A suspended coffee...(Not a part of my blog, but worth a read!)

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This story will warm you better than a coffee on a cold winter day

I am sure it is rare that a person would become homeless for just one reason; however, poverty is a common thread among nearly everyone who experiences homelessness. Whether the reason is situational or generational. Falling below the poverty line makes a household vulnerable to becoming homeless.

These issues describe only a part of the bigger picture. People who are homeless and the people who are helping them know that homelessness is about so much more than housing alone. People often become homeless when their housing and economic issues collide with another crisis such as domestic violence, physical or mental illness, addiction, transition into adulthood, and relational strains.

The myriad issues surrounding poverty and homelessness create major strains. People exhaust their personal relationships in the same way they exhaust their financial resources. By the time a person is living on the streets, camping, or staying in a shelter their relationships are damaged, adding loneliness to their other problems. A simple offer of friendshipcan be a meaningful starting place in helping a person to recover from being homeless.

Now have a read of this article; how nice it would be if every coffee shop adopted this idea?

"We enter a little coffeehouse with a friend of mine and give our order. While we're approaching our table two people come in and they go to the counter - 'Five coffees, please. Two of them for us and three suspended' they pay for their order, take the two and leave. I ask my friend: 'What are those 'suspended' coffees?' 'Wait for it and you will see' some more people enter. Two girls ask for one coffee each, pay and go. The next order was for seven coffees and it was made by three lawyers - three for them and four 'suspended'. While I still wonder what's the deal with those 'suspended' coffees I enjoy the sunny weather and the beautiful view towards the square in front of the cafe. Suddenly a man dressed in shabby clothes who looks like a beggar comes in through the door and kindly asks 'Do you have a suspended coffee?' It's simple - people pay in advance for a coffee meant for someone who cannot afford a warm beverage. The tradition with the suspended coffees started in Naples, but it has spread all over the world and in some places you can order not only a suspended coffee, but also a sandwich or a whole meal."

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Comments

[Mike]

Inspirational!
An inspirational and a great idea to boot, no reason can't be extended to say fast food meals. Thanks a heap.