Sundays in the Park

What follows are statements coming from Baltimore’s Church in the Park.  The park is in the city, on the corner of President and Fayette Streets.   It was once called “Tent City “and is the town hall for many of Baltimore’s homeless and hopeless. 

“That was my bench for 4 years”

 “I like mysteries,”   “Anything that’s news…”,   “Documentaries,”   “… birds,”    “A bible.”

 “I see people lying on the ground, bleeding from the mouth.   I can’t help them.  That’s what sends m back to drugs.” 

“Let me make you a cup of coffee, Baby.”

“Homelessness is real.  It’s not like what  you see on TV.” “I was given away when I was 3.” 

“My name doesn't matter.   Just call me None.” 

“I've taken so much from other people; I have to give something back.” 

And, my very favorite: “We’ll pray for you… to have joy… for your success… for your huge financial success.” 

To give context to the last statement, I heard it the first time I visited the Park.  When prayer requests were made, I requested a prayer for my brother.  They prayed for him, then they added a prayer for me.  It was for my success;  my huge financial success.   Needless to say, I was surprised and curious as to how the prayer originated.  Their prayer was the last thing I heard before we left.  It’s been 8 weeks and the only things anyone in the park has asked for was green nail polish, tampons and an alarm clock.  No one seems to care  that I drive a Lexus,  that I’m white and I don’t understand Spanish,  although most don’t have cars,  are different races and some don’t speak English.   They don’t care that I  have access to resources and that I’m a Republican (at least I don’t think). If I asked a million Americans to guess the most likely prayer they’d receive at a homeless park, I’m confident no one would say it would be for their huge financial success. WHY?    This is one of 4 questions I've asked myself repeatedly.   The other 3 are as follows:

1. Do we have to have nothing not to judge others with something?
2. Does having something to lose, prevent people with something from helping others with nothing?
3. Is it possible to convince those with something, there is much to gain from helping others with anything?

Is there something we can learn from this that can impact the physical, emotional, social and economic well being of our country?
Anyone who figures that out, along with how to reproduce these attitudes in America’s communities, might have a shot at bridging the gap that’s destroying the trust and effectiveness of our current system.
Potential Upsides of Such a Solution

• Opportunity for voluntary re-distribution of resources (from those who visit the park to those who live in the park) And can it yield far more than mandatory re-distribution which results in tax hikes and low paying community outreach programs.
• Building confidence, leadership and life skills through knowledge and validation.
• Dollars spent on over site could be used to reduce debt.
• Community service opportunities would be available to fulfill educational, professional and religious requirements.
• Communities would be served.
• Businesses would benefit through tax write offs putting more dollars into the economy.
• Leadership opportunities would be available.  
• Local crowd sourcing potential would be realized.
• Neighborhoods would become communities and communities would interact with other communities.

**See resources needed and resources available on the Words and Works pages of this website.