Did you ever think about walking into a bar and in a big bold voice say…
"Drinks for everybody"
and then pick up the tab?

Well I got to do it last night.
(except I didn't use a big bold voice…and it wasn't a bar)

It was late and I was hungry, so I stopped at a downtown McDonalds.
When I walked in I saw some familiar faces.

Twelve of my homeless friends were huddled around a table sipping coffee - and hanging in a warm place until they were pushed out for staying to long.
I asked them if they had eaten anything and they all said no.
I said…
"Well come on -  get up there and order anything you want…its on me".
Boy did those faces turn into smiles.

We sat and talked for about 45 minutes.
It cost all of $39 dollars.

Now I'm not bragging - please know that…
In fact - I hope that I am encouraging you to step out and do the same… in your own way - with your own personality.  Maybe get a friend to go with you on your venture of reaching out to the homeless and down and out.
They all want off the streets - they all want a normal life…
and it takes people to advocate for them and hold their hand to get them to the place were they can break the cycle of homelessness.

I was once asked what a person needs to do to help the homeless…
My answer was simple - just start doing it…

I finished my meal - got to know them better and headed out the door.
The hugs and thank you's were soooo worth it.

So there is your challenge…
Just start doing it!

2015 - can you believe it???
We started in the summer of 14 and are excited about the folks we can help this year.
Our purpose is to engage one on one men and women on the street - gain their trust - and become their advocate.
Why?
Everyone needs help through life's journey.
I suspect that you had someone help you as a child - perhaps in High School -  or on your first job…
Some people never have anyone stand up for them - help them - advocate for them.
We have found that this is one of the keys in working with the homeless -- one on one - person to person help.

A 60 year old man that we are helping told me that he has never had someone stand up of him - as down and out as he has lived his life - but that of the volunteers at TPN.
Wow that is refreshing to hear because the success in what we do is often not seen for years.

One volunteer one homeless person at a time.

It's cold out as you all know and because of your support TPN has been able to put new clothes on a man who got off the streets into housing.  We have supplied food to a number of our friends in tent cities around Nashville.  Boots to wear in the cold -  butane for heaters and cook stoves - Jackets - socks - long Johns - We have delivered bags of sweaters to homeless outreach workers and joined other groups such as People Loving Nashville  and Open table with their efforts to help make life on the streets a little more bearable. We were able to contribute money for essentials to a family whose house burned down just before Christmas.  Thank you Susan Sherrill for shopping and spear heading this.

Up coming event you can join.
Look for the Hillyeah5k.com race on Feb 7the to benefit the Room in the Inn.
If you are a runner come on out - 
If not come and volunteer - 
If its to cold for you to leave your house consider making a donation to this cause.
Go to www.hillyeah5k.com and donate.

Thank all of you for the help support and prayers… it means a lot.
and continue to pray that we will be able to find new and innovative ways to battle homelessness in our cities.