Read a thriller and help the homeless!

I hadn't been to Chicago in years, so when the meeting ended, I couldn't wait for the long walk up Michigan Avenue to the hotel. The weather was perfect, and I was marveling at the stores and architecture. And then I hear: "Hey Wall Street!" I look over and see a homeless man. "Hey Wall Street! You looking sharp. How about helping a man out!!"

First, I did admire his technique of leading with a compliment. Secondly, I was ashamed I had not seen him sitting on a bucket on the sidewalk. Like many people, I'm wary of giving money directly to the homeless. In the past, I've bought meals and handed them out as I walk. But I am ashamed to say I kept walking past the guy. Who was he? What would he use the money for? Would I only be subsiding addiction? I wished I could somehow do more. 

Later that day I posted onto Facebook a picture of Chicago, which led to a message from a friend in the area I had not spoken to since college. It turned out Jim Rediehs was working to raise money for Bridge Communities helping homeless in Dupage County, Illinois. Bridge Communities is a grass-roots, non-profit group that works to help the homeless move towards self-sufficiency. 

To me this was too much of a coincidence to ignore. Just hours earlier, I wondered how I could help, and now a phone call asking me to help. So, when he asked for a donation, I didn't hesitate to say: "How about I donate all proceeds from October's sales of Three Degrees From Justice ?"

 

And so that's my pledge for October. 

 

The underbelly of writing is always the self-promotion, so this is just a joy to help Jim and his cause.   A big thank you to Jim for showing me where and how I can help. If you have ever wondered how and where to help the homeless, here  is a good place to start.