The Experience[1]....by Elijah Kelly

On our trip to Raleigh, who would ever realize one could have so much fun yet accomplish so much as well? I was so overwhelmed. I don’t know at what point I should begin to share with you. It was written about me: “beat poet, political commentator, voice of consciousness, voice of those without a voice.” That’s not exactly true. Being a member of HHH, those words are representatively true collectively for HHH as a team. And my, what a team have we.

We embarked upon our journey, armed with my Father’s power and glory, as we prayed before leaving. Now, we made our first stop in Durham, NC. The next day, Raleigh.

But I’ll start at our mock game of jeopardy[2] against the two other teams, in which we were the victors. Thanks to our fearless leader Liz Clasen, with her strategy to bet all on our daily double. Plus, a couple of big winning answers Rob scored, as well on some challenging questions. John, from Asheville, also on our team, got our first daily double, and such as victory, as was the trip.

I’ll bet your wondering, “What’d you guys win? What was the prize?” As before mentioned, I (we), left Charlotte with my father’s blessings and three prizes: Liz, Beverly, and Rob. Arrived in Durham and collected 14 more. I mentioned we left Charlotte armed with our most esteemed photographer and shall I say prize fighter (I shall) Beverly Cowan - came out like a lamb, but at the workshop at the mention of shelter, it was slowly I turned, step by step and off came the gloves.

In my personal opinion, we, HHH, in Raleigh were not a decision or TKO, we were an absolute knockout. I observed from others our dress code presentation and engagement got their attention. Keep up the good work, champ!

I was so impressed with Liz’s friends who we stayed with in Durham. If one considers all the ugliness going on in God’s world, here are 7 adults and Nina (a Labrador), all I can come up with to describe it is “wow.” Thanks, Iredell House! I was absolutely taken back by the camaraderie.

On to Raleigh. The information we received and new friends we made, I’d miss another day of work to do it again. It was quite an honor to learn of our leaders that they support the efforts of groups like HHH and those leaders that want to hear more from the homeless community. I am deeply saddened when I speak with others in the homeless community only to be rebuked with disparaging words. I wrote a poem that I call “Without a Doubt.” And, hey, I actually believe it, without a doubt. Thanks, Liz, HHH members, members of Iredell House. And to all, happy holidays…..Elijah.

[1] HHH members attending a conference entitled “Using Your Voice” put on by the North Carolina Coalition to End Homelessness.

[2] As part of the conference, we played a jeopardy game, testing participants in their knowledge of public policy.