Views from the homeless who live on the streets of Olympia

Although the American concept of Thanksgiving began in the colonies of New England, the day’s history can be traced to both Native Americans, as well as to other cultures.

The Native Americans had a rich traditions of commemorating the fall harvest with feasting long before Europeans set foot on America’s shores. When they did,  the Pilgrims and later Puritans brought with them a tradition of providential holidays – days of fasting during difficult times and days of feasting and celebration to God in times of plenty. 

But the notion of Thanksgiving falls under a category of festivals that spans cultures, continents and millennia.  The Egyptians, Greeks and Romans feasted and paid tribute to their gods after the fall harvest.  Today’s Thanksgiving also bears a resemblance to the Jewish harvest festival of Sukkot.

Given the growing scourge of homelessness in America, actor, writer and comic Dana Gould made the comment that “every Thanksgiving we feed the homeless so they may join us as we celebrate other people finding a home.”  Several homeless individuals living in downtown Olympia had some observations of their own about the day as well. 

Salvador, who lives in an alley,  pointed out that he “had lost track of the holidays.  Being homeless does this.”  

In the 7^th Avenue Tunnel, Birch commented, “I’m happy there is a Thanksgiving, and I hope everyone has a good day.”  

An unidentified one woman knee-deep in a dumpster looking for food snapped, “I don’t care about it.” 

Sitting on the steps of the Olympia Union Gospel Mission, Native Mike said, “I don’t do Thanksgiving.” 

And as Jeremy pushed a shopping cart across a street he said, “I had no idea there was a Thanksgiving.”

Two organizations plan to serve Thanksgiving meals to Olympia’s 300 plus homeless individuals tomorrow:

• Catholic Community Services will serve meals at 808 5^th Avenue SE (Salvation Army, The Community Kitchen) from 11 a.m. to noon and 5 to 6 p.m.
• Olympia Union Gospel Mission, at 413 Franklin Street NE, will serve a special breakfast at 7 a.m. and dinner at 2 p.m.

Editor’s Note:  All individuals who are quoted the article or pictured here consented to be photographed and to answer questions.  All were provided information about where they could have a Thanksgiving meal.