult to dress properly for a presentation in a public place. Fortunately one of his employers gives him a place to keep his clean clothes. Knowing what he needs, one day, I brought him two white shirts clean and pressed, just his size. He was thankful and happy and said “it's perfect for my work”.  

In his younger years he said he played in the "Casa Blanca" and won some awards. Unfortunately he had a car accident that rendered him disabled for many years. He's almost fully recovered and back to work.  He’d love to give us a performance any time... He’s determined to keep on going until his retirement. He has faith in God and hope in the future.  

Joe

Joe is a young man, with charm and a good disposition.  He's currently an student in Pasadena Community College.  He told us he is really close to finishing his Associate degree and looking forward to transferring to a university.  He has been receiving our breakfast bag for quite some time but never talked to us. He looked very reserved, so I was curious about him.  Lately he has started sharing his story. Family affairs prohibit him from living with his mother.  Since he's a student at PCC, Joe is able to receive a support and help from school, to begin his career.

One early morning when I was taking pictures and he was receiving his breakfast bag, I said "I'll take a picture with that smile", and he answered me "...Yes do it, before it wears off".  I found this statement very profound.  It reminded me think that our weekly visit can make them to smile, and sometimes provide some hope.  We know it is a testimony that we care.

Samuel

Samuel works at a parking lot place, signaling with a flag so people can see there are open spaces to park. Samuel is always smiling , always waving at us from the other corner so we can see him and give him the brown bag breakfast.  In his youth he was a fisherman; he talks about which phases of the moon are good for a catch.  Proudly he says that if you don’t know about these phases, you’re not a good fisherman.  He lost his wife and now he is homeless.  He tells us: "I'm heading to work, and the breakfast bag will be my lunch."

One day I asked Samuel: 'where have you been, I haven't seen you lately, there are so many tents I don't know which one is yours." He answered: "It is very easy to find me, look my tent even has an address..." It was true, his tent was sitting under the street sign "Arcadia” and that was his home address. 

Jovita

Jovita is one of the few homeless women that we know. She doesn't feel comfortable spending the night at a rescue mission.  We known her for about five years now. She talks about her son who lives in Mexico; she keeps him in her mind and heart at all times.  She often invites us to come to her house in Mexico.   

"Hola Corazon," (hi sweetheart) is the way she greets me with an smile. "Do you have some clothes for me? I have nothing, I got robbed."  Robbing the poor, it sounds inconceivable but it happens, quite frequently in fact. Luckily I had clothing in her size and the color she likes (dark colors). Of course she always ask for some face cream. I gave her the cream and a nice bottle of perfume.  She went back to her corner happy with her new stuff. 

Alma

Alma is originally from Armenia, a kind and loving lady. Early morning she greets us with a genuine smile.  She declares she came to US as a political refugee.  She believes the KGB (Russian secret police) is looking for her. She likes to talk about Russian politics, and other international issues.  After she receives the breakfast bag, she says: "Thank you ‘sweet heart’, God bless you!"

In the five years we've known her, she has rarely asked for anything. A few weeks ago, she showed me her jacket was broken, and she wanted a replacement. I decided to find a special jacket for her.  After visiting several stores without finding anything, I went to a fancy sports store. I had hoped to find something on sale.  Well, it was better than that! I found a jacket that was on clearance, 50% from original price.  I couldn't believe it; it was light and warm, as Alma had requested, with a great color and the perfect size for her.  The next day I discreetly gave her the bag.  After a few minutes somebody tapped my back, and I turned to see that it was Alma, modeling the new jacket. She graciously turned around showing off the new clothing.  And then she walked away.

The Rich One

One morning one guy said to me about another homeless guy: "he's the rich one of the neighborhood," I said "why?"  "Look at him, he has a house with fence, and still sleeping." Yes, the 'rich guy' had put a plastic cover against a fence to protect himself from the cold night. His neighbors didn't have that protection.

The Pachanga Party

With a big smile a guy told me one morning, "I have a 'pachanga' (party) tonight, so I need a suit and a tie, but let's start with a 'playera' (t-shirt), socks and a boxer, and I'm ready!" I handed him some items and he left happy and ready for his party.  I was left with a smile too!

The Rooster

One early morning I heard a guy imitating a rooster. He was great and funny, and keep repeating the singing of the rooster so well that people were laughing and having a good time.  He then stopped and  said: "you know what? I'm entertaining you for free, I'm going to charge you for your laughs... but, it's Okay be happy now."

Bananas

This morning, in addition to the breakfast bag and clothing we gave out bananas.  I asked to one of our friends if he wanted a banana, and he responded yes while he mimicked a monkey.

It's too little.

More than once we've asked ourselves, "is what we are doing really worth it? Does it make any difference giving 60 breakfast bags every week when the needy are 600? Wouldn't be better to donate our resources to a non-profit that knows better?" 

With these questions in mind, one early morning after I gave a breakfast bag to Edward, he told me: “I was waiting for you last week and you didn't come”. Over the years we've received many similar comments.  Our friends are waiting for us, counting on us for the first meal of the day or perhaps the only one.  Edward's statement made us realize that we've become part of their lives, for a moment, at least. Maybe they like our breakfast bag, or the  clothing they receive, or maybe how we try to connect with them?  It may be all or none of the above, but we certainly believe that the human interaction is powerful.  

Being in direct contact with our friends, whether it’s handing a breakfast bag or spending a couple of minutes to chat with them, we feel like it is making a little bit of a difference in their lives.

We make ourselves available to talk and listen as friends with no judgement.  We want to connect with them through a just a small conversation or joke. This can elevate their spirit, knowing that there is someone out there in the world who can give them a little bit of support and care, and as a person told us, "is good to be listened to, it's like being accepted."   

The majority of homeless have difficult stories that have brought them to where they are now. We know we cannot solve their major issues, but we can offer them friendship. As we hand them a breakfast bag every Saturday morning, our intent is to give them a small gift and if they are up for a chat or a joke, we are there. 

So that’s what energizes us every week.  Sometimes they love our presence, sometimes they don't care, but we've come to accept and love them as they are.