 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Christmas Photos
for Homeless
Watch This Video
| Windows Media |
| QuickTime |
| High Resolution Downloads |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|||
|
An estimated 842,000 people are homeless in any given week in the U.S. Many factors can cause people to live on the streets and often they have lost contact with family. One church offers people a special way to reconnect during the holidays. Kim Riemland reports. |
|||
 |
|||
 |
New Items | Additional Stories | Archives | ||
SCRIPT:
(Locator: Ft. Worth, Texas)
These folks have no “home” for the holidays this year….
(child poses for picture) “Cheese."
But they do have a chance to reconnect with relatives, thanks to the annual Christmas party for the homeless, hosted by First United Methodist Church in Fort Worth.
Diana Brock: “Remember, daddy, I’m always your little girl.”
Thirty-year-old Diana Brock will send this keepsake photo to her father.
Diana Brock, Homeless: “I’m keeping myself safe out here on the streets. He ain’t got nothing to worry about them.”
For the past 25 years, the church has hosted a meal, and given guests a memento to share with those they love. Guests like Kevin McGee:
Kevin McGee, Homeless: “I think they’ll be surprised. And knowing that, it makes me feel real great”
The greeting will help 45-year-old Glenn McGensy let his mom know he misses her.
Glenn McGensy, Homeless: “This makes me feel real good, to be able to give. This will let her know that I’m doing okay.”
Daryl Davis wants to stay in touch with his parents, even though it’s hard for him to see them right now.
Daryl Davis, Homeless: “I just don’t know how to walk in there and just say, ‘Here’s your son, he’s still homeless.’”
Volunteer greets guests: “Merry Christmas. God bless.”
Church staffer Nancy Tully says the event has a much wider reach than just the people present.
Nancy Tully, Staffer, First United Methodist Church: “A man called me and he had gotten a card from his son. I believe it had been seven to 10 years since he had heard from his son. Something as simple as a Christmas card had eased this man’s mind to the extent that he now knew that his son was alive.”
(musicians sing) “Have a holly, jolly Christmas.”
Hosea Scurry is happy that after 15 years of living on the streets, he can send his family a card with good news.
Hosea Scurry, Formerly Homeless: “I have my own place now and if they want to, they can come visit. Couldn’t visit me before, because I slept outside under bridges and stuff. Things are looking way up. And God has blessed me so much. I couldn’t believe it.”
TAG:
First United Methodist in Fort Worth doesn’t just help the homeless at
Christmas time. The
First Street
Methodist Mission offers food, clothing, financial help, job
counseling and other assistance year round. For more information call
817-335-6080.
Posted: December 28, 2009