Daily Advent Reflection: Dec 19

This weekend memorials for those who have died without homes and on the streets will happen nationwide. Many cities are planning memorial services around the Longest Night of the Year, which is Sunday, December 21.

Today in Tucson, Primavera Foundation will host our community's annual Homeless Memorial. The public is welcome to attend.

The memorial service, begins at 4 p.m. at Evergreen Cemetery and Mortuary, 3015 N. Oracle Road. This past year 128 people died in Pima County's streets and desert washes.

Kate will be one of the religious leaders to speak at the service.

The rascally righteous modern prophet dude, Shane Claiborne, is pictured above.
Click on the pic to go to a story about when he got arrested
for standing in solidarity with his friends without houses in Philly.

Jesus was born in situational homelessness. Maybe it was a covered shed for the sheep. Maybe it was a small cave carved from the side of a small hill. The community shelter: the inn was full that night. His parents were traveling to be counted for a census demanded by the Empire in which they lived. And in the midst of this movement that was not by their choice, far from home, Jesus was born.

And later as he walked and taught in his homeland, Jesus was pretty much homeless. He once explained to someone who wanted to follow him, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head." (Matthew 8:20)

How To Save A Life This Winter

by Shannon Moriarty

Published November 22, 2008 @ 12:46PM PST, on homelessness.change.org

It's cold out there. As the temperature drops, people living on the streets face an increased risk of frostbite, hypothermia, or even death. Earlier this year, in February, four Atlanta homeless people died in one night due to the freezing weather.

But it doesn't have to be this way. Doctors and nurses from Boston's innovative Health Care for the Homeless program have compiled a list of tips for people who want to help save a life this winter.

1. "Can you hear me?"
   In extremely cold temperatures, it's important not to dismiss an unconscious individual. It takes just a few seconds to check if someone is responsive by asking if he or she can hear you. If you don't get a response, call 911.
2. Extra Coffee
   Purchase a small, decaffeinated coffee (caffeinated may add to dehydration) during your morning coffee run and give it to someone on the street. Just a small hot drink can warm someone up. Hot chocolate is a good alternative.
3. Disorientation
   Disorientation, confusion and even "inappropriate" behavior might be signs of the onset of hypothermia. In the dead of winter, if someone appears confused and disoriented, it is important not to misunderstand and dismiss these symptoms. Look for the other signs of hypothermia - extreme shivering, exhaustion, slurred speech and drowsiness - and call for help if they're present.

Instead of turning the other way when you see a homeless person on the streets this winter, pay attention. You could save a life.