There's always a Catch!!!

Dear SoupFriends,

Greetings from the SoupMan!

In the last 45 days two major earthquakes have occurred on our planet. Both were major news events and our airways have been flooded by pictures, commentary and news anchors reporting live from the devastated areas. For those of us who have never been in an earthquake (that includes myself) its hard to comprehend the utter ruin and catastrophe our fellowman has suffered.

1. January 12, 2010: An earthquake registering 7.3 on the scale occurred in Haiti. Its estimated that there are 250,000 dead and over One Million Homeless. Countries from all over have rushed to aid the Haitians in their time of desperate need. Almost overnight the United States marshaled an incredible array of resources to help our Southern neighbors. Food, medical supplies, clothes, water and volunteers have been sped to Haiti.

2. February 27, 2010: An earthquake registering 8.8 on the scale occurred in Chile. Its too soon to know how many people were killed, but its clear that thousands more became homeless overnight. Once again countries from all over---including the United States, will be sending assistance of every kind imaginable to help a country beset by tragedy.

What's the SoupMan's take on the amazing response to these catastrophes? My initial reaction is that my heart is gratified to see people from every walk of life reaching out to those in need. In a world were there seems to be too much hate, too much anger and not enough goodwill, its wonderful to see Americans and members of the world community rising to the occasion to help those most in need.

However there is a catch. Ah yes, always a catch. And what is that catch you ask? Its simply this---what about the homeless in our own back yard. In the Dallas area alone there are over 10,000 homeless men, women and children. What about them---the forgotten ones? They aren't getting news coverage from all the major networks, TV anchors, and newspapers. And while there are some services for the homeless in Dallas, there is no overnight massive relief effort being sent their way.

Now don't get me wrong. I am totally in support of the efforts to help our neighbors in other lands. I believe all humanity is important and that as a nation we have to reach out to those in need in Haiti and Chile. But I have to come back to that 'catch.' What about the homeless right here under our noses. Why aren't we riding to their rescue. Could it be that its because they are the forgotten ones. Could it be that they have been in our midst so long we take them for granted. Could it be that we have neglected to take care of our own?

So what's the solution you ask? My humble suggestion is that we do both. Help our neighbors in foreign lands and help our neighbors right in our own backyard. Now some might believe that its too difficult to do both. I beg to differ. One of the big campaigns for Haiti was to send a text message donating $10.00 for relief efforts. Thousands responded to that plea. How hard would it be to donate an extra $10.00 to our Dallas homeless. Many people actually got on a plane and went to Haiti to help. How hard would it be for you to get into your car and drive into Dallas to help our own homeless.

Here's the bottom line. You don't have to do a lot. Thousands of people pitching in (even on a small basis) can make a huge difference. In the Dallas area there are more than One Million residents. Many of you helped the Haitians and will also help those in Chile. I'm asking you to also help locally. The SoupMobile is on the front lines when it comes to Feeding, Clothing and Sheltering the homeless in the Dallas area. Come and join the SoupMan and his fabulous SoupTeam as we reach out to the one's right here in Dallas that Jesus called the 'least of these.'

For more details on how you can help, go to www.soupmobile.org and click on VOLUNTEER. With your help there doesn't have to be a 'catch' anymore!

May the Lord bless & keep you all.

Signed, David Timothy, a.k.a. The SoupMan
Executive Director--SoupMobile Inc.