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A visit from an old friend....

Chattanooga may just be the biggest small town in Tennessee. If you grew up in this area, you know that you can’t go anywhere without seeing someone you went to school with, attended church with or worked with at some point.

Recently, one of our case managers unexpectedly ran into an old friend from high school. They shared stories, laughed at childhood memories and caught up on life…like friends do. Then, they had to get down to business. The case manager’s friend had come by for a reason – he was homeless and had come to the Kitchen to receive services.

As the case manager shared this story, a silence fell over our break room. You could tell the case manger was contemplating what had just happened. The job is difficult enough just being faced with the needs of so many daily; when it is someone you know personally, the reality of your job really hits home.

The case manger told us it was good to see his friend. He enjoyed reminiscing about the ‘good old days’ but was shocked by the present. But, he was also glad to be able to offer a helping hand and a caring heart…after all, that’s what friends are for!

The Alonzo Project…

In our last newsletter, we discussed our recycling program extensively. Apparently the discussion was overdue. We had a flood of calls. One came from a local church that had decided to take recycling on as a group to help the environment while supporting the Kitchen. The church was inspired by a member named Wally who had met and befriended a homeless man named Alonzo in January of 2010.

Wally owns a business in Chattanooga and met Alonzo one day behind his store. Alonzo was cold and a little suspicious. But, over time, Alonzo began to trust Wally. Wally would bring him gloves, food and try to help meet some of his needs every day. After a little while, the other businesses around also began to care for Alonzo. Wally knew he had made great progress when Alonzo actually accepted a ride from him one day. Wally presented his pastor with some ways to get involved in the homeless community and at that point, the church decided to name their homeless ministry The Alonzo Project.

Since then, the church has donated stuffed backpacks with much needed supplies for clients at the Kitchen. They are also beginning the recycling project.

All of this from one person with a heart for someone in need and one homeless man willing to trust…we aren’t sure where Alonzo is today; but, for Wally, Alonzo will always be close to his heart.

A name with a face…

Do you ever see someone you recognize but not remember their name? Perhaps you think for a minute, pondering where you know that person from, wondering if they remember you. Here at the Kitchen, we see a lot of faces - it can be hard to link a name to each face.

Recently, one of the coordinators for St. Catherine’s Women’s Shelter was training a new volunteer to be an overnight host. Somehow she knew the volunteer’s face. She couldn’t place it, but she recognized her.

The next night, the same volunteer came to stay. The coordinator again met her at the shelter and suddenly realized where she’d seen the face before. The previous fall the volunteer had been in a job-readiness class in the Day Center – she had been a client, one of the many faces. Now a volunteer, she was giving back.

Her story serves as a reminder that, homeless or not, every face has a name, a story and a heart.

updated current needs

Our current needs, in order of importance, are as follows:

Financial Support

Kitchen Needs:
Napkins
Sandwich Baggies
Lunch Bags
Lysol Spray, Wipes, and Cleaner
#10 Cans of Carrots, Corn, Sweet Peas, Pork n Beans, Baked Beans, Black Eye Peas, Great Northern and Pinto Beans, Potatoes ( White or Sweet), and Fruit
Bleach
Latex Gloves
Corn Starch
Grits
Sugar (5 lb bags or more)
Instant Dry Milk (50 lbs or 100 lbs bags)
Tube and/or Shell Noodles (Medium Size)
Butter
Oatmeal
Dish Detergent, Laundry Detergent
12 oz. Styrofoam Cups and Bowls
Aluminum Foil - heavy 18” x 500' rolls
Storage Bags (2-5 Gallon)
55 Gallon Trash Bags
Coffee (any)
Cereals (any)
Soups - #10 cans (any kind)
Cheese (5 lb bags)
Spaghetti Sauce- # 10 cans or 15 oz. (red sauce)
Instant Mashed Potatoes
Clear Wrap

General Needs:
Blankets, Jackets and Sweaters
Clothing for Men and Women - especially adult socks, shoes and underwear
Hygiene Items - shaving cream, deodorant, razors and feminine hygiene products
Pens and Pencils
Towels, Shampoo
Bug Spray

Equipment Needs:
Hydraulic or Electric Lift for Box Truck
Seven 5/8 Rubber Maid Gallon Bus Box (2 Pk) $9.38 at Sams (for busing tables)
5 Gallon Plastic Food Containers
Rolling Cart
4 Oz. Portion Scoops

A note from Rob Lawrence, HELP 2 case manager

This spring, Frances McDonald brought an art project into the Community Kitchen. The following is Rob Lawrence's description of the project and it's impact.

"Homes"

On Main St., across from Createhere
Steel sculpture and 300 4x4 ceramic tiles

The 300 tiles making up the obelisk sculpture were created by homeless artists at The Chattanooga Community Kitchen and other area churches and agencies. Facilitated by Frances McDonald of Mark Making, artists Julie Clark, John McLeod, Carla Guerra, and other assistants, the project was not without its challenges…most notably the loss of many tiles, when they were kiln-fired incorrectly…but all involved agree it was and is an amazing outlet for their feelings and creativity. As Mr. McLeod says: "This was the most amazing teaching experience I've ever had and a rare opportunity to give back to my community. The tiles were a poignant testament."



Mark Making is a local non profit founded by Ms. McDonald whose mission is to “empower non-professional artists by teaching them 21st century problem solving skills with the goal of a more fulfilling life. For participants, many of whom face major life challenges, Mark Making provides an economic and cognitive edge in this current Age of Creativity. By creating an environment conducive to art making, as well as, coaching these emergent artists on the basics of line, shape, color, and texture, Mark Making provides a safe space for the expression of the participant’s inherent creativity. The end result is a public art project that benefits the participants and beautifies the local community.”

Each tile is marked with an individual’s drawings and/or words used to describe his/her idea of a home, commentary on being homeless, words of gratitude, dedications, memoriams, or sometimes a request for employment with their qualifications. The homeless are not the only ones to benefit from this sculpture; passers-by stop and spend a considerable amount of time circling and reading the messages posted there. I have seen tears, laughter, and a new awareness on the faces of many as they pause in their stroll down the rejuvenated and beautiful section of Main Street.


This project was selected as one of six in a competition organized and administered by the Public Art Committee under the Department of Parks and Recreation. "Homes" will be in place for two years. The City then has an option to purchase; otherwise it will go to the entrance of the CCK in 2011.

As homeless artist M. Douglas’ tile says: God’s opening doors. All I have ever wanted is a home to call my own. No one could ever make me leave. I am 54 years old. God opened a door for me last week. Now, I’m buying my home and I never have to leave!”

We would like to thank all homeless persons who created tiles. You are great poets, philosophers and visual artists. You are our real teachers and are all amazing!


Rob Lawrence
HELP 2 Case Manager

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