#Subway-How A Subway Sandwich Taught Me A Lesson in Giving (Part 9)-A Woman With No Name

Today as my belly began to rumble, I decided to break for lunch, so I walked down the street and grabbed a submarine sandwich. On my way back I noticed someone sleeping on the steps of a law office. I was unsure if they were male or female. They looked asleep, so I decided not to wake them, but to instead run over to the gas station store which was directly next door to get them something to at least eat and drink. I quickly grabbed a vitamin water, some mixed nuts, some kind of apple danish thing and made my way back to them.

I said "hello?" but initially there was no response. I said "hello?" a little louder and finally a head appeared from beneath the soiled white comforter. It was an Indigenous woman in her early to mid thirties. I told her my name and explained that I had bought her something to eat and drink. She said "thank you". I said no need thank me I am just helping my fellow man who is having a hard time. I asked her what her name was, but she did not wish to tell me, so I did not press the issue. She quickly opened up the food I brought her and ate everything but the mixed nuts. I asked how long she was on those steps and she said two nights. I began to tell her of the many female shelters here in town and that it was not safe for a female alone in this part of town. I asked her if I could help her find some help for her. She agreed, so I called a local Outreach Worker that I know and he agreed to help as he happen to be in the neighborhood.

I asked her if she would like me to stay with her until the Outreach Worker showed up and she said yes, so I did. I told her I would join her for lunch and offered her half of my vegetarian sub. She gladly accepted it and we ate together under the warm sun as she remarked what a beautiful day it was. Her nails were full of dirt and her nail polish had all but warn off. I asked her when her last shower was and she stated it had been about 1 week. She shared last night that while she was sleeping someone stole all her belongings.

It was nearing the half hour mark where the Outreach Worker said he would arrive so I told her that I may need to leave her because I needed to get back to work. She reached out and gave me a big hug! I told her I would call the Outreach Worker one more time. She agreed. I called and luckily he was across the street so I waved him over and made the introduction. He stated he would do his best to help but cannot promise he can find her shelter. I let him to deal with her, and I left for work.

My colleague arrived shortly after I got to the office and I asked if he had noticed the woman with the blanket across the street. He said he did and that she appeared to be asleep. I asked him if he saw the Outreach Worker with her and he said no. My best guess was that the shelters were at capacity. So I decided to place a few calls too and found the same. I put together a small pack of toothpaste, toothbrush and some phone numbers and addresses of the shelters and will drop them off to her when I leave. I hope tomorrow she will find a place to sleep....

It is so very sad that so many live on the streets and have no choice due to over packed shelters who are often at capacity. I asked her if anyone offered to help her in the two days that she was on the steps and she said no one. It is amazing that so many can clearly see someone in need and just walk on by.