Some of you may know that recently my brother passed away. We buried him today, and with him, he took so many answers to questions we have, and we will never know.
My brother, for lack of a better word, was homeless. He chose this life. He traveled across the US, to every state. Never really staying put. He had a rough childhood, and my mother always felt like he was just running from everything. He would come home, to visit, and no matter how many good meals, or hot showers he got, he always was back out, traveling.
There is a whole network of people like him. They all help each other, there is always someone in every state to meet up with. And when you are ready to move to another, they say go find so and so, here. A few years ago my brother came home, and brought a friend from the streets with him. He was the nicest guy ever, so polite and thankful. Sometimes there is a sterotype that these sort of people are just, bad people. And that so was not the case.
My brothers case has been turned over to the homicide division of the police department in Mineapolis, Minesotta. I fear it may not get the same amount of attention that someone who wasnt homeless would get. But we are in contact with them, letting them know it is important to us for the case to NOT just be closed.
So I got home tonight, and on the way home even, I just felt like, I wanted and needed to do something. My brother never knew where his next meal was going to come from, or where he would sleep, or wash his clothes, and I just know there are so many other people out there like this as well. And I hate knowing that. I wish I could help them all.
I have huge ambisions, Id love to be able to start a local help center, in memory of my brother, to help other young people like himself. He was just 2 months shy of his 30th birthday. I want to have a place where they come get a hot meal, do their wash, have a shower, a bed, and any guidance that can be given. Im afraid my asperations are much bigger than my bank account. But if anyone has any information or ideas on how to start a non profit organization, please do share it.
In lieu of flowers my mother requested donations be sent to the Crossroads of RI , which is an organization that helps people like my brother. I was just looking on their website, and they have a list of items that they need donated. I dont know if anyone would be interested in sending something to me maybe, and then my mother and I would like to be able to go deliver it in person, and thank them for the work that they do. My brother on more than one occasion, was helped there
So those were my thoughts, trying to get info on starting a shelter sort of organization in memory of my brother, and being able to supply the place that helps people like my brother, with their basic needs. This is the list they have posted
Phone Cards
Supermarket & Retail Gift Cards
Personal Care Items such as shampoo, soap, razors, shaving cream, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes
New Towels and Facecloths
New Adult Socks and Underwear
New Adult Clothing
I know this is long, but its been a really hard day for me, and I am feeling sort of emotional. I feel like something should be done, and I cant change the world, but I want to.
Just remember that next time you see someone asking for money, or food, or looking homeless, i know the first impression for most is think what a bum, how gross, and all of that. But just remember that that person is someones son, brother, nephew.
So if any of you wanted to send any donations, please PM me.
Thanks for listening!
My brother, for lack of a better word, was homeless. He chose this life. He traveled across the US, to every state. Never really staying put. He had a rough childhood, and my mother always felt like he was just running from everything. He would come home, to visit, and no matter how many good meals, or hot showers he got, he always was back out, traveling.
There is a whole network of people like him. They all help each other, there is always someone in every state to meet up with. And when you are ready to move to another, they say go find so and so, here. A few years ago my brother came home, and brought a friend from the streets with him. He was the nicest guy ever, so polite and thankful. Sometimes there is a sterotype that these sort of people are just, bad people. And that so was not the case.
My brothers case has been turned over to the homicide division of the police department in Mineapolis, Minesotta. I fear it may not get the same amount of attention that someone who wasnt homeless would get. But we are in contact with them, letting them know it is important to us for the case to NOT just be closed.
So I got home tonight, and on the way home even, I just felt like, I wanted and needed to do something. My brother never knew where his next meal was going to come from, or where he would sleep, or wash his clothes, and I just know there are so many other people out there like this as well. And I hate knowing that. I wish I could help them all.
I have huge ambisions, Id love to be able to start a local help center, in memory of my brother, to help other young people like himself. He was just 2 months shy of his 30th birthday. I want to have a place where they come get a hot meal, do their wash, have a shower, a bed, and any guidance that can be given. Im afraid my asperations are much bigger than my bank account. But if anyone has any information or ideas on how to start a non profit organization, please do share it.
In lieu of flowers my mother requested donations be sent to the Crossroads of RI , which is an organization that helps people like my brother. I was just looking on their website, and they have a list of items that they need donated. I dont know if anyone would be interested in sending something to me maybe, and then my mother and I would like to be able to go deliver it in person, and thank them for the work that they do. My brother on more than one occasion, was helped there
So those were my thoughts, trying to get info on starting a shelter sort of organization in memory of my brother, and being able to supply the place that helps people like my brother, with their basic needs. This is the list they have posted
Phone Cards
Supermarket & Retail Gift Cards
Personal Care Items such as shampoo, soap, razors, shaving cream, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes
New Towels and Facecloths
New Adult Socks and Underwear
New Adult Clothing
I know this is long, but its been a really hard day for me, and I am feeling sort of emotional. I feel like something should be done, and I cant change the world, but I want to.
Just remember that next time you see someone asking for money, or food, or looking homeless, i know the first impression for most is think what a bum, how gross, and all of that. But just remember that that person is someones son, brother, nephew.
So if any of you wanted to send any donations, please PM me.
Thanks for listening!
