I am a volunteer at Peace House in Minneapolis. It is a safe place and a warm place that has been part of this neighborhood for over 40 years. I volunteer on Thursdays. The daily routine provides a breakfast and a hot lunch, a time for community discussion, and time to just be in the presence of friends and acquaintances. I serve with ythree women who have long tenure as volunteers. We are known as “the Golden Girls plus Floyd.”
Regulars and others who show up include Whites, Blacks, Native Americans, Somali, old, young, recent immigrants, naturalized citizens, Hispanics, homeless, addicted, alcoholic, women, men, formerly incarcerated individuals, mentally challenged, marginally employed, veterans, the poor and near poor people.
As I neared my first day, I was apprehensive and decided to show up two Thursdays a month. After that first day I have been a regular every Thursday.
The work – if you call it such – of a volunteer is difficult to describe other than to say, “whatever.” Whatever is needed to be a friend with someone newly met or someone known for a time, to-wit: clean up a table-top, sweep a spill, manage the storeroom, bring someone a napkin or spoon, sit and talk, listen, laugh, commiserate, guide the discussion period. What do you do with your friends? That’s what I do as a volunteer.
I am friends with people whom I never expected to be friends. Willie the poet is a friend. El the
Native of the White Earth tribe is a friend. Ellie, the grandmother with 38 grandkids is a member of the Oglala tribe. Mustafa is from Morocco. Freddy is celebrating because he finally qualified for housing. Nelson is a Marine veteran who sleeps outside. Kat has been a member almost from the beginning some 45 years ago. Sammy is from Liberia. Jimmy is from Sudan. Dave is bipolar. Tom is one of the smartest people I know. Carlos always has a smile. And on and on.
The recent ICE invasion of Minneapolis has increased anxiety for marginalized individuals all over the city and that anxiety has been felt in Peace House as well. The threat of confrontation, and possible detention is persistent.
Each time I volunteer is a different experience. Some days are better than others. But each day is intensely fulfilling, and I love every minute. Please include the Peace House Community in your prayers.