Passing Out Ponchos, Starting Relationships

“Is that for me?” she asked. “I’ve never seen that before.”

Her eyes lit up with hope because of something so simple: a resource card. During the rainy season, members of our BJM volunteer family pass out ponchos to women living on the streets. Each poncho is paired with an invitation to Nail Day and a list of contact information for YWAM, BJM, and other organizations that provide food, medical assistance, and other means of support for those living in the margins. Many opportunities exist for our friends experiencing homelessness, but getting connected to those organizations—or even knowing that they exist—is a major barrier to receiving assistance.

“When I showed her that resource card,” said the poncho donor who connected with this woman, “she acted like she had received a special gift—and that was before she knew there was also a poncho! It’s a wonderful, practical tool for telling the most vulnerable women in our city about BJM and YWAM's services. This woman was so grateful. It rained that night, so I hope the poncho was helpful. I keep one in my purse at all times so I can give it out when I see the need.”

This poncho donor exemplified one of our core values: relationship. We know that God heals us in community; we experience transformation when we’re uniquely seen in the fullness of our specific story. You’re doing that when you deliver a poncho as an extension of our BJM community. Even if you don’t maintain a one-on-one relationship with the woman you encounter, you’ve been an instrumental touchpoint in her ongoing relationship with our organization. Want to be a part of it? Email volunteer@becausejusticematters.org to get your poncho and join the movement.