Day 19…Time to meet the Senators and Representatives…

Today, I had the pleasure of spending the day with a colleague of mine from Jacksonville, Dawn Gilman. She is the Executive Director of the Emergency Services and Homeless Coalition of Jacksonville, better known as ESHC.

ESHC was formed in 1978 by a group of concerned and engaged social services  agencies and downtown religious leaders. They became the designated Lead Agency for homeless services in Duval, Clay and Nassau Counties and incorporated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in 2000.

Dawn and I spent most of the day running from building to building, office to office, lobbying and advocating for the rights of the homeless and affordable housing. We were greeted with warm introductions and genuine concern for the lost and hurting of our society. In between meetings we had a chance to share each others experience, insights, and ideas on how to best address the needs of the homeless in our society.

As Dawn will mention in the video, we share one vision that is particularly close to both of our hearts, the opening of a day center for the homeless in Jacksonville, Florida. The people of the streets of Jacksonville have no such place. Day Centers are  places that  provide a safe, healthy environment for people who are homeless and offer them services such as showers, telephones to call potential employers, case management, etc. But more so, they are a place of refuge where the tired and weary can come to simply…rest!

I ask that you support Dawn and the ESHC on our vision for a Day Center for the homeless of Jacksonville. Please feel free to call Dawn at the ESHC @ (904) 384-1366 or send her an email at ESHCUser@eshcnet.org. You can also visit their website at http://www.eshcnet.org, they would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

See ya on the road,

Jason

Dawn Gilman

Executive Director

Emergency Services & Homeless Coalition of Jacksonville

Saved Life “A Mile In Their Shoes”, Day 10, What a Blessing!

“He who is gracious to a poor man lends to the LORD, and He will repay him for his good deed.”

Proverbs 19:17

We have been in Lake City, Florida now for four days ministering to the homeless, distributing socks and toiletries, and getting to know the local area homeless service providers. We have had the opportunity to meet many people on “both sides of the tracks”, the homeless and those you provide the much needed services to “the least of these”. I would like to take a moment and introduce you to an organization who has truly been a blessing to Saved Life: Coast to Coast, The Christian Resource Center of Lake City.

“For over 20 years, the Christian Service Center has faithfully served Columbia County with care and compassion. A group of pastors formed this organization in 1982 to help those in need, and over the years with prayer, dedication, and people like yourself who care, we have become one of the most efficient non-profit organizations in North Florida. We are supported solely by non-government donations such as churches, individuals, and businesses, and we are governed by a devoted board of directors.”

For the past few days we have been checking in with Charlie and the staff of the Christian Resource Center to speak with them on exactly what they do and what services they provide. Everytime we have stopped by, they were always extremely busy. “We served 45 families today alone!” stated Charlie, the Assistant Director of CRCLC. Besides serving the homeless population, the CRCLC also provides food baskets, clothing, rent assistance, and many other services to those in the Columbia County community who may fell on bad times and need a helping hand up!

I am extrememly grateful for Charlie and the dedicated staff of individuals who make up the staff of the Christian Resource Center of Lake City. Remember, the other day when I hadn’t showered for 6 day? It was Charlie who graciously allowed us to get cleaned up! Thanks again Charlie!

For more information about the Christian Service Center of Lake City, please visit http://www.csclc.org and help them to help others.

See ya on the road,

Jason

Christian Resource Center, Lake City, Florida

Administrative Offices…this is where clients meet with case managers to receive services.

“Jesus IS Lord!”

Reception Area

Clothing Room

This fine lady made my day…she is 93 years old and still finds the time to volunteer on a regular basis! If she can find the time…shouldn’t the rest of us? She made my day!

Shirley McManus, Executive Director, CSCLC

Rain…Rain…Go Away

Last night was absolutely miserable! The rain didn’t stop coming down until about 4AM. I feel bad for all of those who had to endure it last night! At least we had something to shelter us from it even though it was an uncomfortable truck cab. Lol, Steve is a pretty big guy you know, not much room in an F250 truck cab.

Anyhow, today we will be arriving in Lake City, Florida to spend some time with the homeless there. We will be visiting the Christian Service Center and several other missions during our time in Lake City. Maybe, just maybe, I can get a shower somewhere. Today is Day 7 with no shower! So Gross!

See Ya on The Road!

Jason

Let’s make every mile matter! Thank you!

Saved Life “A Mile In Their Shoes”, Day 6

“Make Every Mile Matter” Campaign

Miles Traveled Today: 28.7

Total Miles Traveled To Date: 68

Current Location: Oluskee, Florida

Tomorrow’s Destination: Lake City, Florida

Well, today has been a really good day! It is also the day that I have ridden the most miles! Wow, 28.7 miles! We had our first breakdowns today with “Betsy”, my beloved beach cruiser. We had a chain come flying off and get caught up in the de-railer. Luckily, a great guy named Justin, who worked at a local auto parts shop and definately more mechanically inclined than Steve or I, gave us a hand fixing it! Second, I experienced a flat tire. I had ran over a piece of wire that ended up sticking out of the tire. Nothing a can of Fix A Flat couldn’t handle.

Jason and Justin, our friend in need! What a blessing he was!

After a brief repair stop, we were back on the road! After biking 10 or so more miles we came across the Oluskee Battlefield. A Civil War battle was fought here on February, 20 1864. As we walked around the grounds I really felt like we were on hallowed ground. I am an avid history buff! I love history! I could imagine how the battle must have been like! I could hear the cannon fire and the orders being yelled out by those in charge to “Advance!”.  Gives me cold chills!

Civil War Soldier Mannequins in Visitor Center

Original Photographs of Encampments

Battlefield Memorial

Grave of a fallen Confederate soldier. May he rest in final Peace!

Cross placed to remember the fallen soldiers.

Make me want to cry!

Jason and the Field Artillery! Wish I could make that Tim Allen Tool Time grunt for you right now!

Please visit http://www.battleofolustee.org for more information!

Anyhow, that about wraps up Day 6 of Saved Life: Coast to Coast. It is pouring outside and I am wondering how I am gonna get my laptop to the truck without it getting soaked. Also wondering where we are gonna sleep tonite. I have not showered now for 6 days, gross huh? Makes me think of my poor brothers and sisters who are out in this very weather right now facing the same odds. Kinda sad!

More tomorrow…

See ya on the road!

Jason

Saved Life: “A Mile In Their Shoes” Day Five

Miles Traveled Today: 15.3

Total Miles Traveled: 39.3

Current Location: Baldwin, Florida

Well, what started out as a rocky start gained some momentum and positive results. With no money for gas, food, or anything else, I decided to get rid of some unneeded gear we had floating around the trailer. We got $120 for a video camera we had laying around! That is enough to propell us forward to fulfill our mission. I believe that God watches over me, therefore I have nothing to worry about! May all the Glory be to God! See ya on the road! Let’s make every mile matter!