Category: Current Affairs

Galveston has a disproportionately large number of homeless men and women.  This is due in part to the presence of public hospital facilities and in part to our mild climate.  The number of homeless persons fluctuates throughout the year as the weather and job market changes.

For many years, homeless women and men have slept nightly in the shelter of the Cloister of Trinity Church between Eaton Hall and the Sanctuary.  Our understanding has always been that all are welcome here as long as they help us take care of the place and exhibit appropriate behavior.  Sexton Linda Jenkins and her staff have established a relationship with them that will encourage as much order and cleanliness as possible.  We have asked that they not arrive earlier than ten o’clock in the evening and that they depart no later than six o’clock in the morning.  The custodial staff is always here by half past six in the morning to ensure their departure.  I’ve requested that they ask anyone engaging in illegal or disruptive behavior to leave and if they do not leave to summon the police.  Their respect for the church’s hospitality helps them to maintain order.  It is evident that most of those who come night after night look upon each other as friends.

Recently, as I was visiting with some of our overnight guests on the Cloister, I asked if there was anything we might be able to do to help them.  They were very grateful for the simple privilege of sleeping in a place where they are welcome and safe.  However, they did ask if it would be possible to have the use of the restroom that opens onto the Cloister.  I gave it some thought and concluded that it is a reasonable request and would be a compassionate gesture on the part of Trinity Church.  My only stipulation is that they help us take care of it, keep it clean, and not abuse the privilege.  Linda keeps cleaning supplies in the restroom and reports that the plan is working well thus far.

Of the eight persons I talked with on that recent evening, six were veterans.  Their presence heightens our awareness of the growing number of veterans among the homeless population.  They also remind us of Jesus’ summons to care for those in need.  We currently have three teams of parishioners who serve meals on three Thursday evenings a month at the Salvation Army.

In worship week after week, we sit beneath the magnificent Sealy Memorial Altar Window, at the bottom of which are inscribed Jesus’ words recorded in the Gospel According to St. Matthew, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”  I am grateful to God that we are able to do these small things that mean so much to these, our neighbors in need.  In serving them, we serve our Savior.

Ron Pogue+