A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of serving food to homeless teens at Urban Peak in Denver.   This experience opened my heart.  UP has 40 beds, they are generally filled, and they have mats on the floors for overflow.  

Ten people in my group prepared and served meals to the kids -- our food, our preparation, our service.   UP has a program of volunteers who do this on a scheduled basis to help with the food issues they face.   A glance at their "stockpile" is disheartening.   Without help, their stockpile would be gone in less than 2 days.  

The volunteers were given a tour of the facility.   While the place is certainly not a dungeon, I can't imagine a teenager's life there -- not being able to hide in their room and talk silly on the phone with their friends, or enjoy laughter around the dinner table with their parents.   These kids come from addictive and violent parents.  

Their "library" consists of a small two shelved bookcase, barely half full.  
They recently received a donated large TV (old), and are quite excited.   
They could use more books (adult level).
They could use a larger bookcase.    

If any of this speaks to your heart, would you consider:

1.   Money, of course, is always welcome.

2.   Contact the Urban Peak Shelter.  They have a list of needs.  Organize a group of 10 people to make and serve meals. 

3.   Enjoy your experience. 

4.   Practice gratitude. 

The majority of the kids who went through the serving lines gave each of us a hearty THANK YOU.   They are very appreciative.   The ones who didn't just couldn't (or wouldn't) make eye contact.   About 40% of them asked for milk.   There was none to serve.  

These are street kids.  They are tough.  They need to see the angels in their midst.  

http://www.urbanpeak.org/youth.html