Personal Stories

Janet Devoe's Story

October 31, 2024

Janet Devoe

I felt helpless, seeing the amount of homelessness I witnessed in our city. I was burdened by the poverty and knew that I needed to act. It’s easy to feel called or moved by something, but putting those feelings into action is where courage comes in. I needed to do something.

I had moved to Calgary three years prior and had been attending Centre Street Church (CSC) shortly thereafter, but was not yet involved in a meaningful way. I decided to take that call to action, sign up, and volunteer with Centre for the City at CSC.

One evening a young man came into the Well Café and stopped by the Re-New Clothing section where I was volunteering. He was in search of a coat, but sadly we couldn’t find him a suitable one that properly fit. Again, I was here, volunteering but unable to help this young man who simply needed a coat. I carried the helplessness like a weight. He was understanding and said he would check back another time, as he thanked me for trying to help him.

When I got home that evening, my attention was brought to a heavy hand knit sweater coat that I had purchased at a gift shop in Nova Scotia. I had rarely worn it, and it would easily work for both a man or woman. I felt the Holy Spirit gently convicting me that I should donate it. I may be volunteering, and that’s the first step, but what can I practically do to make a difference? Maybe it’s as simple as bringing in the coat and clothing I don’t wear. (I am embarrassed to tell you how many coats are hanging in my closet!)

I brought that heavy coat into Re-New Clothing and hung it on the men’s coat rack. A few weeks later, it was a busy evening volunteering with more than 100 neighbours and individuals coming to the Centre. I was busy bagging items for people, helping with the long line up. As I glanced up from what I was doing, there stood a young man with the sweater coat that I had donated, and when I looked closer, guess what? It was him, the same young man that had left without finding a coat a couple of weeks ago. I couldn’t believe it, and although it was one simple act, it took my helplessness and turned it to hope.

“If you have two coats, give one away, he said. Do the same with your food.”
Luke 3: 11