To the Beach

Tomorrow is our fourth annual Cranksgiving trip, and we’re excited become helping out Miriam’s Kitchen once more along with the help from any admiration significant and all sorts of of your neighborhood buddies. Join united states tomorrow for a fantastic trip, or consider encouraging Miriam’s Kitchen by joining practically!

Linwood “Gato” Martinez-Bentley grew up in Washington, DC in a strict military family members. To aid channel their boundless power, Linwood’s mama linked him because of the doing arts. Linwood quickly perfected percussion, flute, singing and dancing.

While Linwood’s musical abilities had been a point of pleasure for his household, their resistance towards war had not been. Linwood’s special viewpoint – questioning the war and participating in protests – got him kicked down during the early age 15.

Therefore started their whirlwind journey across the world and back home once again. By using many family and friends, Linwood completed twelfth grade and graduated through the University of the District of Columbia with a double major in early youth education and governmental research. He'd a lengthy job as a multicultural educator, dealing with children in DC and Central The united states. Life was great.

However in 2014, the bottom suddenly dropped out of Linwood’s world: His wedding ended. His task ended. He attempted living with buddies, but that soon ended. Linwood found himself homeless.

“used to do the streets much better than i did so the shelters, ” Linwood recalls. For 18 months he existed outside, establishing a hammock so he didn’t must sleep on the ground.

Final fall, Linwood’s girl pleaded with her mommy, “Please don’t allow my father invest another winter on the streets.” So in December he visited live temporarily together with ex-wife. For some months, Linwood was out from the cool.
Whenever an orifice became obtainable in the Girard Street Senior Apartments, Miriam’s Kitchen situation managers monitored him down and shared the good thing.

With Miriam’s Kitchen assistance, Linwood signed their rent on July 1, relocated into his apartment on July 7, and had a housewarming party on August 6. Relatives and buddies (including his two daughters as well as 2 grand-daughters) gathered to enjoy Linwood residence. He says, “I call my house the Miracle on Girard Street, perhaps not the Miracle on 34th Street. My tale makes believers out of non-believers that housing is achievable for everyone.”