The Face of Homeless: Can You Hear the Cry of the Poor?

These last few weeks have been focused on Adrian and the circumstances surrounding his passing. Almost daily, someone else whose life he had touched finds out that he is no longer with us and proclaims to me how they “can’t believe it”.

I can’t believe it either, but what’s even harder to believe is how long his lifeless body lay in the streets without anyone even noticing he was in trouble. I keep thinking that if someone had responded to him sooner, maybe we would be celebrating his recovery right now rather than the end of his suffering through death.

The lack of empathy we as a society have for each other sickens me. The entire situation is heart breaking. Whether you knew Adrian personally or not, I am sure you would agree.

Regardless, as Adrian would have wanted, we remain encouraged and maintain our mission to encourage others to show concern for their fellow man.

With just two more weeks before the big celebration in the park, I want to make sure that everyone understands the significance of this upcoming event. We aren’t just commemorating a life lost or celebrating the amazing person Adrian was, we’re also thinking about the homeless individuals who suffer daily in the streets, many literally dying, yet so few even acknowledge their existence, let alone show them they are loved. At "Adrian’s Celebration of Life", this is exactly what we plan to do.

Adrian, although homeless himself, made it his daily mission to help “the least of these”, even on days when all he had to give was a prayer and a word from God.

As I plan for this event, my thoughts are on what Adrian would want to happen, how he would feel about each part of this process, and how he would contribute, as he always had when we planned our weekly events in Hurt Park in the years past.

Each time we make some significant progress or get some good news, I always look at his photo on the obituary in the visor of my car and say with a smile, “Look at that Adrian! Did you see what God just did!” And although I’m looking forward to seeing this entire celebration come together in honor of him, I’m not looking forward to being out there in Hurt Park without him. I’m not looking forward to what that reality is going to feel like.

Many of the people participating in this event didn’t know Adrian personally but they have a heart to want to help and I’m so thankful for everyone who has committed themselves, their talent, and their time, to making this event a success.

I want to use this blog to acknowledge and thank everyone who is a part of the event so far! As you look over this list, I hope that you too will strongly consider joining this occasion. Everyone can play a part in some way! Please do not turn a blind eye like the majority.

Proverbs 21:13

“Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself

call out and not be answered.”

Dj Creshendo will be over the music department keeping our guests entertained!

Brutha War is performing LIVE some of his encouraging original singles!

Ignatius Hines will bless us with his saxophone melodies!

Jabias Mitchell AKA "Jabias Da Kidd" & his crew will represent for the youth who care about the homeless community and set an example for upcoming generations!

Pastor LaTarsha Holden, will be sharing from her own experiences how she won the fight against homelessness! She's now a published Author & running for Atlanta City Council!