Some of you might remember my friend, Erin. I dedicated Mistletoe Movie Star to her, and she inspired the main character, Char. Erin is passionate about compassion ministry, and that did not stop when Char’s story ended. Erin is still raising awareness for those in our community who need our help. She wrote the post below.

It’s cold out there.

Frigid. Almost unbearable. Last night at the centre where I work, I was once again reminded of the severity of homelessness in our community. Two old friends from “Welcome Love” (our former tent city) came by. Their circumstances are complicated and sad. For various reasons that most of us could never comprehend, they “choose” to sleep in the rough. To them, it is the only option. Last night, they came by Why Not Youth Centre with frostbitten faces and ash-covered hands. They were invited in for a moment of reprieve from the harsh reality of their everyday lives. They experienced a moment of warmth, food, acceptance and kindness.

Last year, the issue of homelessness in our community was front and centre. All over social media, in the news, in the papers, top of the to-do list for council, “tent lit on fire!”…you could not ignore it. Many good things came out of those days, but last night I was reminded that just because we cannot SEE tent city does not mean that those beautiful God-created people are not still out there living in tents when it is -15 outside.

IN. A. TENT.

Hunger, a lack of viable resources, and safe, affordable housing are a daily battle for many of our youth and those experiencing homelessness in our city. It is literally a moment-to-moment game of survival. Last night, God freshly reminded me that there is still much work to be done. We hope and pray our youth will never experience this as their “normal.” We have some amazing supports in our community; Why Not Youth Centre is one of those places, but there are some massive gaps in services to the marginalized.

I see these gaps every time we advocate for youth or try to connect those deemed “hard to serve” with supports that could change the direction of their current life course. This is not a new problem. Still, we press on, show up and advocate for change because, despite the dire circumstances, we SEE God at work and these lives matter. When I said goodbye to our visitors last night, I truly wondered if they would survive the night. I prayed for them. I wept at our broken world. Then I decided to do something about it.

Be part of the solution

On February 20, together with thousands of Canadians across the country, I am walking and fundraising to support and serve people and families experiencing homelessness, hurt, and hunger in our community. Why Not Youth Centres is supported solely by generous community supporters and initiatives like this. We need support to keep our doors open. I have named the team the “WayMaker Walkers” because only God can fix this problem. I am praying He uses our team to affect change in our community in practical ways. Would you join me? Walk with me & pray with me as we call out to the LORD to do what only He can! If you cannot participate in the walk, you can still pray at home and donate to our team!

If you are reading this article after the walk in the monthly email summary, you can still directly support Why Not Youth Centre. Check out their ministry here.

Get your cold-weather kit

When Mistletoe Movie Star was released, I created this downloadable PDF to help readers know how they can help the homeless in their community.