What’s going on around The Park? A lot!
Pastor Montreal has intentionally begun to build relationships with the “Unsheltered” neighbors of the Hamilton Park community during the months of July and August.
While introducing himself to these neighbors, Pastor Montreal noticed drug exchanges taking place along with prostitution.
After many attempts to engage and build a rapport with some individuals where these acts were taking place, I was blessed to meet them:
Meet Angie*, she is a 30-35 year old female; she’s been Unsheltered for 2+ years. She is a mother and has a MBA. Angie is battling drug addiction (Meth and Xanax) which is one of the reasons that has her on the streets.
While conversing with Angie, she told me that she’s a prostitute, this is done to make ends meet and to support her [drug] habit. After we laughed and cried, I was able to ask Angie, what was it that the church could do to support her during this season of her life? Her initial answer was “prayer” but then she giggled and saw that I was sincere and she said soap, towels, and food and prayer.
With a few calls, Angie was able to get those toiletries and hygiene items that she asked for and needed, that we all take for granted.
It was during my persistence that I was able to build this relationship with Angie and others. If you were to look at Angie, you wouldn’t know that she graduated Summa Cum Laude and is a former Faculty of a prestigious university.
That’s why it is so important to build relationships regardless of who the individual is and where they are in their journey of life.
* Disclaimer: Angie’s name and identifying details have been changed to protect the privacy of her and her dignity and humanity.
Peace and Blessings,
Montreal