Islamic Relief USA communications specialist Nada Shawish writes to us about IRUSA’s Day of Dignity program 2011, and taking some much needed love to America’s city streets, one city at a time.
Flint, Mich. – Robyn Rashdan stood by the food distribution table with friends Leisha and John Sanders, eating a hot dog prepared by the Flint Islamic Youth Group. Robyn is one of hundreds of people who attended Islamic Relief USA’s Day of Dignity in Flint, Mich., on October 1 for a little relief — she told me that she’s been unemployed for at least the last year, and so have her friends Leisha and John. In Michigan, there’s little chance they’ll find jobs anytime soon. Michigan has some of the highest unemployment and poverty rates in the country, following only places like Washington, D.C., and Baltimore.
“It’s hard to have to leave Flint just because there is no work … My family has been here and we’ve lived here,” Robyn said. “It’s the place we know, but without work, we just can’t stay.”
For Robyn, Islamic Relief USA’s Day of Dignity is a lifesaver: She knows she’ll eat today, and even tomorrow, and she’s gotten enough supplies to help her children and grandchildren for the next month. At the event in Flint – one of 15 Day of Dignity locations nationwide this year — volunteers distributed a total of 20,000 pounds of food in addition to providing other needed services.
“This is absolutely helping,” Robyn said. “It is so needed in this community and you guys are doing a great job providing the things that are needed most … hygiene kits, women’s shelters and support, medical care, food. You’re filling the gaps when we’re not sure what might happen in the next few months.”
She’s talking about the welfare cap that the state of Michigan instated, meaning that as of this month, thousands of families will no longer receive financial help from the state, and thousands of families are at risk, including almost 15,000 children in Wayne County alone who rely on welfare benefits each month in order to live.
“We don’t know what we’ll do. We’re basically being forced to move,” said Minerva Witt, 60. She’s also lived in Flint her whole life, and attended Day of Dignity to get some help for her own children who have been unemployed. Minerva teaches at a local elementary school and she explained that the way people are living in Flint is “just crazy.”
“It’s hard to believe, but I see young kids come into school during Michigan’s harsh winters with bags on their feet because they can’t afford socks, and this is a regular thing,” she said. Really, it’s hard to stomach that in the United States, young kids are forced to endure the harsh Michigan winter without a single pair of socks, while most people double-up their socks during this time of year. — And this was just one of many stories I heard at Day of Dignity.
So many people across the United States are suffering, and with the economy still a sinking ship, many more are drowning in poverty seemingly overnight, with few options for help. A shocking 50 million Americans live in poverty, including almost 17 million children. What’s more, it is estimated that close to 3.5 million Americans will experience homelessness this year.
Islamic Relief’s Day of Dignity creates an opportunity for caring individuals from diverse communities to provide services to their neighbors in need. This grassroots effort brings volunteers around the country together each year to distribute food, clothing, blankets, medical care and other services. This year marked the program’s ninth year.
Each of the 15 sites this year offered its own lineup of activities and services. Most offered food, clothing and hygiene kits with items including towels, soap and toothpaste. Some provided haircuts, blankets, HIV testing and information on unemployment benefits and housing. Children bounced on bounce houses in several cities, and in Philadelphia, parents welcomed the playdough and toys for their children. Some locations offered special treats – manicures and a candy station in Phoenix, and chiropractic care and massages in Minneapolis.
Luxuries aside, many of the guests appreciated the basic necessities. In Washington, D.C., where a cold rain forced the event to move indoors, most of the visitors had a place to live but struggled to get by. Michelle, a recipient, said the products offered made their day because some could not even afford to buy soap.
In Seattle, Michael, 50, an unemployed handyman, said he went to the city to take care of his parents, and his money ran out after they died. “I have one goal, and that’s not to be homeless anymore.” He said he enjoyed the event and its services. Jerry, who had just arrived in Seattle the night before, said, “I lost my comb … I needed everything. This is above and beyond anything I have seen.” Another guest in Seattle, eating a sandwich and holding a bag in his hand, said he was tired and had a headache. He smiled and added, “But this has made it better.”
In Seattle, the recipients began to pitch in to help out. One man said he did not need the school supplies but intended to give it to people he knew had kids. Another sat near the clothing station, telling others what size clothes would fit them. Another guest headed for the exit, then came back and asked a volunteer how he could help out the following year.
Some of the events added entertainment to lift hearts as well as filling stomachs. In Phoenix, break-dancers and rap artists shared the stage with guests, who got a chance to sing and try out the drums. In Minneapolis, Day of Dignity was a full-out block party, with hip-hop artist Brother Ali as the emcee, a full range of performers, and Freeway as the headliner as the sun dropped low in the sky. The crowd filled the street and the park beyond, with people of all walks of society enjoying the music together.
“I think this is a beautiful thing that you do,” said Val in Minneapolis, enjoying a plate full of spaghetti.” I think we need more things like this to let people know you’re not by yourself. Somebody cares.”
In Seattle, a volunteer handed food to a recipient who bowed his head as he took his food, softly saying, “Thank you.” The volunteer reached for his hand and shook it, and looked into the eyes of the man on the other side of the line. “No, thank YOU,” the volunteer said. The recipient lifted his head as the volunteer continued: “YOU are providing the blessing. One year I hitchhiked and had to take a ride from random people and I felt ashamed, but I realized every person that I met felt a little bit lighter because of me. That is what you are doing for me.”
Nearby, a volunteer asked guest Raymon Fuller how the event could be improved, “You have done everything right,” he said. “You have the Lord in this.” Praising God, he left. After a while, he returned and said, “I just need prayer, and if the Lord allows it, shoes. I love you.”
Back in Michigan, I asked Robyn the same question, “The most important thing is that we’re all out here together. Poverty can affect anyone these days, it doesn’t matter what you’re background is or faith is. Events like this will make people realize this. Events like this will heal some of the hurt and tension between people and help them to realize we’re all in the same boat,” she said, “Any complaints? …” She responded like a true Michigander, “The sun could be shining.”
Learn how you can help in your city. Visit us at IRUSA.org and donate, participate, advocate to support the Day of Dignity program and other U.S. programs like it.
