INTRODUCTION – At the beginning of the 2015-16 school year, there were over 600 homeless students in the North Thurston Public Schools (NTPS). This number rose significantly as the school year continued. A student is identified as “homeless” by the McKinney-Vento Act if they do not have fixed, regular, adequate night time housing.
During the school year, there were at least 87 unaccompanied youth in the school district—16 students in grades K-8 and 71 students in high school. An “unaccompanied” youth is identified as not living with a custodial or legal guardian.
The number one need for these students is fixed, regular, adequate night time housing. The next need for these students, according to the NTPS McKinney-Vento Homeless Liaison, is for access to laundry facilities.
Our St. Mark Clean Kids Laundry Facility will serve these students. The McKinney-Vento Homeless Liaison will oversee which students and families will use our facility. She will set up specific appointment times for individual students and families. St. Mark will be informed of these appointments and will staff the facility with interested members of the congregation and members of the community who will greet and accompany these families while they do their laundry. Each of these volunteers will be cleared through the NTPS screening process. Laundry essentials will be provided. St. Mark members and community members have offered to donate these supplies. Once the Clean Kids program is underway, we would also like to be able to provide toiletries for these families.
The Clean Kids room is located in our Educational Wing and construction is almost complete. The construction is being supervised by a licensed General Contractor who offered his services when he heard about this project. He also has connections with Mountain View Elementary School and knows of our support for the school.
Professional contractors are finishing the electrical and plumbing infrastructure needed in order to comply with current building codes, will seal up the walls, and put in a new floor. These contractors are being generous with their time. The machines are being donated by McKinney’s Appliances.
In addition, many community groups have indicated a strong desire to support Clean Kids. We have received grants from the North Thurston Education Foundation, the Lacey Rotary Club, Altrusa, as well as contributions from St. Mark members and members of the community.
This is an important project to benefit the most vulnerable students in our school district. Thank you for generously supporting this program through your prayers, your positive encouragement, and your donations of time, supplies, and money. Your kindness is a blessing to these students and their families.
(The following is a series of entries Pastor Beth posted on the St. Mark Facebook Page during the “Walk for Learning”….)
WALK FOR LEARNING
10:56pm – We are in the car heading to Aberdeen to begin the walk. I (Pastor Beth) will post updates through out the night and tomorrow. Walking tonight are Pastor Eric, Mike C. (a long time, dear friend with deep compassion who first made us aware of homeless high school students in Aberdeen), and Gerry H. (a faithful member of St. Mark who is an educator with a heart of gold and is experienced in long distance 100 mile runs).
11:58pm – Almost to the starting place. These three are cracking me up! This won’t be a dull journey! Oh, to be a bird on the wire along the way! My job is to stay awake while driving and be at the beck and call of the three wild walkers. Feel free to text me at any time! The route from the Chevron station in Central Park is to take Central Park Drive to Devonshire Road into Montesano. In Monte, the walk will continue on Pioneer Ave which turns into Monte-Elma Road. That will take us into McCleary where they will hook up with the Highway until the Old Olympic Highway near Summit Lake, which will take us to Mud Bay Road, onto Harrison Ave and Martin Way. Here we go! One step at a time!
12:15am – Here we go!!!! Official start time is 12:13am. 
1:26am – I need to stay awake all night, so I am going to keep posting…
Although the 50 Mile walk has begun, it is a journey that began long ago. In college at PLU, Eric interned at St. Leo’s Catholic Church in downtown Tacoma. At St Leo’s he was confronted and comforted by what it means to be the body of Christ in the world today–and how to put hands and feet and heart on Jesus’ command that we love one another.
When Eric and I got married, I was an elementary school teacher in Orting, WA and he was a resident co-director of Bethlehem House, a shelter for homeless families in West Seattle. Bethlehem House was our first home together. We had a bedroom that was ours and shared a bathroom with Matt, the other co-director. Early each morning, I would leave for my hour or so commute to teach third graders while Eric and Matt began making breakfast for the 4-5 families who lived at the shelter.
These families changed continuously, but there was no denying their humanity– in all the messiness and beauty of what that means for any and all of us. These men, women, youth, and children put names and faces on “homelessness.” They had life stories–most of them including trauma, tragedy, and triumph.
As we sat around the dinner table together each evening, the children and youth tugged at our hearts. Without permanent housing, they changed schools often. Although many of them were amazingly resilient, it was so easy for them to fall behind academically and socially. It was hard on them and their parents. It was hard to simply keep their families together. There were very few family shelters at that time. Unfortunately, of the family shelters, many of them, including ours, had rules and age limits that were meant to protect residents but too often split families with teenagers apart.
While there is much complexity surrounding all of this– how do people become homeless, how can we truly help–the simple truth is that these families, these men, women and children need food and shelter.
2:08am – They just finished what may be the creepiest part of the walk along the tall weeds by the Chehalis River sloughs. I thought it was funny that “Down by the Lazy River” was playing on the radio, but I am driving, eating popcorn, and listening to 70’s music while they walk. I think I would have sprinted through that section of the road!
3:17am – I am waiting for the walkers on a long dark stretch between Montesano and Elma. At first I pulled onto the side of the road. It was so dark! I felt scared and wished I wasn’t alone. I was thankful I could move further up the road and parked by a lighted warehouse. I am praying for those who feel lonely and lost on a long dark stretch of life. Remember friends, Live out the truth others long to know–the light shines in the darkness! Let the light of Christ’s love shine bright through you!
3:57am – 10 miles down!!!! A few more to go, but we are heading into the glimmers of dawn! Yes!!! Sunrise.
4:35am – Before coming to St. Mark, Eric and I served at Amazing Grace in Aberdeen. It was there that we met fellow walker, Mike C. We moved in across the street from Mike and his family. They were our first friends and remain dear friends even after we both moved away.
Mike was the Director of Catholic Community Services of Grays Harbor. At some point early in our time there, he asked me to serve on his advisory board. I was very impressed with Mike’s awareness of the community, social analysis, management skills, concern for others, and ability to get things done. The programs and ministries that others talked about for years, Mike made happen.
Through Mike, we became aware of the large number of high school students “couch surfing” on any given night. Numbers were between 30-50 kids on the Harbor who had no home to go to at night, or weren’t welcome in their home, or knew it was safer to crash on the floor of someone they barely knew than to go home. That was shocking. Mike was working on establishing an overnight youth shelter in Aberdeen.
After many conversations, a few arguments, and a whole lot of prayer, the people of Amazing Grace (the congregation Eric and I served as pastors) overwhelmingly agreed to house this shelter operated by CCS. We had space and our congregation cared about students. It made sense.
As modifications to our building took place, eventually, Eric was hired to be the new director. This was perfect given his past experience as a shelter director at Bethlehem House and his role as pastor at Amazing Grace. Soon after, the Grays Harbor Youth Center opened to serve as an overnight shelter for teenagers, ages 13-17. It is still in operation today served by a wonderful staff. Although it is sad such a place is needed, it serves an important ministry. It is a safe home for teens who need a home.
5:17am – The routine so far is that I drive 2-3 miles ahead and wait for Gerry, Mike, and Eric. If they need something, they stop. If they don’t, they wave and keep on walking.
I stopped next to Oaksridge golf course. The first few golfers were out on the course. I wondered what they are thinking! It’s early and it’s cold!
Then I noticed this cemetery across the street–St. Josephs Catholic Cemetery. I stopped and walked around a bit. One, it is daylight. Two, I am sitting in the car while the guys are walking. And, three, it is an important reminder that our days on this earth are precious.
As poet Mary Oliver asks, “What will you do with your one wild and precious life?”
…Thank you, God. There are three wild men walking since midnight because they care about precious students who have no regular home.
5:35am – Part of our larger church family and a pastor friend! 
6:45am – Over 1/3 of the way!
7:52am – In Luke 12:27, Jesus says, “Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet, I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. “
These sweet daisies are on the side of the road. As I wait for the walkers, cars are rushing by. You can’t help but notice their happy little faces, yet you need to stop to really see them.
Jesus’ words remind me that we are all beautiful in God’s eyes. It is not what we do or don’t do that makes us beautiful. It is what God does.
We are all beautiful, beloved children of God. Stop. See that in yourself. See that in each other.
8:12am – Over 21 miles into the walk… They may have sore muscles but they have kept their sense of humor!
8:44am – While the guys are walking, I spend a lot of time doing this…waiting and watching for them. Christian discipleship is often referred to as a “walk.”
I like that image of journeying with Jesus because I believe faith is active and that God is always waiting expectantly, watching carefully and caring deeply about all of God’s children.
9:58am – If you are following this crazy journey, will you please “like” this post so I can tell the three amigos–who are now more than half way!!!! Woo Hoo!
It’s all about love. ??
10:14 am –
Ha! Ha! Ha!
10:50am – Eric says: “This is the most comfortable car I have ever leaned against.”
Mike says: “I’ve taken 57,000 steps!”
Gerry says: “Let’s go!”
11:17am – Is this a weed or a wild flower?
When you look at people, what do you see?
When God looks at us, God doesn’t see us as weeds. God sees us as something beautiful–an amazing variety of “flowers”, even if we can be a bit wild!
But you can’t be too wild for God because God is wild about you! ?#?prodigal???
11:41am – Since I am theologizing about flowers… Here’s another one!
It is not always easy to live together as people. We can be pokey, thorny and pesky. Sometimes it would be easier to simply avoid others and their needs. But God does not call us to avoid others, even in their prickly states. Jesus tells us–he commands us–to love one another. We don’t always have to have it all figured out. We take love like we take life (and a 50 mile walk), one step at a time.
Our Clean Kids program is one such step in loving our neighbors.
12:27pm – 33 miles done so far. Mike had to leave because of a work related commitment. Eric and Gerry, go hither!
1:15pm – I am on Summit Lake Road NW just off Highway 8, waiting for Eric and Gerry to walk by. There are lots of road signs within my view. One Way. Do Not Enter. Stop. Wrong Way.
Life does not provide road signs like that. It is not always that clear how to live out our faith. We read in the Bible that we are justified by grace through faith. If we live grace filled lives, we are not only on the right road, we are also showing others the way. Grace always points us back to God.
3:02pm – I stopped by the Summit Lake Grocery Store to wait for the wild walkers. 
The sun was out and it was beautiful, but also a bit too warm to stop in the sun. So I pulled onto this shady, tree-lined street. It was peaceful and cool.
I looked out my window and was surprised to see “No Trespassing” signs on just about every third tree. I got out of my car only to stand in the street to quickly take the first picture. I took the second one from my car.
After a while, a woman drove by me. It is safe to say she GLARED at me as she drove by. I confess that it made me giggle a bit and I thought, she doesn’t know my story. She doesn’t know the journey we are on today. Gerry keeps saying, “It’s about the kids!” It is about the kids. But the truth is that it’s about us too. All of us. Whether you are walking or not; whether you are reading this or not. The question is: How do we travel lightly (as light bearers) and graciously (as grace bearers) through this life? How do we live with less judgment and more humility?
I am no expert, but I believe we would be hard pressed to find any parent who wants to be homeless. If homelessness is a choice, it is because the risk of taking your children to live on the street, in a tent in the woods, or in a car is safer than where ever you called “home.”
Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.
3:29pm – The wild walkers are on their final 10 miles!!! This puts them a bit ahead of schedule.
WOW!
They are hoping to arrive at Casa Mia just after 7:00pm. I don’t know who plans to join us there so spread the word please.
And give Gerry a hug when you see him. He is concerned because he thinks I look tired! (But be gentle, both our boys are a bit wobbly when they stand still). Gerry, Mike, and Eric, you rock! ??
4:05pm – The boys are on Mud Bay Road!!! Woo Hoo!
4:50pm – I am just guessing that a big question might be, why? Why do this? Why walk 50 miles. What difference does it make?
I honestly have not asked Eric those questions, but I suspect he might simply say, why not? And/or, because I can.
Too often we think of all the reasons we shouldn’t do something. Even something important and good, like helping people in need. It is certainly not a bad idea to consider the pitfalls or risks of doing something, but again, too often we let these negative feelings linger and we talk ourselves out of doing things.
We know many of the reasons why St. Mark should not sponsor the Clean Kids Laundry Facility. However, why not? Because this is something we can do. We can and are (with outstanding community support) remodeling a classroom into a laundry facility! We can and will welcome families and unaccompanied youth into our church. We can and will offer our generous St. Mark hospitality to these families and youth. And we will send them out with loads of clean clothes and a little grace.
Chances are good, that like this walk, welcoming these families into our lives will touch our hearts and change us, helping us live more intentionally as light bearers and grace bearers. And, even if it doesn’t, the scent of this grace and the light of Christ will linger within all of us like the wonderful smell of fresh, clean clothes.
Why? Why not? Because we can.
5:43pm – Wild walkers were joined by Carol P. and just went by Gloria Dei!
6:08pm – The walkers are heading through downtown Olympia. It looks like a 7:00 or 7:15 arrival time at Casa Mia. I hope they are not super busy. Please save a seat for Gerry, Eric and me.
6:30pm – Woo Hoo! Robert A. Is the best!
6:51pm – Officially on Martin Way!!!
7:07pm- One mile to go!!!!!! I should have 49 exclamation points!
7:37pm – They did it!!! 50 miles. Casa Mia!! Clean Kids. Woo Hoo!!!
