Every Project HOPE night has the good and the bad. Tonight, mama's crew was quite joyous to receive their much anticipated requests. Macho and his batteries and Papa and his tank tops.

Sometimes we can't fulfill all of the vocal calls for help and food. Some are left sad, some angry. Some are soft-spoken and content with the little we provide. Some just want somebody around who cares and some give advice.

And sometimes we hear bad news about a good old friend. How do you cope with a friend who relapses who you've helped with so much commitment? Do you quit? We don't think so.

Jimmy Wilson

"It feels really good to help these people. Seeing someone cry when we give him food made me appreciate the food and house that I have. I never noticed, but these people really love to see us. When we were driving to the Mayflower people were jumping up and down waving at us. They are excited to see us every week."

--Maria, Hobanite to be

Three's Company

3 Hopesters took to the humid streets of Akron. The crowds seeking some additional warmth nearly overwhelmed the 3. Only scant memories made it out of this night:

Books and Pasta in the woods. Mama took to the shade and more pasta and hotdogs. The Mayflower definitely blossomed and the van emptied. Jokes shook St. Bernard's and bikes were in search of, just like the keys of later. Messages and messages and Grace Park enjoyed the last remnants.

We stood like volleyball stars in a constant dine.

The Unknown Week

It has come to a week at which we don't even know how many weeks it has been since we first started Project H.O.P.E. or "Downtown Tuesdays" as it began- it will be considered a tiny accomplishment for the pioneers.

It's a great start to hear that our good friend Jimmy Jams did not resort to using to cope with his mothers poor health, as well as seeing our friend Chris from last week (battling poor health and suicidal thoughts) present & slightly more stable with the warmer weather. For our friends that we visit on Wednesday nights, the weather is not always as pleasurable as it is for our group who enjoys it as we please rather than living in it 24/7 in tents.

Bear was asked by a police man if he was alright when he was found passing out on a bench and he told him "Yeah I'm fine, I just ate too much." after eating an entire pie that we had given him last week; that will be considered another tiny accomplishment.

-Campbell

Alice Battles the Anaconda

I experienced a true sign of generosity and love.

Nicole gave Chris (a kind man with diabetes & contemplating suicide) her hoodie to stay warm.

He said he experienced a miracle through her (& God)

He mentioned that he felt more confident & more at ease w/ life--he promised that we would see him next week.

--Jeff Schleis