Meet the Member: Pierre

Please say hello to Pierre, the first guest in our new Meet the Member series! We will be periodically highlighting members who have been active and involved in our center, and Pierre is one of our most engaged members. He is always quick to offer words of encouragement or to lighten the mood with a joke, and I don’t think he’s ever missed a House Meeting. So, without further ado, allow me to present Pierre!

Pierre, tell us a little bit about yourself.
I am a 50 year old African American male. I grew up in the Washington, D.C. area. I am the only child; my father retired from Walter Reed Hospital as chief dietian. My mother taught special education in montgomery county public schools for 30 years. I attended Montgomery Junior College (Germantown) and then on to the University of Maryland (Business Administration – 1984).  I have had the opportunity to live in otherparts of the country from L.A., Calf., Des Moines, IA, Dallas, TX, Atlanta, GA.

How did you hear about Georgetown Ministry Center?
I was trying to move someone out of my spot by bribing him with a sandwich and he told me he could get better sandwiches than I had at GMC. I asked what and where is GMC, and he told me.

What do you like most about GMC?
The computers are the number 1 attraction for me. I had always been an PC person, and learning the Apple has been an experience (a good one). However, having a high quality computer has been an immeasurable asset.

Where is your favorite place to go in D.C.?
The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts – Millennium Stage, is where you will find me most evenings.

What is one thing you think people should know or understand about homelessness?
Wow. The reasons for homelessness are as numerous as the individuals experiencing homelessness. Having real conversations with others (no matter how one-sided, short, lopsided, sometimes incoherent) keeps you connected to the rest of humanity and serves a powerful purpose, even if you don’t get to see the result of the few minutes you spent with someone.

Tonight is the night.   Can’t sleep?  Looking for something to do with other interesting people.  We’re interesting.  Come count homeless people with us.  It is the annual Point in Time Survey.  We are making sure that homeless people count too.  If your coming just sign up right here.  We will be meeting at Georgetown Ministry Center, 1041 Wisconsin Avenue, NW.  On the alley side of the Grace Church Rectory.  North side of the church.  Call (202)643-5081 if you have questions.

Do you have family photos or artwork that you’ve been meaning to frame, but haven’t gotten around to it? With this offer for custom framing from L’Eclat De Verre (located in Georgetown and Bethesda), now is your chance to finally get that artwork framed and on your wall, instead of collecting dust in a closet.

Recoup is offering up to 61% off for $150 to spend on custom framing. A certain percentage of what you pay automatically goes to Georgetown Ministry Center, although you can choose to pay more and increase your donation to GMC. It’s a great way to buy what you want, save what you like, and support what you love.

Have you ever had questions about what mental health services are available for the homeless?

The West End Library is hosting an information session where you can hear from the Office of Homeless Services and DC Department of Mental Health. Feel free to swing by on Thursday, December 8 at 11am and learn more about what services they provide!

This past Saturday, October 29, the Brownie Troop of board member Jocelyn Dyer’s daughter made bagged lunches for the guests at Georgetown Ministry Center. Nutritious and delicious, each bag contained a sandwich, an apple, and a granola bar. The Brownie Troop also decorated each lunch bag– check out the pictures we took of some of the bags.

Thank you so much for the lunches!