At a time when public dialog so usually highlights division and drama, I proceed to witness one thing very completely different right here in Seattle: individuals from throughout our metropolis coming collectively to look after neighbors who’re struggling on our streets.
On daily basis of the yr I see volunteers, beneficiant donors and on a regular basis residents of goodwill exhibiting up with compassion — providing issues like friendship, scorching meals, emergency shelter and housing help, together with chaplaincy, case administration and free medical care. These gestures change lives. They remind us of who we’re once we select to deal with each other with dignity.
There are various fantastic organizations that assist create areas the place this type of care can occur. Highly effective, life-affirming work is being finished by neighborhood members who refuse to look away — refuse to deal with individuals like issues to be solved — and as a substitute step ahead with love. Their dedication offers me hope.
There’s great things taking place in Seattle, even amid the struggling. Let’s preserve noticing the nice that’s already unfolding — and preserve discovering methods to affix in. At our group we wish to say that “we transfer on the tempo of the neighborhood’s love of neighbor.”
Deacon Frank DiGirolamo, government director, Operation Nightwatch, Seattle
