Day 18-19 - 'Hungry for the Needs of the Homeless' Challenge
Services Experienced
Berlin Homeless Aid
Returning to the organisation where Gordon volunteered on his first day in Berlin, he returned this time on the receiving end, as a homeless person. Gordon used these services both Saturday and Sunday evening.
Berlin Homeless Aid serve countless people during their food service (Saturday was approximately 100, Sunday, 160). The scale of its operation is huge, and very professional.
The organisation gave each homeless person a main meal (rice, chicken and salad), fruit salad, yogurt, hot coffee, chocolate pastry and a sandwich to takeaway.
Homeless People's Stories
Johnathan and Michael
Gordon met two friends, Johnathan (from Malta) and Michael (from Latvia) in the queue for food. One living on the streets of Berlin since 2013, the other since 2018.
When asked what had led them to their situations, they both laughed and went onto indicate that they were running away from something. Gordon proceeded to asked if they wanted to go back to their home countries, and they laughed and said "definitely not!"
They both live in tents on the streets in Berlin after having unsuccessful housing applications. They do not have a plan, and acknowledge they feel stuck in their situations.
The level of hopelessness in their lives is real. Yet, whilst in desperate need themselves, they still looked out for Gordon in his - giving him tips for life on the streets in Berlin and places to go, services to use. Often those that have nothing, give more than those that have everything.
Andre
Gordon bumped into Andre one morning, whilst he was having his morning beer. Andre had been in prison as a teenager in Poland. He fled to Amsterdam, and then to London, where he worked as a butcher, delivery driver and other jobs. He then moved to Berlin, and is now learning German (after learning Dutch and English in the other cities he had lived in).
They got to talking, and Gordon asked what his plan was. Andre sighed, shrugged and shook his head; "I don't know. I'm frustrated, fed up and angry".
Gordon asked to pray for him, and he accepted. Gordon prayed that Andre's past would not dictate his future, and that he would know God's love and saving grace. Andre had tears in his eyes, they embraced and hugged and parted ways.
Berlin Observations
Sadly, during one of the food services, a lady in front of Gordon in the queue passed out from too much alcohol. Whilst regularly checking on her breathing, Gordon let her sleep until she was woken up to receive her food. When woken, she was fine. Life of the streets is terrible, reducing people to the state when they lay there passed out - it's not right.
After speaking to some guys in the food queue at the Homeless Aid services, Gordon found out they have been using the services for 1.5 years. It raised the question - are these services enabling the homeless or the facilitating them? Gordon's observations and viewpoint is that 'without the challenge to change, people never will. But, yes - let's feed the hungry, but lets also figure out ways to challenge the hopelessness and foster desires to better our/their lives'
Gordon's Movements
Gordon tried to limit the distance he was was walking over the weekend as his feet were causing him problems walking 10+ miles each day on the challenge to get food and shelter. This being said, he still clocked 20,000+ steps, walking over an hour each way for food, queuing, and returning to his shelter.
Saturday and Sunday, Gordon made use of the Homeless Aid services where he knew he could get a good feed.
Sunday morning was spent at Saddleback Berlin Church.
After Church, Gordon sat and passively begged for over an hour and received a total of €6, a croissant, pear and grapes. He stated this experience made him feel human again, to be able to eat foods that he doesn't have money to pay for - people probably don't realise what a difference it makes to those living on the streets when you treat them with so much dignity.
Be kind to the vulnerable and give them a chance.
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