Helping the Homeless?

I could have figured that this was going to happen. God always seems to work this way in my life.


I cannot say that I have been sympathetic to the homeless among us, knowing that the most visible are homeless because of addictions. One of my many shortcomings is intolerance for drug & alcohol abusers. It comes well founded with a younger sister who has been in and out of prison for Methamphetamine sale & use. She bore 3 children with 3 different fathers. This left 3 children parentless, and caused amazing misery to my own parents.

I am also in one of those jobs (Firefighter/Paramedic) that see the tragedy of the intoxicated driver, overdoses and meth lab explosions. I just went on a call where a 15-year-old youth who was under the influence of a controlled substance, took on 5 cops in a wrestle mania. Then we responded to a chronic alcoholic, who lives in a broken down motor home parked on the street. At 42 years old, he looks 60 with increasing medical problems.

I do not give money to people on the street, and to be honest, I avoid those in need of help because of drug addiction. I do not find myself tolerant to their condition. What God is showing me now is not that I am intolerant but frustrated, because I do not know what to do to help. I know that handing out money is not the answer; no one in America starves to death from a lack of food and I am just funding their ability to feed their addiction. I am hesitant to become directly involved because I at some point I am going to be in the place of being the “Bad Guy” and having to exhibit some “Tough Love”. I am probably like most, who find it easier to move away from the problem rather than seek out God and His guidance. Then God threw me a curve ball and I swung hard.

I found myself involved in the Monarch Project and loving the camaraderie, the work and the finished product. About the time Monarch House was slowing to a close, Chuck contacted me wanting to know if I would be willing to lead another project, doing needed repairs to the Corona Homeless Shelter, Gods Kitchen/Circle of Hope. Orange County Rescue Mission (OCRM) had recently acquired the facility from the city and was in need of manpower to get the job done. I told him I would keep it in prayer, but needed more information. The short part of the long story is that we are in the planning stages of doing a makeover for the Corona/Norco Homeless Shelter.

Purpose of Corona Rescue Mission: The purpose is to continue to provide emergency/ transitional shelter & food to the homeless in the Corona/Norco area. The facility provides shelter for 20-30 people per night, including children, with a capacity of 50. Breakfast and dinner is provided for 50 -80 people each meal. The purpose will remain the same for the next 3-5 years as more in-depth programs are introduced into the homeless community. The overall goal is to develop more resources for the community with training, education, rehabilitation and medical services on either this campus or securing other sites.

Purpose of the project: The purpose of the project is to improve the living/working conditions of those using the facility. Everything done will accommodate that and not change its current function. There will be nothing done that would hamper the progress of future conversion into training and education facilities.

So now, we have a way to work on the problem of homelessness. Will we fix everyone? No. It is a reality of life that you cannot save everyone; you can only do your best with the skills you have. As a church, teaming with OCRM, we expand our ability to make a definitive difference to those in need. Will we save everyone? No. Will God have an amazing impact into the Corona/Norco area using the shelter? Absolutely. Will God affect our lives using the shelter? He already has.

Monarch House has been amazing; I think I say that every time I start writing about the project, simply amazing. The physical project has been an amazing restoration, but for many of us, we have had the opportunity for the Men of Crossroads to come together with a single purpose.


I would like to tell you that we have hundreds of men crawling over this site every day, but the truth is we average about 6-10 guys throughout the day. Some are there through the morning, some through the afternoon and some stay all day. Everyday there is someone new on site that encourages us by their zeal and enthusiasm.

I am reminded of Gideon in the seventh chapter of the Book of Judges. Gideon is called by God to fight the Medianites.

"The LORD said to Gideon, "You have too many men for me to deliver Midian into their hands. In order that Israel may not boast against me that her own strength has saved her, announce now to the people, 'Anyone who trembles with fear may turn back and leave Mount Gilead.' So twenty-two thousand men left, while ten thousand remained.” Judges 7:2&3

So Gideon whittles his crew down to 10,000 guys, but God still wants him to go and reduce his crew.

But the LORD said to Gideon, "There are still too many men. Take them down to the water, and I will sift them for you there. If I say, 'This one shall go with you,' he shall go; but if I say, 'This one shall not go with you,' he shall not go. So Gideon took the men down to the water. There the LORD told him, separate those who lap the water with their tongues like a dog from those who kneel down to drink. Three hundred men lapped with their hands to their mouths. All the rest got down on their knees to drink.” Judges 7:4

What I have learned on the Monarch House job-site is that God brings us just the guys we need and the guys who need us. Our ability to lift up and minister to a number of men has been a remarkable gesture from God and in doing so we have actually been ministered to as well. I can tell you that the feats performed at Monarch House have been Gods hands moving through the Men of Crossroads. There has been building, painting and plumbing, but most of all ministering to one another, encouraging one another and building one another up.

Praise to God for all those who have landed on the grounds of The Monarch House, you have been true warriors for the Lord. The task is not yet complete, but I believe each of you have been specifically chosen by God and I’ve enjoyed every step.

It’s here, it’s here! March 2nd - 5th. We are down to the last days before the start of the Xtreme Monarch House makeover … Check out the latest…


The Rumor!

The rumor that we have a “Hot Shot” crew coming in from Home Depot who will complete a remodel project in one day, while eating a sandwich and watching the kids at the same time is not true. The Home Depot volunteers are just like any of us, in fact they might be your neighbor. These are the clerks, the guy in plumbing or the gal in the paint department of you local Home Depot. They are stepping in to work side by side with us to see this project completed. It’s a great time to show our appreciation to the Home Depot. So we need your help any day that you are available.

Children: Because of the hazards, no children under 16years old will be allowed inside the fence of the construction area. They are welcome to help in the food prep area. If they are 16 & 17 years old, they must have a parent on –site.

We will be providing breakfast & lunch every day on-site! If you would like to donate or help contact Beth Hassman at scstarlet@yahoo.com .

Tuesday, March 2nd. (This day has just been added)
This is considered a “Home Depot “day for them to get familiar with the work, if you are available and would like to help you are more than welcome on-site.

Major Projects are:
• Supply deliveries and organization.
• Spray stucco painting exterior
• Spray primer-interior walls.
• Layout of the patio.
• Layout kitchen cabinets
• Form concrete sidewalk
• Layout fencing.

Wednesday, March 3rd.
Everyone is on-site, Home Depot and Crossroads.

• Finish paint to all the walls.
• Install kitchen fixtures.
• Lay engineered flooring
• Lay travertine
• Tile bathroom floor
• Bathroom cabinets
• Tile flooring in the back bathrooms
• New front door

The 4th & 5th will mainly be Crossroads finishing what we started. The exact list is as follows:

Security:
• Front & Rear security lights
• PVC fencing with man gate.
• Side gate
• new front door/locks
• Smoke detectors

Landscaping:
• Cap retaining wall
• Repair retaining wall with brick/rock façade or paint.
• Driveway bed: sprinklers, plants, 12” garden wall with back fill.
• Front of house: 2 trees,
• concrete walkway
• pots & plants, sod,
• sprinkler repair.

Exterior:
• Replace 13 windows, retro fit.
• Paint
• Patio rail.
• Freestanding patio structure
• Gutter repair
• R/R vent covers
• BBQ

Bathroom:
• Flooring: tile w/base boards
• Replace toilet
• Paint
• Lighting
• Vanity/sink/fixtures
• tile shower enclose.
• Interior door & hardware.

Kids Corner
• Flooring: tile or engineered wood.
• Baseboards
• Paint
• Lighting
• Ceiling fan

Great Room:
• Paint
• Flooring
• Lighting
• 2 ceiling fans
• Baseboards/crown molding.
• Wood façade

Kitchen:
• Paint
• Floors
• lighting
• Cabinets
• Counter tops: Tile
• Sink/Faucet/disposal
• Appliances: Stove, fridge, dishwasher, microwave

Multipurpose room (Separate structure)
• Flooring :Bamboo
• Paint
• Window treatments
• Light fixtures
• Tile bathroom floors.
• Replace sink and toilets

Scott Hassman is my guest writer, He used his (His) influence with Home Depot to get the Monarch House Project started ... Thanks for your testimony Scott.

How to start and avalanche


Sent an email at 10:27am on Nov 2 2009. The response came only 9 min later. That response might change lives forever. Many people have said thanks to me, applauded my tireless work and complimented me for doing such a great thing. Frankly, it makes me pretty uncomfortable to hear these things. What did I even do? One email only 110 words, including please and thank you. What credit can I take? What credit do I even want?

I have been very blessed and fortunate to have had some pretty cool experiences. Been to a Super Bowl, NBA Finals, World Series, even seen the Stanley Cup raised during the final game. Been in the pits during a Nascar race, a PGA event and attended the ESPY awards in a tux. I have some pretty good stories to tell. Who would have thought one of the best would start with an email.

It all started with a sermon on Nov 1 2009 from Pastor Chuck. He talked about volunteering time. He wanted us to sign up after Church to help in the kids ministries, or at the food pantry or with missions. Of course I am too busy to be obligated to give in this way. After all I logged over 125,000 airline miles and 50+ hotel nights this year alone. Spent time in 3 countries and 20+ states. Other people will take care of this. I will do my best to tithe and be involved to a degree I feel comfortable. I can only do so much… right?

Have you thought about how an avalanche starts? Well I'll tell you how.

There are two things needed to start an avalanche. One is a snow covered

slope; another is a trigger like a strong wind, a skier, or a person's voice.

One person’s voice? Does an email count?

I know that day I was touched by God. It took a pretty swift kick as I am kind of slow, but a touch none the less. I don’t remember much of the sermon, as I spent most of the time arguing with myself. Debating with myself all the reasons why I should not send that email. I know him, we had worked together for years, we have been indoctrinated with similar corporate values. I can’t email him, I don’t work there anymore, they don’t do these types of projects anymore, it could be very awkward. For once in my life I decided to LISTEN to GOD. If He says to do it, it is for a reason.

Only 12 months earlier I had no idea where we would be. The company I worked for had just lost its contract and would be closing; the 4 companies I owned were simultaneously failing in the worst economy in 50+ years. Would I find a job? Would we keep our home? I need a plan. I need to figure out what to do. Finally I realized I can’t answer this one. I can’t figure a plan. I will just have to have some faith. Somehow it turned out great, probably because I got out of Gods way.

Was He putting the snow in place for an avalanche?

12 months earlier I would never had sent that email. I am not totally sure why, but I believe I would have talked myself out of it. I guess I would have lost that argument with myself.

What would have happened to all that snow? Would this avalanche have happened or would the snow have just melted. What an amazing opportunity would have been missed for all of us.

The avalanche began with a call the next day with the Team Depot people with Home Depot. The email I sent was to the President of the Western Division of Home Depot. He said they would love to be involved and forwarded it to the Team Depot group. Sherry with that group, turns out, used to be my Assistant when I was the Western Division Garden Buyer for Home Depot. I told her all I knew, not much, about the Women’s resource center our Church was hoping to open. She informed me Home Depot had just started doing these types of projects again. See, for the last 5+ years they had focused on community playgrounds and not much else. Hmmm, what timing. Is it luck or more snow?

As the process moved forward the project grew. It moved from the donation of some product to $35,000+ in supplies and an army of volunteers from Home Depot to help, all at one time, revamp the facility. More snow?

Now Michelle Koranda gets Todd Holtkamp involved and the thing really catches speed! Now we have hundreds of people involved, services donated and unstoppable determination to see incredible things happen.

Is God waiting to start an avalanche in your life? Is he just asking you to add one snow flake?

Each step of the way someone added the one flake of snow to start another avalanche. Why did Chuck do that sermon that day? Why did Michelle ask my wife to help pick colors for the Monarch House? Why was Todd available to help in such an unbelievable way? Why had Home Depot changed the type of projects?

It was all snow. Each flake had to be laid to start this avalanche. Only one flake missed and none of it happens. Are we standing in the way of an avalanche that would change our lives and those around us in a great and glorious way?

It’s happening!! The Xtreme Makeover for Monarch House (Sorority House) is funded and moving forward. Food will only be provided on the “Construction Days” March 3-5th


THE ITINERARY:

This Saturday, February 20th - Wall & Patio Prep. 8a.m. We are putting together teams to come in and accomplish the tasks below. We have several men with the talents, but we can always use a hand. Please RSVP if you plan to make it. Yes, we are still looking for some help. Bring your tools. We will:

• Repair the drywall throughout the house. Skin and re-texture.

• Replace the rear bathroom drywall, texture.

• Set shower pan in front bath.

• Pour concrete footings for patio structure.

• Pour concrete pad for water heater.

Saturday February 27th - Floor Prep. 8 a.m. Again we will be putting together teams supervised by those with the expertise. This will be a day with a lot of lifting and moving panels of plywood and hardy board. Bring your legs and backs… NO WHINERS!!!… Except me!

• Prepare the kitchen & great room for tile & travertine.

• Replace subfloor in bathroom, prepare for tile.

Tuesday March 2nd - Home Depot Day. 8a.m. This is a Home Depot day that they can get delivery and preparation to start construction. Some of us will be on site that day to just help with organization.

Wednesday March 3rd- Friday March 5th LET’S GET THIS PARTY STARTED!!!!! . 8am-5pm

I will have a better list of activities in updates to follow. We will also be establishing sign-up sheets for specific days so we have an idea of how many people will be on- site. We are planning a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Ryobi/Rigid tool truck will be on-site at least one day. “I CAN FEEL THE POWER!!! I’ll keep you posted as the time approaches.

It’s time to give everyone a quick update on the Monarch House project. Thanks again for everyone who helped on Demo Day, it was fun & productive! They have made the name change from Sorority House to Monarch House:


Monarch House…

Where Transformation Begins

Monarch House exists to enrich and transform women’s lives through prayer, life coaching, crisis care referral, life skills classes, support groups, recreational activities, and community events. At Monarch House you will find HOME…a place where comfort, safety, love and laughter unfold…a place to discover sisters to share life’s journey with…and above all…a place to meet Him. That’s where transformation begins.

Monarch House will offer… Prayer Counselors Available for Walk-Ins, Community Resource Referral Center, Support Groups & Studies, Health Awareness Seminars, Life Skills Classes: Resumes, Budgeting, Organization, Mom and Me Classes/Parenting Seminars, High School/Young Adult Mentors, Art Classes, Scrapbooking, Cooking Groups/Classes, Book Clubs, Prayer Walks, Aerobics/Running, On-site Child Care.

Construction Days with Home Depot: March 3rd, 4th & 5th. We will be working side by side with volunteers from Home Depot to install kitchen & bath, lay flooring, replace windows, paint interior/exterior, repair stucco, build a patio and landscaping…. We will be providing breakfast and lunch on these days. It sounds like an amazing week lined up, so I hope you can join us. We will have schedules available on kiosk February 21st & 28th.

Right now we have approval for the project; we are waiting for the actual funding which should be Friday the 12th. This will give us the actual money to do some pre-construction work.

Pre-Construction Days:

Saturday, the 13th

Plumbing: Bogar Aguilar and Keith Stahl will be there to install the fresh water plumbing.

We will be putting together specific crews to accomplish the following tasks, please contact me for updates on the time and need:

Saturday the 20th

Floor prep: We need to remove the subfloor in the bathroom and prep for tile. We will prep the kitchen and Great room for tile & travertine: Lay hardy board or dry pack. We are still in need of a professional tile layer for advice.

Patio Footings: Pour concrete footings for the patio cover.

Saturday the 27th

Drywall: We are putting together a crew to do drywall repair and texture the walls. If you have experience, contact me.

Finding your place.


It was a roll-over traffic collision (T/C) on the freeway. We arrived on-scene to find a vehicle upside down in the center lane. The victim was the driver, a 70ish year old male who was suspended upside down in the vehicle, and he wasn’t breathing. He was being held in by his seat belt. My partner and I slid into the car, disconnected the seat belt, and slid him out.

As we spread out our gear preparing to intubate the patient (passing a tube into his lungs to breathe for him), a man touched my shoulder and said, “Can I help? I am an Anesthesiologist.” This guy was not only a doctor, but he intubates people for a living. I said, “Sure.” We set about intubating the patient lying on the side of the freeway. He made several attempts to intubate and failed at each attempt.

I asked him if I could try, and he gestured toward the patient in approval. I took off my turnout coat and laid flat on my stomach at the head of the patient. Then I pulled my coat over both me and the patient, blocking out all light except the one on my laryngoscope. I intubated the patient and we started breathing for him. We were code 3 to the trauma center. The doctor kept apologizing enroute, shaking his head about what I had done. He was humble and very congenial on the ride to the hospital.

What happened?

This doctor intubates more people in week than I do in a year, so he had ability, but he was outside of his element. He was outside the hospital; the patient was on the ground and not a gurney. On the other hand, I am not a doctor, but I am good at what I do.

“We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully” Romans 12:6-8

The scripture is clear that we each have our own peculiar set of abilities. It doesn’t require a degree in “Service” to be a good servant. I might like that degree in “Encouragement”. If I had that, I could get people to do what I want.…Right.

The truth is, we all have remarkable talents in specific situations that can literally “Save a soul”: The guy who picks up a rake and brings a lost teen on Saturday to rake the leaves at the church building while telling his own life story in Christ. The outstretched hand to help a neighbor in need, and pray for and with him. The volunteer in Children’s Ministry that encourages a parent about their child. All of these are functions that only you may be able to perform. You might not be able to lead them through the 13 dispensations of the Bible or have a discourse on the Evolution/creation debate, but you can be there when needed.

Sometimes, servant leadership isn’t asking “What needs to be done?” hoping that no one answers. Sometimes it is “I can do that!” and taking the step forward when others may have failed.

Jesus found fisherman to be His disciples; yet Luke was a physician, an interesting array of individuals. I would imagine they were pretty common individuals, just like you and me. We can do great works from where we are; we just have to act on what we are “gifted in”, and quit worrying if we are qualified.

The gentleman in the T/C did survive.