Rhona Prescott is a resident of Lewes.
Music is food for the soul.
Have you noticed all the men and women walking around, seemingly with no specific destination, sporting earbuds and smiles on their lips?
Often, their music is their food — not for their stomachs but for their souls. It sustains their spirits to go on, day after day.
They are our permanent local population of homeless men and women, who live in tents or cars in secret places, get up and go to part-time jobs, and then seek a meal somewhere and maybe attend an Alcoholics Anonymous or some such meeting before wrapping up in a blanket, crawling into whatever makeshift arrangement they have and grabbing a few hours’ sleep.
Some of their music may date back to other times.
The playlist could start with the classic “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” from 1949. Or “I Ain’t Got Nobody” from 1915 or maybe “Crying Time” from 2021.
This music is timeless, as is the issue of homelessness. It gives these men and women a sense that they are not the only ones fighting for existence in the wealthiest country in the world and that there is hope.
There is an opportunity for the rest of us — who live in warm houses, eat three meals daily and a snack or two, have a hot shower, receive hugs and kisses from their kids and spouses, sleep comfortably, work for good pay and enjoy TV and a much more upbeat playlist — to share the good life.
It is called “Do More 24 Delaware,” and it’s a day to give money that will be matched by generous corporations, will be enhanced with prizes and will generally be fruitful investments in the future for our brothers and sisters in dire straits.
This giving day comes only once a year. It is March 6, extending through March 7.
Gifts are tax-deductible. You process them safely online. They may be the best investment you will ever make — an investment in lives, solid American lives that need a sort of rebirth.
Choose who you give to wisely. Get the best bang for your buck.
Give to The Shepherd’s Office in Georgetown, which does full-service personal renovations for these men and women.
Administered by Jimmy Martin, an ordained minister, and his volunteer staff, no part of homelessness is left unaddressed.
Tents, blankets, tent heaters and warm clothing are provided, at no charge.
Homemade hot meals are offered, featuring fresh, healthy, well-balanced nutrition — no questions asked of anyone who wants to eat. About 65,000 hot meals were served in 2024, just counting the evening repast on weekdays. Often, there will be breakfast in the morning, too, after prayer and fellowship, if the clients wish to participate.
On Sundays, there are nondenominational church services, followed by hearty breakfasts. Once a week, there is a Catholic apostolic Mass with Communion.
On Saturdays, there are movie nights, followed by meals.
In addition, brown bags, filled with healthy snacks, can be had by anyone, and an open, free pantry sits on the porch, with food available 24/7, a resource for those in immediate need. A large pantry is inside. Shepherd’s partners with the Food Bank of Delaware to keep it stocked.
When warm enough, local churches roll in portable showers. Clothing of patrons’ choice can be had from the free garage sale. Bicycles, too.
Outside outlets allow the charging of phones. Outside spigots are open for drinking and washing.
Mobile units from Beebe Healthcare, Bayhealth and La Red Health Center set up shop on a regular basis.
Jimmy and his staff (which includes homeless people who want to work) foster a community where everyone has the opportunity to strive and survive.
There is a “get-a-job” program and a “sober-living” program, too.
Since a huge need has risen for homeless families, disabled individuals and those receiving cancer treatment, much funding goes toward hotel rooms.
So, please donate to The Shepherd’s Office through Do More 24 on March 6-7.
The link is domore24delaware.org. Hit the “Remind me to donate” button now. It will take your email address and send a reminder for March 6.
The Shepherd’s Office won first place last year. Help it do this again.
Help the facility to continue to make a big impact on the lives of the homeless, hungry and lonely.
You might give these people cause to update their playlists, and you might even update your own, with songs like “Imagine” (1971), “Stairway to Heaven” (1971), “I Believe I Can Fly” (1996) or “Happy” (2013).
Help The Shepherd’s Office foster a community where everyone can flourish and “Do More” in 2025.
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.
