Have you ever wondered what it feels like to be homeless and hungry all the time?
These cats would tell you, if only they could speak.
For the homeless who can speak, you would probably not listen to them.
What if one day you lose your job, get stricken with illness, ignored and abandoned by your family members, gone bankrupt and have no home. Where would you stay?
Some would live on the streets.
Those are just a few of the reasons why people sleep on the streets.
Trust me and Justin, the commitee member of Kechara Soup Kitchen- that nobody WANTS to live on the streets if they have a choice.
The general perception of the public is, people living on the streets are drug addicts. That is only partly true as only a handful of them are, the rest of them are forced to do so due to very unfortunate circumstances.
Through Refine & Define 2009, I got myself involved in a non-profit movement to feed the hungry people in the streets of KL. Once a month, a few guys from R&D '09 will join several volunteers to pack and distribute rice packets and dried foodstuffs to the people who no longer have the chance to complain that the aunty waitress at kfc did not give them any drumsticks. (well if you usually didn't get any, its probably its due to a "face problem")
Kechara Soup Kitchen have been feeding people on the streets on a weekly basis since 2006. They are essentially a Buddhist association, but of course, hunger knows no race and they give food to all the needy regardless of race and religion. Of course, the volunteers consists of MALAYSIANS from all walks of life. Kechara aims to ultimately bring back the homeless on their feet, and provide basic support for them until they are able to do so. For more information on Kechara, just visit their website. I only wish to share my experience in pictures, and a few words.
The night usually starts at 9 with coffee at a restaurant nearby.
The operation is done at night because the homeless usually return to their usual sleeping places at night. As in the morning, they would either try not show themselves or blend in with the public.
The volunteers gather at Kechara's base where we would carry in all the dry foodstuffs that can last for at least a few days (biscuits, snacks, fruit, bread). The food are usually courtesy of donations from sponsors.
This is Alvin looking like busy
This is Alvin looking like cute
This is Donny acting cool
This is Donny acting cute
Too late
We had to wait for another member to come from his wedding dinner, so Mr Gary Lim decided to show off his new Mickey Mouse Sneakers
Then Santa gave Gary a bashing becase he was always too busy to yam cha with us for the whole year
Finally our 'member' arrived in his flashy red car and we set out to the heart of KL.
Our meeting location is very secret so I will not say it out
As we waited for the other volunteers to arrive, Justin gave us a briefing
The foodstuffs were then distributed to the other volunteers' vehicles
Waiting....
Waiting...
Finally we set up in different groups, each covering different parts of KL
The homeless are scattered all around the city
I am not allowed to post pictures of the homeless to protect their dignity and also for their safety. (yes they do get robbed)
So this image will give you an idea of their sleeping conditions
We were driven around a designated area in a truck by an Australian chap. He would know where to stop as the homeless will not move around too much. At each stop, we would get down from the truck and distribute the goodies. Some of them will reject, some of them will be happy. Most of them will appreciate it.
Kechara's purpose is to build a connection and relationship with the homeless. They ultimately plan to set up a center where the homeless can head to for food and basic ameneties such as shower. Counselling and help will be offered at the center. Last I heard, the building is almost ready.
There are several steps of caution when approaching the homeless.
Due to my pooor memory, here are only a few of them:
1. Never tap them on the back, they might get startled and get defensive.
2. While giving food to those asleep, place the food at their waist level, if you stand right in front of their face, well lets just say both of you and gonna scare each other when the person wakes.
3. No pictures!
4. Cant remember
Some of the volunteers sacrifice each of their Saturday EPL nights to do this.
Some who have chronic back pain like me can choose to go once a month.
How often you want to go is totally up to you, however volunteers have to be screened by the tailo Justin. So, you may contact him if you wish.
Every session is a blessing for me. I feel happy to lend a helping hand and at the same time feel very very fortunate to not have to sleep on the streets and go hungry all day.
For the least of difference, one person in the streets of KL will not go hungry for a night.
