Location: South Green on Park, Hartford, CT
We went to an event this afternoon to help spread awareness about homelessness, but to also spread the word that a solution is in the works and let’s just say our eyes were opened.
Myself (Katie), Ashlei and Abigail were present at this event, in collaboration with Girlfriends Gather Here. When we got to the South Green on Park in Hartford, the first thing you could hear was music and prayer. The vibes were positive and happy even if it was really hot out. There was some live music being set up on one end near Girlfriends Gather Here; while on the other end of the park was a group of chairs around a gentleman who was speaking the gospel and spreading positive words. Elizabeth Rivera, the founder of Girlfriends Gather Here, showed us around and introduced us to so many interesting people, all part of the community, that we may never have met if it weren’t for collaborating in this event.
Throughout the day people came over to our table area, not afraid to say they needed help or share their story with us about what happened to them. Empowering and emotional are just a few of the words that come to mind when hearing about their stories. Going through life, whether encountering homelessness or not, people don’t realize that there’s so many reasons besides just drugs or alcohol that can cause it.
Being there today was an eye opener on just how it can affect certain people and how these people may be down on their luck, but they never let it change or affect their mood or smile; in fact these people had more confidence coming up to us today than other people do every day. At one point throughout the day, a woman was praying over someone and it was the most surreal experience for some but very touching for others. Watching this woman pray you could feel the energy and power that it would cause goosebumps to those witnessing this amazing moment in her life. At the end of the prayer, the woman being prayed on stood up and she looked refreshed and almost as if she had grown taller because she looked as if she stood so much taller than she had before. Part of our plan is to help people down on their luck through unconditional love and this event today provided us the opportunity to see that there is always love and appreciation no matter what. People have an inner conscience that, even in the worst of circumstances, reminds them of how lucky they are and reminds them to appreciate the little things. No matter how far down on your luck you may be, there is always something to be appreciative of. Personally we could learn a lesson or two from the homeless people around us. We look forward to our next event, and hope to see many there. Stay Safe and remember We Are H.O.P.E.F.U.L!
