Dear SoupFriends:
I have amazing news for you. The SoupMobile has decided to expand its feeding operation to include sheltering the homeless. In the Dallas area there are more than 10,000 homeless people but only 2,000 shelter beds. Simple math tells us that there is not enough ‘room at the inn.’
This new venture will be called SOUPMOBILE VILLAGE. Imagine if you will, 100 group homes located all over the Dallas area. Each home designed to take homeless men and women right off the streets of Dallas. Well imagine no more---The Dream has become a Reality!
SoupMobile Village is now operational. I’m pleased to announce the opening of the SoupMobile’s first group home. All residents of SoupMobile Village will be expected to get jobs and participate in the maintenance and upkeep of the home. Our plan is that our residents will become working members of society who work and pay taxes just like you and I do. No freeloading like in regular shelters where they just give you a bed for the night and kick you out the next day. Each of our residents will be expected to carry their own weight. SoupMobile Village is giving a ‘Hand Up’, not a ‘Hand Out.’
I need your help to make this 1st phase of SoupMobile Village a success. Just like when we started the SoupMobile feeding operation back in 2003, we are starting SoupMobile Village on a wing and a lot of prayers. Once again we are way out on a limb.
I think you should know that we have had a few people tell us not to expand our feeding operation to include sheltering the homeless. They have said things like, ‘it’s too risky---you might fail---don’t take any chances---let someone else worry about sheltering them." My humble response to those naysayers is three words spoken by Jesus himself.
Jesus said, “Feed MY Sheep.” At the SoupMobile we think this means more than just food. We think it also means clothing, compassion, love and yes---shelter.
So imagine if you will---The SoupMan sitting way out on a limb. It’s cold, dark and windy. First out on that limb with the SoupMan is the one we call Jesus. He puts his arm around me and beckons to you to come out and join us.
I am not asking for your help to prove the naysayers wrong. I am asking for your help to prove Jesus right. Frankly I need your help now. Our first residents have already moved into SoupMobile Village and the clock is ticking on our expenses. In the Bible Jesus talked about the widow who gave ‘two mites.’ He praised her for giving out of her poverty. I am asking you to give prayerful consideration to helping me with an offering to help fund SoupMobile Village. And whether you give two mites, two dollars, two hundred dollars, two thousand dollars or even more , it will all be used to shelter the ones that Jesus called ‘the least of these.’ I am asking you to give something and I am asking that you do it now. No amount is too small and no amount too large. Thank you and God bless you all.
Sincerely,
David Timothy, a.k.a. The SoupMan
Executive Director---SoupMobile Inc.
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This looks like a great effort well worth supporting.
ReplyDeleteCan you provide more details on the program; rules, time limit, is this transitional or supportive housing? What supportive services if any, will be provided and where will your residents come from?
I have furniture, home goods and tv's that I would like to donate to Soup Kitchen if needed. I couldn't find anything on the site with information on donating these items. What do I need to do?
ReplyDeletetraviejo@gmail.com
Mr. Timothy - Will you provide details on what supportive services you intend to provide the residents of this program? I assume it is transitional housing?
ReplyDeleteAlso, do you have any comments on the statements made on the Dallas Homeless Network blog about your freeloading comment?
http://dallashomelessnetwork.blogspot.com/
Greetings from the SoupMan.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments and questions on SoupMobile Village. Let me take a moment and address them and give you some additional information about the Village.
Initially the Village will be comprised of 'all mens' homes. The reason for this is simple economics. The SoupMobile is still a baby in charity land. We are just a little over 6 years old. We operate on a shoestring and watch every penny. We do NOT get taxpayer assistance. In other words your tax dollars do NOT go to the SoupMobile. We are NOT under the umbrella of any church or organization and we do not have a deep pocket donor financing our operation. So from a money perspective an 'all mens' home concept is the best we can do at this time. Down the road we hope to add 'all womens' homes.
There are a lot of details in running SoupMobile Village, but two main concepts will be adhered to:
1. NO DRUGS!
2. Each resident of the Village will be required to obtain employment. The SoupMobile will use is network of donors and supporters to help find those jobs. It may not be as President of Wal-Mart, but our residents will be gainfully employed.
The primary goal of SoupMobile Village is to transition our homeless back into regular working members of society.
Our goal is to eventually have #100 SoupMobile Village group homes located all over the Dallas area. We feel blessed that the Lord has paved the way for the opening of our first home. It's not #100 yet, but like the great wall of China it all starts with one brick.
Please know that in addition to SoupMobile Village we will continue our regular feeding operation which serves more that 150,000 meals per year to the homeless in the Dallas area.
We will also continue our CHRISTMAS ANGEL PROJECT. This December 2009 is our fifth year for the event and we will be taking #500 (YES #500) homeless men and women right off the streets of Dallas and putting them up at the downtown Dallas Hyatt Regency Hotel for Christmas.
Jesus said, "Feed MY Sheep." At the SoupMobile we think this means more than just food. We think it also means clothing, caring,love, compassion and yes---Shelter!
My grateful and humble thanks to all of you for your support of SoupMobile Village. Please keep us in your prayers.
May the Lord bless you all.
Signed, David Timothy, a.k.a. The SoupMan
Street feeding has been banned in Dallas. Where is your mobile soup kitchen feeding 150,000 annual meals to the homeless without violating this law?
ReplyDeleteJust curious.
You didn't address the freeloading comment, nor did you address the reason that you chose to house someone who had a wife and dog without trying to make provisions for them.
ReplyDeleteI have donated money in the past and would like to believe that you have good programs, but I am beginning to believe that my money should be going to a more reputable charity.
Perhaps the naysayers were trying to help. It is greater love to risk not appearing nice and to give someone tough love than to just sit back and watch them do something that could cause a lot of problems.
ReplyDeleteI don't know much about housing people but I am sure it involves a lot more than what it takes to just feed them. I hope you have a strong board behind you that is capable of leading this effort.
Awesome job!! You guys are amazing. When negative people come out like this, often times its sign you are heading in the right direction. Its reminds me of Nehamiah. Way to go soup mobile!! Thanks for doing what you all do!
ReplyDelete