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Covid-19 shut down the bars a little bit in Auburn, but not all the way. Thus, my first night was a live remix of Stevie Wonder. Seriously, the band playing at the local bar in downtown Auburn was all funk and my mind drifted back to my late elementary and junior high days. If it weren’t for the fact I was trying to sleep, it would have been pleasant. Fortunately, it ended around midnight versus the typical 2:00am.
Students are still still students so two college guys ventured up onto my trailer curious as to what it was. I am sure my yelling from inside “hey” was not what they expected. I need to sleep in some type of ongoing halloween costume and post a camera outside to capture the reactions…that could add a whole new level to our fundraising…
We are grateful to the visitors yesterday including board members, Emily Meyers and Barbara Miller, who volunteered to kick us off. Barbara also brought her husband Pete and we enjoyed an evening fire together. Earlier in the day, Rev. Ashley Davis who serves with the AL West FL Conference of the United Methodist Church came. We reminisced about the past two years of disaster response, recollecting Hurricane Michael slamming into Florida on Oct. 10th, the day I moved into the shack in 2018. This time we discussed the closeout of the Lee County Tornado recovery and impact of Hurricane Sally on the AL Gulf Coast. ARM is coordinating local teams and wondering where we might plug in for the long-term recovery for our lower Alabama neighbors.
It was a joy to have Auburn Mayor Ron Anders as well and we discussed leadership during Covid-19 and the tension of keeping businesses going and keeping the population safe. No easy answers. As we reflected on Auburn’s growth, we talked about housing and how to be mindful and intentional to maintain affordable housing and a system of repairs for at-risk and lower income households. Ron has a heart for affordable housing and was instrumental in Alabama adopting its own Housing Trust Fund although it still does not have a revenue stream. Alabama uses federal Housing Trust Fund monies for affordable housing development. This heart shows in how he leads the city.
With good food, good people, and good weather, it seems the shack is off to a good start and our total at 1:00pm yesterday was $37,900. The chilly night, loud noise and some security issues…and now with all the Covid-19 precautions, reminded me of the families who also struggle. What are more ways we can help them thrive and survive and stop poverty from destroying their homes and their dignity?
You can be part of that solution: praying, giving, volunteering–and let God maximize that!
Give at www.arm-al.org/give or through Venmo @arm-al
Blessings for you this day!
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