I first met “R,” as he likes to be called, in the Benchlands through Mel Nunez two years ago. Mel was instrumental in helping “R” find temporary shelter after the clearing of the encampment. It would take “R” hours to wheel himself to somewhere where he could get food. He was a regular patron of the shower services provided by the AFC each week there in the Benchland as that was close. “R” is articulate and able to converse about most any topic at quite some depth.
Health and mobility are “R” challenges, certainly not intelligence and a grateful spirit. When it was time to move out of the Benchlands encampment in 2022 he was stuck. Unable to move his large tent and belongings he had nowhere to go and no way to get there. No way to get to nowhere is a dilemma for anyone, even more so for a senior citizen.
I ran into “R” again a month ago at the Benchlands. He was back on the streets. “R” is currently camping along the San Lorenzo River, waiting for something to open up. His caseworker, Elvia had a lead, but it was taking time for all the red tape to be attended to.
But on this particular day, there was an opening for an apartment, thanks to Housing Matters. Elvia would monitor his things as he went to meet a potential landlord and see the apartment that had become available. When you leave your possessions unattended, they are almost certain to be gone when you come back. “R” has been at this location along River for nearly 2 months.
The police don’t bother him as they know he is trying to find a place. It does take a village, and Stillpoint along with many other good actors are at work to make Santa Cruz a safer and healthier for village for everyone. Come join us this Saturday 3/23 at 12:15 at my place as we pass out lox and socks, and lots of good will.
180 Dakota Ave, Unit F
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Centering Prayer and Guided Meditation
Centering Prayer and Lectio Divina meets as always, this Tuesday, 3/19 at 8 am. At 8pm we will also meet for a time of non-liturgical guided meditation. Come connect with us to find your core state more deeply and profoundly. Finding a core state is, more often than not, helpful with Insomnia, stress and issues of health
Attached is the Zoom link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8352995499?pwd=RllrMlRrd2VTNFdZZW1hQTBTRDg3QT09
I also lead an “in person” meditation and lectio divina at Trinity Cathedral in San Jose on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at 12 Noon.
The address at the Cathedral is:
81 N Second Ave
San Jose, CA
95113
Stillpoint Quarterly Retreat
Our quarterly retreat is coming soon at Villa Maria del Mar on April 24th. Our theme will be “Experiencing the Already/Not Yet in the Eternal Now.” That’s a mouth full but I am sure you will discover inner resources to manage the daily conundrums of the “not yet.” Villa Maria has needed to raise their prices to $45 per person to meet their budget. Still quite a bargain, a delicious meal and stunningly beautiful surroundings for six hours for only $45.
Villa Maria del Mar
21918 East Cliff Dr.
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
RSVP to Stillpoint if you plan on coming.
Warmly in Christ
Joel+