As this year comes to a close, I have much to be grateful for and even more to wish for. I wish that everyone who lives without shelter on the streets and woods and back seats of America would be respected, honored and loved as the beautiful and generous people that they are. I wish that we could collectively suspend judgment, even for a few moments, just long enough for a different vision of who we really are to emerge.
This has been a year of challenges for me as well as the Hearts Of Fire Project. The year began with me arriving in the desert of S. California in my trusty RV after more than a year on tour, working with people across the U.S. to restore the dignity of humanity and to help bring about a just and human society. Since arriving in the desert, I have been working to develop connections in the local human services community as well as with social justice advocates and unhoused people. We have also been working to develop a new program as well as fortify our existing ones.
Our new program is called the Conscious Empowerment Program (CEP). It is designed to help people discover who they are, their inherent value and the unlimited capacity they have to contribute to others. The program is based on our extensive field experience with our art and music empowerment program and includes elements from various spiritual traditions and practices. Through a series of self-discovery workshops and experiences, participants obtain new insights into themselves and develop a vision of who they are and what they want to contribute to others.
The Homes On Wheels program is continuing to attract attention. Hardly a week goes by where someone seeking personal shelter in an old RV or van, contacts us asking for help. As a result, we have been searching for donations of suitable vehicles to meet the on-going need. Although we have not obtained any donated vehicles so far, we have provided much needed coaching and resources to the people who have contacted us.
In connection with the HOW program, we want to create a campground specifically geared to serving people living in vehicles. The are close to a million people living in vehicles in this country and they need a safe place to park where they will not be harassed and intimidated. We have identified a great location for such a campground and are in the process of developing plans to acquire this property. The 35-acre parcel is currently on the market and is zoned for a mobile home park that was never developed. An architectural firm is working with us and has created an exciting plan for an integrated community of vehicle dwellers.
Also part of HOW program is our desire to create a mobile towing and repair service for people living in vehicles. Often, when a vehicle breaks down, it is towed away by the authorities before the owner/resident can get it fixed. Usually, this results in the loss of the vehicle (and home) altogether because of the high fees levied for towing, storage and police citations. Towing away people’s homes and all their belongings, leaving them destitute is not the answer. Usually, a simple repair at the right time will prevent this cruel and unnecessary situation from occurring.
As you can see, we have some great plans that will make a difference for many people. We are interested in more than alleviating homelessness. We are out to build a shift in how we see each other, to create a new view of people that is based on their inherent value, independent of physical circumstances and appearances. This is not a new message or philosophy, it is an important part of many religions and teaching traditions. What is new is our belief that people without homes, people who may be suffering from poverty, are actually messengers and teachers. They are here to teach us that what is important is love and connection and community. Most of them live by these values simply because the consumer model of success doesn’t work when surviving on the street is the primary concern.
Only the human heart can overcome the challenges to humanity that we face and it is that victory that we are here to support in ourselves and each other. We are not our circumstances. We are powerful, eternal beings having a temporary human experience. With that recognition, the real importance of life emerges. The opportunity to serve and support each other is all that really matters. And many of those who live with challenges to their physical survival quickly learn that without others, they will not survive. Thus, community and connection are a necessity, not just a nice idea.
I ask that you consider supporting us with a donation so that we can continue and expand our work and our message. We know that what we are doing inspires people and makes a difference. All we need to really make a big impact is your help. Let the New Year be one of rebirth and renewal for all of us. No one left out, everyone included. We are One People, One Planet, One Life.
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UPDATE: October 29, 2014
We have decided to discontinue the Homes On Wheels (HOW) program effective immediately. Although it is a great idea and something people really need, we have not been able to gather the community support and resources required to carry it out. In addition, the program is not fully aligned with our core mission. Consequently, we will not accept any requests for assistance or will not be able to assist anyone who has already asked for our help.