Friendship Circle with the homeless

The session was on the nature of  relationships with a typical homeless camp, using Nightingale as an example.

After a short intro and history of Nightingale Health Sanctuary (NHS), Wayne introduced Nathan and Tracy.  Nathan began by having each person give a short introduction about themselves.  Nathan recalled his own experience in Salem as a construction worker and chef, before losing his marriage and house.  He described his involvement with the Four Square church in Salem, which sent adults and teens to homeless camps on the outskirts of town.  The teams of lay people took food, sleeping bags, blankets, garbage bags, socks and other items for the campers.  In addition residents were regularly entertained by musical groups and provided with invitations to church functions and services.

After a Q and A about that church, Tracy and Nathan focused mainly on NHS and its recent move as well as its frequency of moves.  There was active inquiry by those from churches, each considering various ideas and approaches to share with their congregations as to how they might offer supplies and relationships with NHS.

Among the participants were people from: St Mary's Episcopal, Community of Christ, First United Methodist, Eugene Buddhist Priory, Unity of the Valley Center for Spiritual Living, and Eugene Bahai.

One woman  has been in touch with me and is planning on attending NHS steering committee meeting on October 10.

In all nineteen people were in attendance.

Submitted by Wayne Martin