Three years ago Kati sat on the bus parked in front of Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission wondering why she had ever agreed to spend a week with homeless people on Seattle’s skid row. She didn’t want to leave her motorized protective cocoon, but had no options other than to buck up and see what developed – she stepped off the bus to enter a new realm of experience and education that has helped form the young lady she is today.
Partially driven by her innate compassion, and her friends coaxing, she decided to give up more glamorous options in Big Sky country to journey to Seattle. Accompanied by a small group of kids, parents and administrators she arrived in town to hunker down on the floor of the mission for a week of service.
The kids had been prepared for the weeks visit by a youth minister at a Missoula church that welcomed young people, from various schools, to participate in service work in the Missoula confines. Coming to Seattle would fulfill their desire to reach out beyond the limited opportunities in their hometown.
All the discussions, readings and planning could not prepare these kids for their first few minutes of interaction with the urban poor looking for a meal, a kind word and a place out of the endless rain.
Kati said she was initially, “scared to death” and stayed close to her friends as the initial group of “street people” entered the mission for a noon day meal.
“After a few minutes of listening to conversations initiated by kids, who had been to the mission before, I saw that these “guests” were not too different from people I knew back in Missoula.”
That was the beginning of Kati’s education into seeing with her heart, rather than with her mind.
Along with 35 other students from five Missoula schools, Kati returned to Seattle last Sunday for her third visit.
She is proud of the relationships she has developed with some of the old timers as well as with the new “guests” that visit the mission on a daily basis.
Kati is happy about her service. She is hopeful that her participation and openness will contribute towards making the journey a little easier for those she has been blessed to meet over the last three years.
She may not realize yet how much her generosity changes those she has shared herself with these last three years. That it flows from her heart is our strength for the future.
Thank you Kati-from all of us.
Union Gospel Mission forces anyone who wants a meal/shelter to first sit through a “worship service,” which (according to multiple first-hand accounts I’ve heard over the years and from a variety of people) frequently contains offensive, classist, and homophobic rhetoric.
I’m glad kids like Kati get something out of this, and I’m glad that some of the hungry and homeless of Seattle are getting fed at UGM both physically and spiritually (those who happen to agree with the particular brand of Christianity endorsed there). But I personally don’t think that justifies the damage that is also done to so many others who, in order to get some of their most basic human needs (rights!) met, are patronizingly forced to not only listen to preaching, but preaching that is often classist, homophobic, and otherwise hateful toward them and those they love.
Also not really sure what this is doing here, as UGM is in Pioneer Square, not Cap Hill.
Seems that they have dropped any requirements for a meal. From what I understand the meals and services are offered without a point of view.Not one hundred percent sure on that but that was how my question was answered.
For the most part kids tend to figure it out-all these kids were enthusiastic and hopeful. Not a bad thing!
Hi, Thanks for your comments on Kati’s time at the Men’s Shelter. I am the Director of the Men’s Shelter and just wanted to clarify a couple questions that have risen from this conversation. It is true that we are a faith based organization and believe that God love’s each person (homeless or not) with a profound and life altering passion. Each man and woman is a precious creation made in the image of God, and we strive to treat every man and woman who comes through our doors as such. We offer devotions at night, but at no time does anyone have to sit through a service in order to eat. We serve 3 meals a day and anyone is welcome to eat. We also offer nightly shelter, clothing, showers, legal services, dental services and much more. We have an incredible volunteer base and a great relationship with the community. I would love to give a tour to anyone wanting to see the Men’s Shelter and learn more. [email protected] (206) 622-5177
Thanks Terry for clarifying. I am happy I didn’t led anyone astray-
I Love to see stories like this, people seeing with their hearts instead of their minds. It’s the way it should go. visit my website http://www.stacyebert.com to read about my personal story of how compassion changes a life. We need to get our stories out to provide inspiration for those seeking answers and courage.
Sincerely
Stacy