I've worked in an area like that for close to 30 years. I choose to be there. Since you can't break the lease right now - here is my e/s/h. I start each day in prayer, doing Step 11 and carrying it out to the best of my ability.

In 30 years, I've had to call the police twice.

My storefront - my original home base - had three or four windows broken out - 1 person was mad at me because I barred him for a month for hitting a woman at the Drop In Center I ran, another threw a rock through a window where those in "my flock" had hung a stain glass paper image of the nativity scene, somebody else got in a fight with another and threw him into our window, and a fourth breakage was due to somebody throwing a cue ball through the main window to try to hit our cat who loved to watch the action of the streets from her vantage point on a window ledge.

A drunk stole a coin jar that folks were filling up each Sunday to share with others who were going through hard times once.


Rolls of toilet paper were also stolen and some household goods in our new place.

Considering that thousands of people have come in and out of our ministry and that I've been in that neighborhood with no weapons, basket wraps or other means of protection, I'd say we were protected from trouble while we worked to offer things to people living in that neighborhood that were safe and needed.

My "clientelle" have primarily been addicts, alcoholics, abusers, rapists and other felons and ex-felons, out of control kids and teens, battered women and people with serious mental illnesses.

What I believe after all these years there is that if we are about doing God's will where we are, so much goodness can come about that will not eradicate the poverty (and there are many forms of poverty) but it can bring light in in ways that wouldn't occur if one woman didn't agree to step up to the plate and let God shine forth in the darkness. It only takes one candle to illuminate the darkness of an entire room.  Perhaps you are that candle of light?  Perhaps you can live there and still do what needs to be done until you can move without overwhelming yourself with more than you can handle at once?

-- Edited by grateful2be on Sunday 23rd of February 2014 04:03:55 PM

-- Edited by grateful2be on Sunday 23rd of February 2014 05:46:26 PM

-- Edited by grateful2be on Sunday 23rd of February 2014 05:49:20 PM

"If you keep and open mind you will find help"...your post reminds me of that first promise I got at the close of the first for real Al-Anon meeting I went to on the other side of the insanity door.  Openmindedness  allowed me to be able to listen to Gratefuls feedback and  Slogans and envisons some changes I could make and could have.  I was able to see the forest for the trees and then find my place in it while looking up at HP and asking "Where do you want me".  HP is in everything...my experience...even the gentle relaxing breaths and long with the patience I needed so that I just didn't "go off" in reaction.  Yes I filed complaints also and yes I used 911 and public safety and yes at times I took matters into my own hands and had to later make apologies and amends.  Others can disturub my peace of mind and serenity as I allow and participate.  Keep the picture of your goals clearly before you and don't let anyone steal them from you.   Got a sponsor?  Have meetings and a phone list?   HP is great and better yet I have a large tool box.   (((((hugs)))))