The streets are a battlefield for those who live on them. Like glass houses, a person living out in the open is on display for anyone who walks by. There’s no privacy regardless of the reality that most who walk by the homeless, do not actually see them. Whether it is fear or pity, many walk past the cardboard boxes or shopping carts filled with survival supplies, pretending they do not exist. We look above them, around them, or through them, but never in their eyes, soul to soul.
Changing minds and hearts
Jeff Edrington is different. Founder of WillUHelp.life, he is trying to change the way people think, and it appears to be working.
He calls Cleveland, Georgia, his home. Growing up as a Presbyterian minister’s son, Edrington had an experience in Washington, D.C. as a teenager where he witnessed firsthand the needs of people. “I witnessed people with struggles and hardships who lived on the streets. It reshaped my perspective on humanity.”
For decades, Edrington called the corporate world “his home”, working in the title research business successfully. His company was located in Athens, Georgia, and it was during his walks to his office that his calling was rekindled.
“I became aware again of those who live on the streets when I was living in Athens, Georgia,” Edrington explained. “I had an office downtown and passed them day after day. I wanted to bring them home with me. I just didn’t have enough knowledge to help them.”
The Homeless need a voice
Fast forward several years and Edrington has learned much, mainly that it isn’t money that homeless people need or even shelter. The secret to success is a voice and someone to hear it.
“That is why WillUHelp.life came to be. We replace cardboard signs with message bags and the opportunity for a job,” he added.
It takes a connection, to meet people exactly where they are and let them know someone cares. WillUHelp.life offers message bags filled with essential supplies, which include harm reduction items.
The bags also help communicate their needs for assistance and employment. “It is an approach which involves listening to their stories, amplifying their voices, providing comfort, and offering support through hugs and fist bumps,” Edrington explained.
It doesn’t stop there. WillUHelp.life has a Street Team tasked with engaging the homeless. “It is hard to get a job when you aren’t sleeping at night. When everything you have can be stolen at any moment and often is,” he said. “So many do not have an ID and let’s be honest, who is going to hire you when you don’t have an address or haven’t had a shower in weeks?”
Hugs are his favorite part
The team spends time demonstrating love and compassion, interacting and listening, and gathering information. Support is needed to break free of the homeless cycle so many people are stuck in. Like a hamster on a wheel, it keeps going and going, but it is possible to get off that wheel and that is where WillUHelp.life comes into play.
Recently, Edrington and his team of volunteers went to the Capitol in downtown Atlanta to distribute bags of supplies and talk with those who have found themselves homeless.
“My favorite part is hugs,” he said. “When someone does not have human touch it is deflating. In those moments, it is pure joy.”
Edrington talked about a lady who was HIV-positive and had been homeless for 20 years.
“I asked her if she would like a hug. When I hugged her she started crying and held me so tight,” he expressed. “I started crying just feeling her pain and longing for human interaction.” Others got in line to get their hug. For Edrington, the moment was one he would never forget.
Christians should know what to do
Another time there was a man who felt completely hopeless. Edrington told him to take one of the bags and stand outside of a church. It was Sunday morning and he knew of a local church just around the corner. “Christians should know what to do,” he said. “The man received help that day. It is all about giving them the tools to get better.”
For WillUHelp.life‘s team, it isn’t about pity, it is about humanity. One of the goals is to have the bags in grocery stores. A simple way to help would be for someone to be able to purchase a bag, fill it with supplies for someone living on the streets, and leave it for a volunteer to pick up and distribute or come and be a part of the Street Team and give it to someone who needs it. “One of the most touching moments in this mission is to say to someone ‘I made this bag for you’ and mean it,” he added.
In each bag is a silver Sharpie to write under the “Hire me” part on one side of the bag. A person can write for “yard work’ or ‘construction’ on the bottom. Edrington wants the bags on all 7 Continents. Currently, he purchases the bags out of his pocket. He hopes one day soon, there will be enough donations to cover the costs.
Your help is needed
It doesn’t stop there. Edrington plans to involve churches, and small groups, who will become a part of the ministry. “Imagine the difference a group could make if they focused on one person. How many people could get back on their feet with a hand up? The numbers could be staggering.”
There are opportunities to help. If you are interested in volunteering as a team member or if you would like to donate, visit WillUHelp.life or follow on Facebook. The needs are great and the solutions are possible if people come together to change minds and open doors for others.
