Building smell

If you ever get the privilege of visiting Andre House, you will notice a distinct smell that permeates everything. We like to refer to it as “building smell.” It is a product of poor hygiene on the part of our guests, complicated by a poor living environment. We refer to our hospitality center as “the building,” so that is where we get “building smell.” Building smell is a unique combination of human urine, feces, sweat, and body odor, burning crack, tobacco, and marijuana, week-old beans and potatoes fermenting in the garbage bins, decomposing everything in the dumpster, the bleach we try and disinfect everything with, and basically anything and everything else that is disgusting. Every now and then you can get a whiff of what is cooking in the kitchen courtesy of the exhaust fan. All of this is made worse by the fact that it is so hot, so the smell just cooks and gets that much worse. Believe me, I make every effort to reduce the foulness of building smell, but there is only so much one (or nine) human beings can do to combat such odorificness (I know that’s not a word). Some people say that they can notice building smell in the food we eat, but I can’t say that I’ve experienced that. Nevertheless, it’s just another part of the privilege of working at Andre House.

Q&A again

It's time for everyone's favorite time, the time when I make up questions and answer them below!

Q: So what's the weather been like lately?
A: The forecast is for highs in the low to mid seventies all of this week.

Q: How was Thanksgiving?
A: The worst one I've experienced. I was pretty homesick and wanted to be with different people for a special day like that. Plus we celebrate any holiday, whether it's Labor Day or Thanksgiving, in the same manner- Mass and lunch. But I suppose if I couldn't be at home for Thanksgiving this year, this is an okay alternative.

Q: Since you weren't home for Thanksgiving does that mean you get to go home for Christmas?
A: Nope, I have to work on Christmas day. Homeless people don't stop being homeless so we can go home and have a jolly good time on the holidays. It really means a lot to them to see us here and to be open to them on days like that. We are almost their family here.

Q: Anything exciting coming up soon?
A: My Mom and Nana Coyle are coming for a visit next week, so that is what I am looking forward to.

Connecting the dots

I’ve spent a lot of time on this blog talking about each of the individual services that we provide to our guests, the poor and homeless of Phoenix. While each of the services we give can be powerful in its own individual way, it’s the combination of some or all of these things that is really what helps people. Combining the use of our phone, clean clothing, a shower, a storage locker, and a meal at the end of the day can be powerful. While it seems that most people that use our services on use them to sustain their lives, there are some who use our services to move up and out of homelessness.

As our director likes to say, “jobs cure homelessness.” All of our services can be focused on gaining and keeping employment, so combining all of our services is the most tangible way in which we help eliminate homelessness.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

It is now past midnight on Thursday, so I can officially wish everyone a Happy Turkey Day. May your time with friends and family be blessed with fellowship and new memories. My plug is for you to remember those that are not as fortunate to spend time with their families today- whether it be our troops overseas, the homeless, or volunteers like me.

Yep, I don’t get to go home for Thanksgiving. This marks the first time that I have not been at home for this holiday. I’ve been too busy this week for it to take full effect, but I’m sure that I will notice tomorrow. Forgoing my reputation as an insensitive man, I will say that I really miss home and being with my family and friends. While I have grown nicely into my new family here, it just isn’t the same. Kurt, one of my coworkers, is experiencing the same feelings, so I’m not alone in this.

So once again, Happy Thanksgiving and God Bless.

Today's reflection

I have no problem admitting that I possess many shortcomings, that I have many weaknesses and downfalls, that I live a sinful life. But with any of my weaknesses, whether it be my poor personal skills or my flaws in faith, I try to find someone that I can look up to, someone that typifies the highest positive standard of that weakness; someone who sets an example that I can try to emulate. It is especially important to do this with matters of faith and spirituality. We can always strive to do better, no matter how well we think we live our lives. We must find people that are examples of great faith and piety. Scripture is a great place to start, and the readings today give us two great examples of faith.

First is Eleazar, who is described as a noble and foremost scribe of the community. Here is a man that is willing to undergo torture and death rather than defile his body by eating pork. It may seem silly or stupid to give up yourself rather than eat a piece of meat, but this attitude is the exact definition of a martyr. Eleazar would rather stay faithful to the laws of his religion and die than fold under the pressure of temptation. His reasoning where we can really begin to see Eleazar as a model of faith. While there is an element of pride because he won’t go back on the laws of God he said he would be loyal to, while he doesn’t want to bring dishonor to himself; his foremost reason is to “leave to the young a noble example of how to die willingly and generously for the revered and holy laws.” Eleazar knows that he will be rewarded for his faith, but he more wants to serve as a model of faith for those that look to him as an example. Eleazar has the respect of the people he serves and would not have their faith shaken in God because they saw his faith in God shaken when pressured. That is a truly selfless act and is a great model of faith. We need to be aware of this in our own lives. Realize that there may be people that look to you as a model of faith and keep that in mind when you make decisions.

The second model we hear about today is Zacchaeus. Zacchaeus seeks out God in his life, but in a very tangible and visible way. Jesus reaches out to this and brings Zacchaeus back into the fold. Zacchaeus recognizes his faults and shortcomings, his unfair dealing with people, and repents for those transgressions. This is another great model of faith. Seek out God in your life, recognize your shortcomings and sins, and repent to God

One last article

Here is the final article from the current newsletter, this time from Hoa (pronounced "wa"). I just realized how much she wrote.


The two phrases that I would use to describe working at Andre House last year would be “challenge” and “best experience”. When I came back from Rocky Point, Mexico, I had no idea if I could do the kind of work that involved many mentally ill people or people who take drugs as their escape. I had never worked with them before nor knew how to handle their problems. During the retreat, we learned that everyone must be able to say, “No,” to the guests when needed. I thought to myself, “Me? Say ‘no’ to them?” I cannot even say “no” to my best friend when she asks to borrow my favorite shirt…and I do not let anyone wear it but me!” All my
friends said to me before I came to Phoenix, “Hoa, how will you be able to work with people who have so many problems? You cannot even say “no” to your friends. You expect to say “no” to people you do not know and think they will accept that answer?” My friends were right. I cannot say “no”. All my life, I have had trouble saying “no” to many people because I cared about their feelings, and I did not want to hurt them. I tried to deal with some issues on my own and tried not to cause any more problems for people, simply because I could not tell them “no.”

I remember when I worked in the Clothes Closet for the first time after returning from Rocky Point; I had to say “no” to this woman who asked for a shirt and pair of jeans. She said that she lost all of her clothes and all she had was what she was wearing. In my heart, I really wanted to give her the items because she seemed like she really needed them. I wanted to help this woman out, but I had already handed out 30 numbers for that day. I told her that she had to come back on Monday at 10:00 am, the next time we did clothes, and she started to yell at me.
She said, “And you call yourself a good Christian?” and left. That was the most discouraging retort that I had ever received from anyone. How am I not a good Christian? I came to Andre
House and gave up two years of my life to help others. After college I could have gone out and found a good job and gotten a nice place to live with a nice car to drive, but God called me to do this work for Him…to help His people because they need my help. After that woman said that to me, I was sad about it and was no longer motivated to be at Andre House. I had thought that I was doing a good thing by volunteering part of my life to the work at Andre House.

Then throughout the months, I learned and understood why we say no here. It is not because
we are being mean to people or do not want to give them clothes or food, but because we want to be consistent with everyone who comes through the door. It is not fair to say “no” to one person and then let a few others come through the door for clothes, showers or even dinner. At first, I did not understand why we have to say “no” and have rules at Andre House. We have much food in the refrigerator and sometimes have many clothes in the basement that are not being used. Why are we not taking advantage all of these items and helping all the guests who are in need? But one day I understood why we have to be consistent in all of the services we offer at Andre House. There was a man who just been released from prison, and he had nothing
but a dirty T-shirt and pants. I told him he had to come back the next day since we already passed out 30 numbers to our guests for Clothes Closet that day. However, I felt that this man really needed our help. I thought I was doing a good thing, the right thing, by giving him brand new shirt and pants. He shook my hands and said, “Thank you so much. You just made my day, and you helped helped me so much today.” It felt good to know that I did something right and made a difference in someone’s life. But the next day, another man arrived who also was just released from prison and had nothing…like the man that came in the previous day. I told him, like I told the first man, that he would have to come back the next time we did Clothes Closet. He said the first man was his friend and had told him he could get clothes at Andre House. We would help anyone who needed our help. He started to yell at me and told me that I was being
unfair with him, not giving him clothes like I had given his friend. I told him “no” because we have to be consistent with everything we do with all of our services, and I want to be fair with everyone. But how can I be fair when I give clothes to one person and not to the next? At that moment, I really understood why we have to say “no.” Not because we love to or, because we can, but because we want to be fair to all of the guests who come through the door, to treat everyone equal. After that day, I never say “no” to the guests without listening to their reasons or stories. If I have to say “no,” I want to explain to them why I cannot give them whatever they are asking for, and, hopefully, they will understand and accept it. We have rules for a reason, and that is to make it fair for everyone.

Andre House not only gives me many challenges, but it is also a great and memorable experience working here. Everyday I enjoy waking up and wondering what is going happen at the Hospitality Center. Some days will be wonderful. Other days will be stressful, and I just want to go home. I always look forward coming to work and saying, “Hi,” with a smile to all the guests. I will get the same greeting back from them. I like chatting with the guests and listening to their lives’ stories or even their days’ stories. I mostly enjoy seeing the volunteers who come every week and talking to them. Basically, they are my family here. I just love coming to the Center and giving hugs to all of them and catching up with their lives. The volunteers who come here to the Hospitality Center give their time to God and to help His children. They give up their social lives to come to Andre House to help those who are struggling and trying to get back on their feet. I have seen so much over the past years while working at Andre House. I have seen many smiles on the faces of guests who appreciate what Andre House provides, and on other days, I have seen the anger, the frustration and the lack of appreciation on the faces of the guests when they do not get what they want. Sometimes it hurts me to see so many guests who are not appreciative of Andre House. They don’t know how much time and energy we (the staff and volunteers) put into helping them, but I know why I am here… it is not for the appreciation of our guests, but because God sent me here, and He has faith in me to help them. Thank you so much to all the volunteers who come here and help us. Andre House has been the “best experience.” Working at Andre House has taught me to have patience with our guests, to have confidence in myself and in my faith in God, to have courage and say “no” when necessary,
to be a good listener to all the guests’ problems and stories, and most importantly, to see Jesus inside all of us (guests, volunteers and staff, alike.)

Thank you, Andre House, for opening my eyes to God and His Faith.
- HN

Another article

Here's the article that Kelly wrote. Kelly's real first name in Daniel, but he doesn't like it for whatever reason (just an interesting tidbit for you).

We like to give people, places and things nicknames at Andre House. The house where the staff lives is called “moms.” Our daily, morning meetings are called “plate” because the day’s responsibilities are written down on a paper plate and then posted in the office. One of our long-time employees, Joe, who opens the building each morning and is the go-to-guy for anything building-related – we appropriately call “Building Joe.” We call our men’s and women’s transitional houses “Polk” for short. Our transitional houses are an aspect of our ministry that many friends of Andre House don’t get to see. However, it’s a big part of what we do. We have two houses and invite 6 men and 5 women to stay with us. We stress community. All of our guests eat, pray and share with us in nightly chores. This transition into community life is, many times, the most difficult for our guests to make. Many guests come and go. We ask that they set personal goals for themselves upon entering our program and then conduct progress meetings
every three weeks. The length of a guest’s stay is irrelevant. Most of our guests achieve at least
some of the goals they set for themselves upon entering. If they achieve just one and are a step closer to their overall goal, we’ve done our job, even if they do so in a week or two.

Truth be told, the houses got the nickname Polk because they are located on Polk Street. However, as a history major, I like to think James K., our eleventh president, is there with us in spirit – alongside Brother Andre and our many other patrons. “Manifest Destiny” was the catch phrase during Polk’s presidency. God had already set the stage for an America looking westward. They looked west for something new. This desire for a change is what still brings many people to Phoenix. For many of them, it was destiny – something far outside their reach. This desire for a change is what brought two of our former guests, Frank and Mike, from very different places. In their cases, our program’s success is still being measured.

Frank and Mike were guests at the Polk House when I first arrived this summer. We got along well and became friends. I often found myself struggling with the fact that they were homeless. It bothered me. They were smart, capable people. They were a lot like me. I had a stigma attached to homelessness that I was unaware of. The meaning of the word changed entirely. Many of us picture a Norman Rockwell type scene with a man, in tattered clothing and finger-less gloves, hovering over a burning oil drum trying to keep warm. Those who have no experiences with homelessness rely on what they see on television or in movies – that, or it’s just numbers or percentages. Either way, it remains an abstract, and our mind’s eye paints an inaccurate picture. My struggle wasn’t in understanding these two people. The trouble came in understanding these two men as homeless individuals and changing my preconceived notions of what this meant. Simply put, they were regular people, who didn’t have a place to call their
own.

Frank and Mike both lived at CASS, a homeless shelter across the street from our building, in The Zone. They each found out about our program while talking to staff members during dinner. Based on appearance alone, there aren’t two more different people. For sake of a long, physical description, the only two similarities are: they are both men and they are both in their mid-thirties. They came from different parts of the globe as well: Mike is from rural Illinois, and Frank is from Kenya. However, they were both in very similar situations in their lives. Both of them came to Phoenix for a fresh start. They both: have a child that they love and that drives them to succeed, had long-term relationships with bad break-ups, like to watch and talk about sports, have a good sense of humor, are smart, easy to talk to and are all-around good people. In both cases, their relationship trouble was a major source of their instability. They’re both caught up in similarly difficult and complicated situations. They both would like to be a bigger part of their child’s life, but because of their situation, this has proven to be very difficult. However, with our help they were able to get one step closer to their goal.

During their stay, they were both ideal guests. They took pride in the houses and truly appreciated our being there. Since then, they have both moved on in a very positive way. Mike moved into an apartment in Tempe and is working at a job that he described as “ideal.” Frank is still enjoying his work at a local business and has an apartment to himself in Phoenix. They both join us for dinner occasionally and remain in touch.

These two men helped me realize how lucky I was. They helped me realize that without a loving family and a good support system, everyone could be a setback or two from homelessness. As a new staff member, I was in a transition very similar to theirs. While helping me redefine what homelessness meant to me, they also helped me rediscover family. I realized that our role of support was not only in providing a place to stay. We were their family, and they were now ours. We look forward to coming home from work to eat, talk and laugh with everyone at the dinner table. We look forward to having our extended family there to greet us. Polk was Frank and Mike’s home; the same as mom’s was now mine. Most importantly for me, my thinking changed and I, like James K., was now thinking more laterally. All most people need is a positive change to counteract the negative ones that got them here – something to turn the tide in their favor. When they are most in need, we are there. And it never hurts to know someone genuinely cares.

- KK

Another article

This time from Margaret, or "Bouf" as she likes to be called.

Whatever you did for the least of My brothers and sisters, you did for Me.
Matthew 25:40

Each Wednesday night Andre House reopens its doors after dinner cleanup for Artist’s Attic. Kurt Zampier and I have the pleasure of running this activity every week which allows guests to express themselves artistically. We have guitars, a piano, and a variety of art supplies for guests to use. We also provide desserts, coffee, and lemonade. Most guests join us to relax and
draw or paint while a few provide entertainment on the guitar or piano. Being a piano player for many years, I was eager to facilitate Artist’s Attic. I planned on serving these guests by providing refreshments, listening to their stories, and helping them in any way that I can. The first week for Artist’s Attic arrived, and I was excited to live out the quote stated above by serving the Christ that exists in each guest, however I quickly learned that it was I who would be served.

One person, TJ, was playing the guitar and singing popular songs. He was very talented, and we all recognized and enjoyed listening to his songs. After chatting with him for a bit, I mentioned that I wanted to teach myself how to play the guitar during my year here. He offered to help in any way he could and immediately started teaching me chords and short melodies. I took detailed notes so I could practice the chords at home. I left that night anxious to begin learning the guitar. The following week TJ returned and led me through another lesson. He taught me simple songs from bands that I like such as Metallica.

Now that it has been a couple of months since I’ve been here, the day to day duties are beginning to lose their hype. I’ve become tired at the end of each day and sometimes on Wednesdays, I just want to go home after dinner instead of staying late for Artist’s Attic. But once TJ sits down with me and the guitar, I become reenergized and my mood improves. I volunteered for Artist’s Attic intending to help others, but it was TJ, and other guests, who recognized a need in me and reached out.

I think helping me with the guitar is also beneficial to TJ. I estimate TJ to be in his thirties. He has a ponytail and pretty much looks the part of a rocker guitarist. He said that he is
diagnosed as S.M.I., severely mentally ill, and stays in a shelter at night. Teaching me how to play guitar allows him to use his creative talents constructively. His mind stays focused on teaching me, and I can see how excited he gets when I play a melody correctly. Because of all that Andre House offers to others, sharing his knowledge is his way of giving back. TJ is just one example of the many guests who have helped me daily in a variety of ways. Both the staff and
the guests truly live out the message in the quote from the gospel of Matthew.

Article

I thought that I would put up here some of the other articles that the other staff members wrote for our latest newsletter. Here is Kurt's-

I must begin by thanking God for giving me the opportunity to work here this year and what a privilege it has been to this point. The work here is very humbling and the abundance of
grace that surrounds the Andre House is inspiring. Whether it be serving the many people that use our services or interacting with our many volunteers day-in and day-out, the relationships that are beginning to emerge provide a comfortable and positive environment for my and our success and happiness here. It has really been a blessing to grow with my fellow staff members and come to fully understand the person that I am as well, which ultimately helps me grow. I have found that even though the work throughout a given week can be challenging due to our long hours, most always I am somehow reminded, through grace, that God is with
me and is taking care of me. One role I thoroughly enjoy here is coordinating a soupline.

I was given the chance to coordinate Tuesday’s soupline, which is spaghetti. With the help of our many regular volunteers I have truly found my niche here. No matter how many daily volunteers that come Tuesday, too few or too many, the meal always gets served. That is truly a testament to the dedication and hardworking mentality of our volunteers. The atmosphere I hope to provide on Tuesdays is one that is easy-going, welcoming, understanding, and hardworking. When you balance serious behavior with some humor, I have always found people to be relaxed and genuine. These people have become my extended family, and it’s been a blast so far. Learning their life stories and who they are allows me to learn each day. I might have already graduated college but the learning experience never ends, and for that I am very thankful. It is my constant effort to be aware of all that is present around me and how I may
benefit and learn from others. God has continued to bless me with this wonderful opportunity, and I hope that I am always appreciative of that and mindful of the chances I get. I hope to return all that I can from the abundance of grace that He has bestowed upon me.

I must extend a huge thank you to all of our volunteers and benefactors, because you continue to keep this place running like a well-oiled machine. Without your help, we would not be able to do what we do each and every day. I love what we are about and that is to love one another as God loves us, plain and simple. I continue to keep all of you in my prayers each day: in thanksgiving for your lives, your health and happiness, and that you may always be aware of God’s presence in your lives. I would like to share a prayer with you that I find to truly open my eyes and be thankful for all that it is that God has given me and us:

“My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going.
I do not see the road ahead of me.
I cannot know for certain where it will end.
Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think that I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so.
But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you.
And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing.
I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire.
And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road though I may know nothing about it.
Therefore will I trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death.
I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.”
- Thomas Merton, “Thoughts in Solitude”

Goulash

I get the feeling that people don’t really have an idea of what goulash is. Goulash is the main dish that we make and serve on Saturday nights, the night that I run the soupline. Bottom line up front: goulash is glorified chili-mac. We make enough for 600 servings, so try to imagine the ingredient list before reading on.

40 pounds of ground beef
40 pounds of elbow macaroni
As many onions, carrots, celery, squash, mushrooms, peppers, corn, tomatoes, and other random vegetables as we can find
4 #10 cans of tomato puree (26.5 pounds)
4 #10 cans of tomato sauce (26.5 pounds)
Spices: ¾ c black pepper, 1 c garlic powder, ½ c oregano, 1 c salt, ½ c thyme, ¼ rosemary, ¼ c parsley, 1/8 c sage, ¾ c crushed red pepper

Think that you have a pot that can fit all of that?

Every now and then we’ll try something different. Last night I put a few pineapple bits in the goulash that the staff eats for “Hawaiian Goulash.” One of these days we’re going to try a white sauce instead of the regular tomato sauce.

Crackheads are people too

Our religious brother on staff here at Andre House, Richard, always gives the reflection for Mass on Fridays. He always does such a great job of it, but this week he had a great one that I felt the need to share. Brother Richard always brings me back down to earth with his spiritual teaching and this week was no different.

We go through our daily lives here and we deal with a lot of crap. There are fights in the street, drug deals in our parking lot (the police tell us that there is now some ruthless Honduran syndicate operating in our area), and in general a lot of trouble. As I have noted, it is easy to get cynical when seeing the same people do the same foul things every day. But despite all of this, Brother Richard reminded us in his reflection that these people- the violent, the addicted, the despairing- they are all people before anything else and they deserve our love and attention because of that. Every human life is more than valuable, it is priceless. I myself easily loose sight of that fact, so to hear someone remind me of it helps a great deal.

Nomination

Wednesday I was calling the congressional offices out here in Phoenix to get updated on the status of my nomination applications. Since I left West Point, I have to get renominated by a member of Congress. Since I am now a resident of Arizona, I applied to Senator Jon Kyl, Senator John McCain, and Congressman Ed Pastor.

So anyway, I was calling around to see why I hadn't gotten notification of interview times before the respective Academy Review Boards. Pastor's office said that they didn't want to interview me but would rather just review my application packet and probably give me a nomination. That was pretty good news. I next called John McCain's office. The staff person there told me that the review board looked at my packet and they too don't want to interview me. The difference is that they're just going to go ahead and give me the nomination because I've already spent two years at West Point. That was even better news! I don't have to interview or compete with anyone, I'm just going to be handed a nomination.

That’s one little hurdle out of the way in my efforts to get accepted at West Point [again]. Next I have to complete the West Point Admissions paperwork and take a PT test.

Today's reflection

I didn't sit down and write out a big long and well thought out reflection for today. While I usually type up something and then paste it directly here, I'll instead paste the Gospel reading for today and leave the reflection up to you. It's pretty easy to see- Jesus speaks directly to our work at Andre House. This is a great piece of encouragement for me.

From the Gospel of St. Luke:

On a Sabbath Jesus went to dinner at the home of one of the leading Pharisees. He said to the host who invited him, “When you hold a lunch or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or sisters or your relatives or your wealthy neighbors, in case they may invite you back and you have repayment. Rather, when you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”

The Great People Migration

Right now we are experiencing a bit of a natural phenomenon. Just as animals migrate, so do people. We call them “snowbirds.” As one of our staff likes to say, “there are rich snowbirds and there are poor snowbirds.” The rich variety have homes in Phoenix and then homes in a northern part of the state like Sedona or Flagstaff. During the summer, they live in the northern locations so that they can avoid the extreme heat of the desert areas. During the “winter,” they move south to their other houses for the warmer temperatures.

While the homeless don’t have two houses, they nevertheless move from north to south at this time of year. So at this time we are seeing a lot of new faces and all the new trouble that goes along with those new people. Most of our clientele we see on a daily basis and they all know how we operate (and the best ways to take advantage of us, but that is another subject). Our new guests have no idea what is going on and initially have a hard time accepting our rules, which are easy to misconstrue as asinine and unnecessary. Nevertheless, life goes on as it usually does.

Sunset

If anybody ever gets to come out here and visit, I now know one of the things that you need to experience before you leave- the Phoenix sunset. One of my housemates and coworkers, Hoa, and I went to South Mountain Park this past Thursday to watch the sunset. We didn't actually make it on time and ended up seeing the sun go down from the car, but we were up on the mountain for twilight and got to see the city at night. I have never professed being someone who likes cities (quite the opposite actually), but it was really quite neat to look out on all of it. It blows my mind to think that I was looking out on millions of people, all going about thier own lives.