I’ve been going to a lot of Thrift stores recently, something I try to avoid, so I’m not tempted to buy things I don’t need. I’m on a Christmas party committee for the garden club and we need stuff.
It’s late afternoon and as I enter the thrift store, I notice a shopping cart parked out front containing someone’s assorted belongings. That’s unusual I think, especially here in Tsawwassen.
Inside there’s a very enthusiastic woman trying on lots of warm clothes, shoes and boots. She asks me what I think of a navy winter coat she’s considering buying. “I love it”, I reply.
The staff are patient and respectful and she leaves with some great used clothes.
I learn from the clerks that she’s homeless and sleeps in our public facilities nearby where she can find warmth and shelter.
During the day she’s on the move with her buggy. I know that because I saw her the next afternoon crossing an intersection.
A little bit of research and I discover how shockingly out of touch I am about the homeless in our community.
In March a point in time count found 44 people are homeless in Delta, that’s up from 17 in 2020, and that’s only the reported people.
The woman in the thrift store put a face to homelessness and it was an ah ha moment for me.
I noticed she had no socks, so I bought a pair from the Run Inn and left them for her next time she comes into the thrift store.
A very small gesture towards problems I can’t solve.
This month consider donating to Deltassist, the United Church Extreme Weather Shelter, the food bank, or a local charity.
In the spirit of the holiday season helping those who need a hand is the most satisfying gift of all.
Ingrid Abbott is a freelance writer who is thankful for the consistency of a warm bed at night
