A few weeks ago, I wrote about the absence of positive media images of local brown people.  Here's the first of a few follow-up posts about people who counter those images through their daily lives.

  This is Mari Maldonado.  She is a first generation natural-born citizen, the middle child of four who was born to parents who are originally from Puerto Rico.  She's funny, obviously beautiful, outgoing, passionate -- and compassionate about what she does.  Mari's the Fund Development Coordinator for the Guest House of Milwaukee, a men's homeless shelter located in the heart of the city.  Their goal is to move the men that live there -- the "guests" -- from homelessness to independence by providing onsite alcohol and drug abuse counseling, along with case management and other critical services.  According to Mari, they've had residents as young as 18 and old as 82.

So how did Mari -- this former salesperson of "everything from cameras to insurance" and now also a student of Mt. Mary College -- end up here?  Because (as she puts it) she has a heart for serving others.  Her heart led her to volunteer in the Guests House's dispensary (I didn't know what a dispensary was either....it's the place where guests get razors, toothpaste and other personal items.)  One year later, Mari was asked to join the staff as the fundraiser and volunteer coordinator.  This is really her calling, and it comes across loud and clear in Mari's voice when she talks about "the guys."

What I saw and heard during my short visit at the Guest House confirmed what I already knew: the tough economic times are hitting everyone; many of the men finding themselves at the Guest House are citing layoffs as an element in their homelessness.  It really made me wonder how many of us could only be a paycheck or illness or accident away from homelessness; and that people who -- by either bad choices or bad luck -- end up homeless were kids once upon a time...and their parents probably had the same hopes and dreams for them that I have for GG right now.  It made me sad inside, but it also made me grateful for places like the Guest House that are here to help.

One of the Men's Dorms

I left our interview wanting to do something...and that's what Mari's about: (in her words) Inspiring people.  She says "we're all here to do something -- even the little things can change and affect other people's lives."  So what are the little things?  Honestly, it's the stuff I never think about.  Like donating body wash, spray deodorant, razors, toothpaste, toothbrushes, gloves, socks.  These are things that places like the Guest House are always in need of.  I'm not proud to say it, but for me, these items are afterthoughts that I just throw in the shopping cart without thinking...but they can mean the whole world to someone trying to get back on their feet.

I initially went into this interview with the intent of shining a light on a brown person who counters the negative images that we all too often see.  And while Mari definitely does just that, I walked away from my visit with so much more: an appreciation for the blessings I have and the inspiration to start doing more to help.  Even if it's just the little things.

Thanks for doing so much more than shining a light, Mari. 

Mural by a Formerly Homeless Resident

*If you want to learn more about the Guest House, just visit their website at guesthouseofmilwaukee.org.*