Spiritual Perspectives
And a Little Child Shall Lead Us

By Don Steele
Special to The Independent

Recently Laura Bremer-Bennett of Gallup celebrated her 10th birthday. When she was asked what she wanted to do for that special day, she said, "Mom, I want to make something, sell it, and give the money to the homeless."

So after her mother spoke to Laura's teachers at Rehoboth Christian School, they agreed to advertise a bake sale. At her birthday party, Laura and her friends baked all week long they and other donors sold baked goods. They raised $150 for CARE 66, Gallup's treasure of an organization that deals with housing, counseling and job development for homeless men. She sent the check in with a note: "This is my birthday present to YOU!"

Somehow at age 10, Laura has understood what the whole community of Gallup can do that "it takes a village" to raise a child, or to care for the homeless in our midst. She decided to do what she could and she made a difference immediately, involving friends, family, and teachers in the process.

CARE 66 is a remarkable organization. It began as the dream of two men who recognized the profound need in the area and teamed up to ask "Why not?" in the face of overwhelming odds. There were no resources, no location, no funds, and no cohesive strategy at the inception slightly over a year ago. At present, CARE 66 has a wonderful facility, Frances House, which has housed 27 men since its inception the end of October 2005, averaging six new clients per month. In addition, a number of others have benefited from the daytime program. Already three of the guests at CARE 66 have been able to move into permanent housing. All of the men who live at CARE 66 are successfully employed a tremendous achievement!

All of this happens because of the courage and hard work of persevering guests who don't give up on themselves or each other. It also happens because of a very dedicated staff who provide counseling, offer safety and security to residents, raise funds, wash dishes, cook meals, and envision the necessary structure to secure a future that includes low-cost housing and job development. It happens because of a wonderful cadre of volunteers who have already served 381 meals in four months time. It happens because of a committed volunteer board that watches carefully the many facets of the organization that need care and oversight.

In addition to the transitional housing offered at present, there are dreams and plans for low cost permanent housing and a business that would provide employment and job training for future residents. CARE 66 is making a dent in the larger picture of poverty and hopelessness as well as homelessness. The mission is about transformation of individual lives and of a community our community.

The truth of the matter is that without lots of "Laura's," CARE 66 cannot do its mission. It takes approximately $10,000 per month to run the organization, and even with grants and some governmental funding, the organization depends upon the "village" of Gallup to keep its doors open and its services flowing. Often there are cash flow issues when grants are not forthcoming or are not dispersed on time. At present, quite candidly there is an urgent need for additional funds to continue this unprecedented ministry.

The reality is that at some level homelessness is our universal experience. The Navajo people, in moving into this region, had no homes and had to create them. All of us various immigrant peoples had no homes in this land as our parents and grandparents sought religious or economic freedom, or freedom from persecution. We had to build them or find them, and all of us, without exception, had help from neighbors, family and friends. Our transition somewhere along the line into a level of safety, security, and protection happened, as the Beatles helped us to know, "with help from our friends."

CARE 66 belongs to all of us. So now it's our turn to insure that this remarkable ecumenical, interfaith venture continues. It takes all of us, doing our equivalent of a bake sale, involving our families, teachers and friends, to keep this effort going. The philosophy of the organization states that CARE 66 offers a leg-up, not a handout. CARE 66 is a Gallup community treasure. It is our privilege and joyful responsibility to insure its future. Contributions in any amount can be sent to CARE 66, P.O. Box 4298, Gallup, New Mexico 87305.

The Rev. Don Steele is pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Gallup. He can be reached at steele1217@earthlink.net or by phone at (505) 722-3247.

This column is the result of a desire by community members, representing different faith communities, wishing to share their ideas about bringing a spiritual perspective into our daily lives and community issues.

For information about contributing a guest column, contact Elizabeth Hardin-Burrola at the Independent: (505) 863-8611, ext. 218 or lizreligion01@yahoo.com.