We live in a great neighborhood of older homes, soul kitchens that have shut down, two that are still active, and mostly black neighbors. I've gotten to know a couple of them as I've walked around bare shirted all Summer.

Carol and her husband have the best yard in town and a lot of folks sit on their porches, listening to music and chatting.

We also have a relatively small population of homeless, who walk, bike or push shopping carts around with all of their possessions in them. I see neighbors walking back to their homes carrying a bag or two of food and supplies, and I assumed they got them locally.

I have a history with hopelessness, been there a few times. Fortunately I've had a roof over my head for more than thirty years now, and sometimes I've had the resources to help those that don't.

I spent more than six years in Tennessee recently, and I have many stories of folks I helped there, buried deep in this blog.

Shelby and I were talking today about ways I could volunteer around here. Knowing my passion she recommended Loaves And Fishes Soup Kitchen, just blocks from our place, over the railroad tracks.

I just called them but they're closed on the weekend, so I left a message describing myself and indicated a desire to volunteer my help. Maybe I'll get a callback on Monday.

It's a wonderful idea and I really hope they can use me.