Neighbor News
Elisabeth Omilami shows Atlanta how Hosea Helps
The human services work of the late Civil & Human Rights Icon, "Rev. Hosea Williams" lives on through services to the least of them.
The heartbeat of human services was deeply present throughout the " Easter Hosea Helps Feed The Hungry Event" in Downtown Atlanta in the Turner Field Orange Lot on Easter Morning. Atlanta's homeless & hungry turned out for the services provided. Some walked, some were transported in from their shelters, some families rode the Marta transit system to partake in the event. There were adults, children from all walks of life there to receive services. As I spent my time at the event, I noticed that the face of homeless, poor and at-risk has changed.
When we speak of homelessness, poor or at-risk, we tend to think of the traditional man or woman wrapped in a blanket hanging on the corner in the neighborhood with a shopping cart or in a transit stations shelter. But how far away from the truth can that be. As I observed the day, I met some of the most beautiful people that I could of ever met, all with something in common, financial, medical, mental, and or social adversity. These people have hit a bump in the road and need social services to assist them in getting back on their feet. The Atlanta community has its share of human service organizations but nothing near the scope of "Hosea Helps". As I walked around the perimeter of the service area, there were health screening and doctors available, Food, Clothing and even a area where both male and female could get grooming services. The services that were provided was everything that a person facing hardship needed to just extend them a hand up, even if just for one day. But after these outreach events, the phones will continue to ring and the families will keep reaching out for help. Its the state of the world that we live in.
I had a chance to speak briefly to Elisabeth Omilami, the CEO of "Hosea Helps". I asked her what was it that she needed? How can the public help in your mission? She said "We are always in need of volunteers and donations. The public can go to 4hosea.org and fill out a volunteer profile. On the website is also a place where they can also make a donation in the amount of their choice". She also mentioned that the organization is getting ready to move into their new building and that they need the public to get behind them in this process'. For years, I have watched her work tirelessly to minister to the needs of Atlanta's Homeless and At-Risk and also their outreach efforts to Hati. I am so proud to say that the love that this organization has for the poor is amazing and the loving and caring atmosphere in which they administer the services is with a high standard of dignity and respect. "Hosea Helps" is not tied to helping Atlanta residents only, but all that will reach out. We look forward to their new building and the new level of services that they will provide to Georgia. Visit their web site for volunteer opportunities.
