By San Jose, California, USA News Team (Originally in English)
Concerned that the damp, cold weather of winter 2014 would bring hardship to residents of a large camp for homeless individuals in San Jose, California, USA, a team of our local Association members began planning a relief effort. Hoping to comfort those in need, as our beloved Supreme Master Ching Hai instructed, we decided to buy weather-resistant hooded jackets, sleeping bags with hoods suitable for low temperatures, and damp-proof tarps for the rainy days ahead.
Then, on November 23, we distributed 250 gift bags to our homeless friends, who walked away with happy faces, their hands full of the bags along with warm vegan lunches and beverages. Each gift bag contained a sleeping bag, a jacket, a knit hat, gloves and two pairs of socks. We also distributed Master’s poetry books, magazines, and other publications such as The Dogs in My Life, as well as bags of vegan dog food. Some people requested the reading materials on the spot, and those with faithful canine companions were overjoyed to receive the vegan dog food.
Since the camp area was to be moved in early December, we also planned a tent and tarp distribution after the date of relocation. On the night of the relocation, we received a call from the camp leader, Mr. Robert Aguirre, who said that he had a group of 50 people who had no place to stay and who needed help. Amazingly, we had the exact number of tents and tarps to accommodate this group! The people were extremely happy to get their tents and took off to start putting up the instant shelters.
We are deeply grateful to our beloved Master for Her miraculous arrangements and for the opportunity to follow Her compassionate example by participating in this project. May Heaven bless all those in need of a place to stay, with warm, stable and loving homes.
Expenditures by The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association
for Winter Relief Work in San Jose, California, USA
Description | Amount (USD) | Receipt |
---|---|---|
250 sleeping bags, tents, tarps, jackets, hats, gloves and socks | 17,056.37 | A |
Vegan food and beverages | 2,500.00 | B |
Total | US$19,556.37 |