Editor’s note: Freelance writer Rhonda Ricardo spent time at the San Diego Rescue Mission recently to capture the essence of homeless outreach efforts downtown. Here is a summation of her experience. DOWNTOWN — Have you ever wondered about approaching the homeless? Dressed in boots and layered, oversize clothing, I was welcomed into a group of four other volunteers. I had purposely volunteered at an event — where I would not know anyone — to get a completely fresh perspective. I succeeded. Within 15 minutes of walking in the direction of our designated streets, we were two steps from a group of homeless women talking alongside a large building. “Have you heard about the free Christmas dinner at the Rescue Mission tonight?” the lone man in our group asked, as he held out a three-by-five invitation. “Tonight?” one woman asked, with her small hand over her smile. She took the invitation from his hand. No one spoke as she read the words silently to herself: “San Diego Rescue Mission [SDRM] Christmas Dinner, Saturday, December 18, 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., 120 Elm Street, SD, CA 92101.” “Thank you!” she said, with a nod toward her friends. Our male companion then stepped forward and handed out invitations to the rest of her group. I thought back to the early morning when we realized rain threatened outdoors as about 50 volunteers listened to directions as to how to respectfully approach homeless people on the streets. The advice included this: “Do not take pictures of the homeless. Many times it is offensive and makes the outreach difficult. Stay in groups or with at least one other person at all times.” Homeless singles, groups, couples, handicapped people of every age and people with children mostly accepted our invitations with smiles and gratitude. Just as I was thinking about how comfortable the homeless were to approach, we heard yelling from across the street. About five volunteer women from a local church were walking quickly away from a group of homeless people they had just invited to the dinner. One homeless woman was yelling something about not wanting to get fat like volunteers. With surprised faces, the volunteers quickly crossed the street to join us as we all picked up our pace. A young woman pushed her baby carriage past us. She slowly shook her head as we extended an dinner invitation her. But then she turned and inquired in a hopeful, but drained voice, “Are there toys for children?” I answered her: “Yes, and other giveaways. Please come join us.” She accepted the paper invitation and slowly walked away. Later, SDRM volunteer coordinator Deborah Williams welcomed groups of 200 people with the kind of holiday cheer one would expect to receive after returning home from a long journey. I went outside into the drizzly, cool day to see where the rest of the 1,600 homeless and hungry people were waiting. They were lined up under protective awnings and across the street in the parking garage — out of the elements but still in the cold. I asked SDRM President/CEO Herb Johnson — who is also a minister — if the rescue mission is in need of donations. “Yes. Donations have been down for three years,” he said. He said the rescue mission is a faith-based organization that does not receive government funding. The operations and outreach are made possible only through donations. “It’s not just, ‘Show up and they (SDRM) will feed you,’” Dan McAllister, San Diego County treasurer told me. “They can get you a new lease on life, too.” San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders joined the volunteers serving meals that day, happily shaking hands around the lines of tables. It was close to the end of the night when a 4-year-old little girl stood at the toy counter. She shook her damp, golden-brown curls and stood on her tiptoes as she tried to see the toy selection. She pulled a Christmas stocking forward, reached inside and slid the little toy animal out enough to see its face. Her eyes teared up with happiness and disbelief. “Is this for me?” she asked. Her parents nodded. The little girl was delighted. Then, the lady with the baby carriage who we had seen earlier in the day on the street walked by with a stuffed animal clutched to her chest as she silently headed back outside amid the warm wishes inside the San Diego Rescue Mission and into the damp, cold night with the new toy for her child. The SDRM has many extensive programs, including recovery programs, a recuperative care unit, a Partners for Hunger Relief and an emergency overnight shelter for battered women and children. The rescue mission is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is qualified to receive tax-deductible donations from individual citizens, corporations and foundations. Donations may be made at sdrescue.org. — Rhonda Ricardo is a writer and columnist North County. Reach her at: [email protected].