Chippewa Valley Street Ministry Journal - February 14, 2023
The rain is falling this evening and I can't help but think about our brothers and sisters living without permanent shelter. I think about the blankets and jackets that we've distributed and how heavy they might be if they've gotten wet. I think about the risks people have with the slippery intersections that they cross and I think about the overall sadness that this dreary weather contributes to. We'll continue to do what we do and hope for the best. Hope for better weather, hope for housing, hope for equity in an inequitable world.
We have talked to several people over the last few weeks experiencing body pain. One man has strained his back carrying his backpack and other belongings day in and day out. Consider carrying everything you own on a daily basis. It has taken a toll on his back as well as his mental status. He's generally not feeling well and is very discouraged.
Another man that we've known for several years has pain in both knees and requires crutches to get around. He tries to maintain his sense of humor but we suspect that the humor is a mask for the pain and to try and convince himself that he's okay. Our volunteers were nearby when he fell one evening and assisted him back up. Thankfully, he wasn't hurt any worse than before he fell. With the ice build-up of many intersections, stepping off and onto a sidewalk can be risky even without crutches, canes, or walkers. Many years ago, we provided a bicycle to him and he was able to zip around on it without any problems. It saddens us to see him struggling.
This individual has pain in both knees. He fell and accepted help to get back up.
Yet another man came to see us and was also using crutches. He'd been to the emergency department of a local hospital and explained his situation. He showed us how his bandage had slipped down and was unraveling; we rewrapped it and found a sock that would fit over it to hold the ACE wrap in place without constricting his circulation. He complained about his other foot, after looking at it, we suggested that it looked like a bunion. Due to cultural and language differences, we're not sure he is understanding of the treatment recommendations. We encouraged him to elevate his leg when he could.
Karen, our nurse, rewraps the ankle of one of our guests.
There are others that we know of: a woman with a cane, a man with a walker and others that have difficulties getting around but don't use assistive devices. Being unhoused is difficult in itself, adding mobility issues only adds to the challenge.
Thank you for your support and interest in the street ministry and of those we serve. Please pray for our brothers and sisters without permanent housing as they navigate their way on their journey.
CVSM Staff
