TESTIMONIALS
Cindy,Thank you for extending the visit to tour the Homeless Shelter. It was an eye opening experience.
When you first drive up, the grass is replaced by brown dirt. Some people are huddled in a fetal position sleeping in a make shift house, from brown boxes. Trash bags line the street, sidewalk and fence, where individuals have placed their precious belongings. The blankets have a unique look of many months of long use without being washed. Many of the clothes have stains, spoilage and smell.
Although without a warm, safe, secure place to lay their head the homeless people step aside so we may take a tour of the place they lay their heads during the night. There are approximately 500 tiny, worn, torn cots. At a quick glance it resembles the size of an infant’s crib mat. When placed in a position on the floor, there is no room to stretch, roll over or change positions, one best choose the ideal position before lying down. Each small cot is placed on a hard concrete floor. The trash bags full of precious belongings marks each individuals spot. There is a quiet understanding of the rules surrounding personal belongings among the regulars. There are three separate areas. There is one for the veterans, one for mothers and small children and everyone else.
The library consist of used books, which have torn pages, missing pages, colorings, writings or are barely holding together, possibly 20 books at best.
During the day the homeless are asked to vacate the shelter. Some try to find means to get to doctor’s appointments to refill medicines that were stolen or lost. Some try and find a means to earn work; some mother’s going to extremes just to provide much needed formula for their children. The city of Fort Worth’s day labor is not close enough for many with disabilities, medical conditions or small children to walk to and see employment.
There is a shower on the premises. Being there are approximately 500 per night, the wait to use the shower can be overwhelming. Shower toiletries are not provided, and must be purchased. Without a job or income, or even limited income and medically needing to purchase prescriptions or feeding young children there is little left over to purchase toiletries to bathe with.
Many of us taking the tour were dressed in business casual clothing. During the tour a young lady walked up and asked us “What do you know about being homeless!” I completely understood where she was coming from; we have a house, clean clothes, warm beds and food. Could we ever really understand what they are going through? Being homeless at one time, I sympathized with her and did understand a little. She began to feel more comfortable in speaking with us. We did care to hear what she felt was needed, could be improved upon and her complaints. She stated she felt many could use transportation to get back and forth for cancer treatment, for infection checkups, medication refills. She confessed to knowing about the bus passes being sold, which is against policy and wanted a solution to stop that. When asked about what solution she thought would be better, she said she did not know; but would think about it.
We met another girl who is a master welder among many other skills. Her experience consists of also being a Forman over a large construction crew. She stated a willingness to want to work, and wanted desperately for someone to give her a chance to prove her skills.
These people are someone’s grandma, grandpa, sister, brother, mom, dad, daughter, son, aunt or uncle.
Contrary to the stigmatism of homeless people, there were many, who although frustrated with their current conditions wanted to learn and participate in any means to better themselves. They welcomed the opportunity to prove themselves, to employers willing to give them a chance. They were respectful, polite and gracious for our time. When in fact, we should be grateful they were willing to share their opinions, wants and needs with us.
This experience opened my eyes to another world. Exposed me to a side of humanity I had not experienced for a long time. These people desperately want to be a part of our society, just as badly as we enjoy being a part of it.
Thank you Phillips Wish for allowing me to participate in the shelter tour, please count us in to help bring more awareness, assistance and empower the homeless integrating back into society. Everyone deserves a chance at the American dream!
My sincerest appreciation for everything that Phillips Wish is doing,
Chauncy
DeLane Davis - This afternoon Brady, Jordyn and I attended Phillip's Wish 4th Annual Blanket Drive that began at Tom Thumb in Southlake.We were overjoyed and proud to participate!
Over ten speakers, including a Mayor, State Representative spokesperson, a retired Dallas Cowboy and a radio personality told of their personal connection to Phillip and his mother,Cyndi Bunch. Close to 200 people were in attendance. After listening to heartfelt stories and shedding a few tears,we helped load trucks with the remaining blankets, scarves, coats, mittens, socks, and gloves that had been delivered to Tom Thumb today.
As we had children's fleece scarves to distribute, we chose to follow the donated moving truck full of blankets and caravan to the first stop: Presbyterian Night Shelter and the Shelter for Mom's and Children in Ft. Worth. Even though Cyndi tried to tell me, nothing could have prepared us for what we saw.
As soon as we exited the freeway and turned onto Lancaster, it was clear that help was needed. Parking the car in the lot near the shelter was a little scary as we were met with parked cars full of personal belongs and people that had obviously been making the cars their home! Right away people from the streets made their way to the truck. Unfortunately, most had done this before. Quickly a table was set up near the truck and filled with toiletries and large storage bags. People politely lined up, took a bag, and filled it with shampoo, conditioner, lotion, deodorant, toothpaste and a toothbrush. I don't remember one person forgetting to say thank you as I helped fill their bags. They also looked out for each other by directing friends to the line if they had just arrived. After the truck door rolled up, I helped the small, young helpers into the truck. There they organized and brought blankets to the truck opening to be distributed. Socks, sleeping bags, hats and gloves were requested the most. Unfortunately there were not enough to go around, but all received a warm blanket or two. Young children with their mothers, men that looked like their clothes hadn't been washed in weeks, young and old women alone, couples together, a few men that look like the fathers I see at school picking up their children, groups together, and friends all standing in line at the shelter to get in for a meal, a warm shower, or the night. Most did not take more than they needed and were quick to tell us so. I received warm hugs, thank you's, and was blessed more times than I can count!
A few of us made our way to the separate shelter for mothers and their children. There we handed out the remaining handmade children's scarves and some of the blankets, gloves and hats that we saved from the truck for the children. Though the staff told us almost 60 residents were children, we visited with less than 20, including 2 newborn babies. We were told that many mothers take their children out during the day to look for food, work and drugs.
Though Cyndi, Phillip, and many of the volunteers continued on to the next shelter in the dark, the kids and I left Ft. Worth for our warm comfortable home. Grateful for the experience we shared, and promising each other to return next year with more help and more supplies.
Dec 16 2007
Ginny Scales - Let me start by saying "Thank you". I truly never knew after all the stories we have shared what it really was all about until TODAY! My heart was whole as I said, and I can only thank you for that. You will never, ever know what today meant to me, and how it touched my heart and soul, and what it did to make me so amazingly PROUD of my children! They are and will always be the love of my life just as Phillip is to me too. They saw things I dont think they have ever seen, and it is all because of you!
Thank you again!
Our Shelter Manager is beside himself about the gift for the new mats - he wants to order them today! That gift from Century 21 is truly a blessing for those who have no where else to sleep.
Best wishes to you.
Lyndsay Hoover
PR & Development Director
Presbyterian Night Shelter
Chris Taylor - When I first met Cyndi Bunch, I was working for a group of community newspapers.
It was just before Thanksgiving, and she had been trying to reach me for a couple of days. I hadn't received any of my messages or faxes from our secretary, but Cyndi didn't give up. She came to my office to tell me her story: The story of how her husband had a mental illness and would wander the streets. How she and her son, Phillip, would have go looking for him. The misery they saw on those streets.
"Plain white tube socks created such a stir that you would have though it was for Hannah Montana tickets or the latest gaming system. This stuck with me for long after, even to the point that socks is what I donate now."As a reporter we are always looking for an amazing story and here one had walked in to see me. I had always lived my life by the philosophy that everyone is one bad break from losing everything, and luck plays a much bigger part in our lives (and successes) than most people ever realize.
When Cyndi told me her story, I realized that I was right. It was like a grand discovery, but what was even more inspiring was what she and Phillip had done to combat their misfortune. Instead of collapsing or being beaten down, they both decided to do something.
They learned from their experiences and became a force for good. When so many of the rest of the country is more interested in looking good at church and the community, Cyndi and Phillip are out there getting their hands dirty actually doing something.
I knew I was going to have to go with them as they handed out blankets right before Christmas.
I went with them one Saturday before Christmas. While everyone else was out shopping in a consumer frenzy, we were handing blankets to people who would spend the night in a doorway with nothing but a blanket to keep them warm. I watched Cyndi work her way through the crowd. I learned many things that day. I watched Cyndi speak with, and touch just about every person who was out there. Those tiny gestures, she said, made these people realize they matter, and they are not invisible.
I was amazed at the emotions that were displayed by those receiving the blankets and the hugs. Some cried. Many wished us a merry Christmas. The great group of volunteers who delivered blankets and coats were emotional, as well. One person couldn't handle the scene and cried until she left.
Two things really stuck with me out of the experience: First, I never knew what to say them. Saying have a Merry Christmas seems kind of hollow to a person who is going to be sleeping in below-freezing temperatures. I settled on "Good luck," but that still seemed an odd thing to say.
The second thing I found very strange. At one point during the handing out of the blankets, there was huge commotion about a new item. That item was socks. Plain white tube socks created such a stir that you would have though it was for Hannah Montana tickets or the latest gaming system. This stuck with me for long after, even to the point that socks is what I donate now. I just could not imagine that in a month where I had interviewed an owner of doggie hotel where owners could view their dogs by webcams, a manager of a grocery store where customers could get massages while they shopped and kids camping out to by gaming systems so they could reap huge profits online, that I would see people fighting to get socks. It was a humbling, sobering experience.
After the delivery we all went to eat. No one really said much.
When the waitress didn't bring the right order out, no one really felt like complaining, though. We'd seen what real problems looked like, and everything else seemed much smaller in comparison.
Sarah Gomez - My name is Sarah Gomez. I am 16 years old and a Junior at Central High School in Keller.
Recently I thought of an idea to incorporate with Phillip's Wish that will also help with the homeless. I have always had a compassion for helping others and giving back to people who are in need. I volunteer at nursing homes, The Presbyterian Night Shelter, and also with other community events. My idea is to help the homeless with their dental hygiene, which will help homeless adults in finding day labor jobs and giving children confidence with their smiles.
A few months ago I had read an article that had interviewed Franciscan monks that were helping the homeless in the south side area of Fort Worth. One of their main concerns were the homeless adults being self-conscious about their appearance particularly with their teeth and breath. My main objective is to collect toothbrushes, toothpastes, and teddy bears for children.
I have heard the saying "grin and bear it" in the past and I thought to have the name of my idea "Bear-'N-Grin it". I hope that I will be able to contribute my part in helping Phillip's Wish and also the homeless in need. Phillip's Wish is very beneficial in our community and I'm confident of the future and what is yet to come. Jennifer McAlister - Four years ago I prayed that God would put an opportunity in my path that would teach my kids what life was truly about. I wanted them to experience the joy of living a life of purpose and see firsthand that giving is a far greater gift than receiving. Since there are so many needs in the world,I didn't know where to start or what to do. Thankfully, God made it very clear where He wanted my children and I to serve because less than a week later, Cyndi Bunch literally stepped into my path. I met Cyndi in downtown Fort Worth while she was passing out letters that explained her story; what she was doing and why. All she requested was a blanket. I called Cyndi the next day and that was the beginning of a friendship and a bond held together by the shared desire of making a difference in the world.The first year 250 blankets were collected. Last year, we stopped counting at 20,000 blankets, to include coats, hats, socks, toiletries, sleeping bags and toys. It still amazes me how obedient, compassionate hearts, like little Phillip's and his moms, can impact a lost and hurting world when we they decided to be a part of the solution. Nicole Allen -
My sweet grandmother taught me how to knit when I was 7 years old. I have knitted practically all my life. I've knitted for my family, friends, teachers, and several different charities. Knitting relieves stress and allows me to use my creativity. It's good for the soul.
This past October while my son was recuperating from open heart surgery I worked on a red, white and blue afghan that I had planned to put out on my front porch. We recently purchased white wicker furniture for our "Walton's" style front porch. I knew the blanket would look beautiful out there and I already dreamed of having early morning coffee in the fall and wrapping myself in it whenit got chilly. No sooner had I completed the project and bragged about it to my family did I receive an email from a mom in my son's kindergarten class. The email informed me about a blanket drive called "Phillip's Wish" and stated the drop off location was Ella Bella in Southlake. I checked out the attatched website and read Phillip's story. I looked at my blanket and realized that someone needed it more than what I had planned for it. I couldn't get the heartbreaking story out of my head and made the decision to donate it. I also decided to make matching patriotic mittens, a hat and scarf and even made a red, white and blue pillow to go with it. The last day of the drop off was a Thursday. Mentally I ran through the day, I had to pick up my daughter from show choir, my husband was out of town, I could pick up Cici's pizza since it was just a few doors down from Ella Bella and drop off the items. I threw in some extra toiletries we had under the bathroom cabinet for good measure. I was literally stitching the last mitten together while waiting on the pizza order. My daughter and I walked down to Ella Bella with our bag and stood at the counter, waiting fr someone to tell us where to leave it. The clerk was busy with a customer. A lady came in and I immediately recognized her from the website. It was Cyndi and she was there loading up a van with donated blankets. She walked right up to me and smiled and asked if the bag was for Phillip's Wish. There was something in her eyes, I couldn't break the eye contact. She hugged me and I couldn't help but weep for all she had been through and she had the courage to keep helping others, not just a little bit but with her whole being. She gave me her very last business card. I went home knowing I had to do more. I have always wanted to do "something" but never could quite figure out what. I have nine children so that takes up most of my life but I still felt a need to do someting more. I got an idea of starting a knitting group. If I could learn at the age of 7, surely I could teach my kids, and then I figured I could invite my friends and the kids could invite their friends. I put the word out at the school and a knitting group was formed. Everyone brought needles and yarn and we started making blankets. I told everyone that I would teach them to knit for free but they had to donate their projects, which were 7" X 9" blocks, back to me to make blankets for the homeless. No one had a problem with that. That's what drew them to join. By the middle of December, less than 2 months we completed 3 blankets, consisting on 49 squares each. Made by kids from the age of 6 to highschool, mom's and teachers. Soon the Dallas Morning News did a story about the group and that's when yarn started to get donated. Enormous amounts, annd knitting needles. 62 sets of knitting needles landed on my front porch. Originally I had thought it may be nice to offer 4 lessons and make one blanket to donate but with all the yarn, the needles and everyone's desire to continue I couldn't end what was started. We are meeting twice a month forever! I had been enjoying the nice little group and our lovely project when Cyndi arranged for a tour of the Presbyterian Night Shelter. I did not go down to distribute blankets in December because my husband was out of town, so I had not seen first hand what "homeless" looked like. Nothing could have prepared me for that day. The trash bags filled with all the worldly posessions of people with no place to call home. Veterans in wheelchairs, people standing and sitting together on the sidewalk and even someone, I'm not sure if it was a man or woman, all covered up in a blanket laying on the sidewalk. That was the outside. When the caravan of SUV's and other luxury vehicles drove down the street, we were stared at. Clearly it is not an area frequented by rich folks. We waited at the entrance until everyone who was on the tour arrived and passed out business cards and introduced ourselves. When I gave out my cards, very cute, newly printed knitterbugs cards, both workers looked at each other, in what I think was disbelief and immediately smiled and said, "we have been talking about starting a knitting class here" I was a little taken aback. "Was this their way of asking me to come herer to teach homeless people how to knit?" My question was answered in the next minute. That's exactly what they asked me. I have to be honest. This was the first time I had ever been to this place. It isn't far off from what I may expect hell may be like. I wasn't so sure that I wanted to come down herer on a regular basis to teach a knitting class. That's what I do in my living room at home. Then it hit me. All those needles, all that yarn. I was questioning how we'd ever use it all up, those needles, there were way too many for us to ever use, most of them the same size. This was God, putting this opportunity in my face and it was time for me to make a decision. Did I have the courage to do it. That was my thought throughout the entire tour. Seeing where these people slept and what little there was for them. The basics are so scarce. Privacy is non existent even in the shower. It broke my heart. These are human beings and our pets get better care. I made my decision, I would certainly teach at the shelter. I found myself getting more and more excited as the first Tuesday approached. I made up tote bags for each person with a name tag so they could keep their things together, brought enough needles for everyone and a ton of yarn. My daughter Angela baked cookies and I brought a blanket to show them what they could make. I think our first class was a huge success. I realized that being in alittle room in the shelter with these people was not that different from being in my living room at home, sure it's not pretty, but the people are beautiful. They have hearts and souls. I wasn't looking at what they were wearing, I was looking into their eyes. They were so appreciative. They kept asking me if I would come back, they asked if they could keep their neeldes and yarn. How long was I planning to come and teach. They adored Angela's cookies and said she was the best cook in the world. It was a bit of a struggle getting everyone started, there were 11 of them, but by the end of the 2 hour session, everyone caught on. By the next week some of them had knitted to the end of their yarn! I was in shock! I really thought that they'd get stuck and I'd have to come back to re-teach them all but was I wrong!
They started opening up and shared stories, some so shocking and hearbreaking that you almost can't believe it. We laugh and talk and I feel like I've been around them my whole life. They are so different from me and yet they are so like me at the same time. I thank God for this opportunity and I thank God for putting Cyndi in my path. I believe that all the hardships her family has suffered through have created so many opportunities for good to come of it. I pray that Big Phillip will someday know all the good that has been done because of his illness and that God will bless him for it.
"No one has ever become poor by giving."
- Anne Frank