Stories – Page 3 – Operation Nightwatch

Car camping in the city

August 9, 2017

When rent gets too high, people often move into their vehicle. It’s portable. Provides more comfort than a tent. But also sometimes can break down. And neighbors seem to hate having homeless people on their block. There are the usual complaints about crime, drugs, litter, defecation, and noise. The City of Seattle is of two minds. Compassion or enforcement? Neighborhood groups are kicking up a fuss – sometimes justifiable. But who is really vulnerable? It’s not like there are options…

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The story of Pedro

July 6, 2017

Rev. Rick Reynolds

Street

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Pastor Bob Bradbury was one of the earliest Nightwatch outreach ministers, starting in 1967. He was a classmate of Bud Palmberg, our founder. Pastor Bob passed away in December, 2016, and his widow Jane Ann sent me this amazing story. He told the story on Father’s Day last year – his final sermon. I’m guessing he has told this story many times: The Story of Pedro in 1967 While coming upon First and Pike after midnight, Pastor Bob heard this…

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Roy the Bag-Bumper

May 24, 2017

Rev. Rick Reynolds

Shelter

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Roy was a sweet guy – bright, articulate, with middle-class expectations and outlook. But he was homeless – and a hoarder. In the world of Nightwatch, you have to pack everything with you wherever you go. The shelters are just overnight flops. Our Dispatch Center, where people are fed and sent to shelters is way too full of people to take care of stuff. Roy had rigged up 3-4 bags which he slung across his shoulders. Duffle bags, various shapes…

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They all have names

April 29, 2017

Rev. Rick Reynolds

Camp

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Every homeless person has a name. They came from some sort of family. Every homeless person has hopes, dreams, and stories to tell. Last night I ran into a guy I’ve known for almost 20 years. He used to work at Nightwatch. He hasn’t been able to work, due to a health problem. Last night was his first night of being homeless in a tent community. “Frank” thought our chance encounter was proof that God was looking out for him.…

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Elderly homeless man walking on sidewalk

gomer

February 10, 2017

Rev. Rick Reynolds

Shelter

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Last night an ancient one, barely able to walk shuffled across the wet sidewalk to the front door of Nightwatch. His cab ride was paid for by an exasperated hospital social worker. The hospital didn’t want him. The shelters are all full. The boarding house with cheap rent is torn down. He has no friend to call. No loving wife or sister or daughter with a couch, for a night or two. He has only the gray-wool blanket given to…

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Psalm from the streets

February 10, 2017

Rev. Rick Reynolds

Street

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Even when the knees hurt The hard drive crashes The shelter for 75 vulnerable men is cast into uncertainty; Even when the bank account is low and the car is no longer driveable, the rain is cold and the ice cream is forbidden; Even then, O Lord, will I praise you. Your works are marvelous, revealed in the smile of a stranger on the bus who jostled me here. My pen went awry on the page but the amends were…

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Photo of street minister talking with man in a bar

Rest in peace, Norm Riggins

January 10, 2017

Rev. Rick Reynolds

Uncategorized

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Rev. Norm Riggins was the original Nightwatch executive director. He started volunteering for Nightwatch, going out on the streets late at night, sometime in the late 1960s, early 1970s. He was pastor of the former Maple Leaf Evangelical Church, near Northgate in north Seattle. He was hired to be the first paid staff person for Nightwatch in 1976. He left a comfortable thriving church for the uncertain night time streets. Norm was the guy who recruited me to go on…

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Balance

October 8, 2016

Rev. Rick Reynolds

Camp

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The art of balancing a life beset by odd angles of poverty, illness domestic violence bad brain chemistry poor nutrition lack of sleep humiliation, sorrow, PTSD, addiction, learning disabilities, social anxiety bad luck; It’s more than I could contend with. And it is understandable when the whole thing comes tumbling down. But God bless the artists in camp who set up a demonstration, keeping things in balance against all odds; God bless them for setting rock on rock even after…

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Lost family member

September 16, 2016

Rev. Rick Reynolds

Camp

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Homeless people are attached to their pets, just like the rest of us. When a dog dies, the whole camp suffers. But what happens next is tragic. How can you properly dispose of the much-loved remains? Last night someone in a homeless camp asked me if I could help in any way with the cremation. “Let me find out. Call me in the morning.” I had to think about it. I got no idea what a cremation for a pet…

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It gets personal

June 28, 2016

Rev. Rick Reynolds

Street

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Twice in the last month I’ve run into people who are friends of mine. They are guys who have celebrated holidays at my house, volunteered at Nightwatch, eaten lunch with me numerous times. When I encountered them in their new situation, it was shocking. Immediately, my anxiety level went up. I find myself fretting about how we can help them. One needs medical attention, but has to agree to it. The other could easily live in my basement, if I…

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