Homelessness doesn’t discriminate…
So, I desire to share with you about this organization I’ve been working with. I was asked back in April to sub a chair yoga class for a Men’s Shelter and public free meal provider called the Bright Bridge Ministry. My friend told me these men are in a recovery program from being addicted or homeless and most of them stay at the shelter. They are allowed to stay there as they choose sobriety and get back on their feet and the facility offers life classes for them to take. Now, this offering came to be really special to me and I was lighting up as she explained to me the class and details of the facility. I was on my way back from visiting my brother and we had spent the whole weekend sharing stories about our father, who had passed in 2017. Our father, who I didn’t meet until I was 16 years old, spent most of his life battling with homelessness and addiction. This man was an incredibly generous man, loved humanity, and was a talented musician. When I met him he played guitar for me and we sang together. It’s the only memory I have with him other than his funeral. So, my heart exploded with joy as she asked if I wanted to teach this class! To me, it felt like something my dad’s spirit would love for me to do. So I declared yes, and prepared to sub for the upcoming class.
Now, two months later, I’m teaching regularly at the Ministry and it’s lighting up my soul each time. When I see these men, I see their joy. I see their optimism and desires to create a better life. I see their inspiration light up. I see their stress melt and their shields drop. When I see these men, I see my father. Who was once a young boy, who’s parents were so far in their next binge that he had no one looking out for him. He grew up neglected, unloved, and let down by systems on top of systems. How can we evolve when we know no other way of being? Or when we still need to cultivate the belief that it’s even possible for someone like us? Have you ever been there in your life? You didn’t know something was possible for you and until it became possible? I have. I see these men and I think of the time I was in similar situation as them. I was young, confused, and had no money during 2020. I had been recovering from a period of substance abuse and abusive relationships a year prior and had very little money. My lease was up, and I had no where I knew to go. I almost took the path of homelessness and honestly, I felt homeless. I had no space to call my own. I had pets I needed to find security for and at that time I hadn’t spoken to most of my family in years. I had been doing it all alone. I was fortunate, that a family member had been watching me from a distance, and noticed one of my posts looking to find a temp home for my pets. With the support of him, along with other friends, I was supported enough to get back on my feet and find a home for my pets and myself. It was through that support that I am where and I am today. It’s an honor to return this gesture to others that have shared these stories. Not everyone has a family member watching over them like a guardian angel. Some people, like these men, need facilities like this one and people like me to support them enough so that they can have a better future for themselves too. I have met men of different ages and backgrounds in this space. Some of them were fathers and all of them were there with the same intention. To heal and create a better life.
The Bright Bridge Ministry is looking for volunteers to bring more support to these men and to the individuals and families that receive the free meals and life skills classes. If you’d like to offer your time and would like to know how you can get involved please reach out to kalabloxham246@gmail.com to know more.
With love,
Kala
