Mysteries in the Mail and other Manna House Musings

The return address on the white envelope was simply “God bless.” Inside the envelope was a money order made out to “Mama’s House.” The word “tithe” was handwritten on the “memo line” in the left corner. For about the last six months, once a month, this mysterious money order has arrived in the mail. The amounts have varied each time. I have to imagine that the “tithe” is 10% of the income of the person who sends this money order. Whoever has been sending these donations has been remarkably faithful.  My guess is that it is a former guest. For many years now, at least some guests have given Manna House the unofficial name of “Mama’s House.” Most monetary donations arrive via mail, and most of the time we know who they came from (and we send out an acknowledgment of the gift). This one remains a mystery. So, if one of you reading this is responsible for sending this gift, “Thank you!”

                I got a call from the receptionist at Memphis Theological Seminary where I work. A package had arrived addressed to someone who was neither student nor professor at the seminary. The receptionist thought the package contained shoes. She wondered if perhaps the shoes were for a guest at Manna House since we have recently asked for shoe donations, and so she called me. She told me the name of the person on the package. I did not recognize the name. I consulted with Kathleen. She did not recognize the name either. I went down to see the package. It was a large white envelope. I could feel shoes within but also clothing. I knew immediately where the package had come from: jail.

                In the past we have received such packages at Manna House. Someone gets arrested, and their clothing and other personal belongings are taken from them. There is an option apparently to have the belongings sent to an address where they can retrieve them when they get out. Sometimes we recognize the name on the package and sometimes we do not. In this case, the name did not ring a bell. Also, in this case, the person must not have remembered or known the Manna House address but knew that I worked at the seminary. So he had his belongings sent there in his name. Now we will wait for him to arrive at Manna House. Nobody at Manna House this morning recognized his name.

                Mail arrives at Manna House addressed to guests. Most of the time we recognize the names but not always. We discourage guests from using the Manna House address as our mail service has never been very reliable. And, too, there have been issues with a few guests who used the address and then accused us of stealing their mail. Mostly our request to not use the Manna House address is respected. Still, the mail comes. The number of advertisements and get “rich quick schemes” addressed to guests shows how many companies seek to prey upon the poor. And then there is the guest, who thankfully does not get his mail at Manna House, but who often asks me about some mail that he has received. Inevitably it is some too good to be true offer. Often included is an attempt to get him to share with the sender some personal information. I try to discourage him from responding. He is disappointed each time.

                I got another letter from a Manna House guest who is in jail. He has been in now well over a year. He writes regularly, asking about Manna House and about how I am doing. He has grieved over the news of guests who have died. He has celebrated the good news I can share about someone getting off of the streets. He asks for prayers and for money on his “book” so he can get needed items from the commissary. He is looking forward to getting out and getting his life back. I owe him a letter now.

                By the way, our mailing address for Manna House is 248 N. Willett, Memphis, TN 38112.  Manna House itself is located at 1268 Jefferson.