Interview with Robert Egger of D.C. Central Kichten and James S. Withers of Operation Safety Net

This was a truly humbling experience. The BeCause Foundation arranged for me to share a conversation with two amazing men, both of whom I had never met before, and both are brilliant with huge hearts.

I could sit and listen to Robert Egger speak all day. Last time I was this impressed was the first time I heard Chris Brogan speak. WOW! Robert started the D.C. Central Kitchen. If you don't know about this great organization, then you can learn more about them on their website.

Jim Withers is a doctor that kind of has a unique office. He goes under bridges and into homeless camps to help people with medical needs right where they are. I wish I knew about Street Medicine earlier because I would have visited when I was homeless. I guarantee you that soon I will go out into the streets with Dr. Withers.

All three of us all work directly in homeless services. The three of us, in some ways, were rebels effecting real change. We talked for two hours about homelessness, community, health, solutions, nonprofits and philanthropy. It was a once-in-a-lifetime moment that I wish was caught on video. And as luck would have it, the BeCause Foundation was forward-thinking enough to hire a local crew to come in. I don't know what will be made of the footage, but until then here is a short interview that I did with these two great men.

 

 

 

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Comments

[RICHARD MONDAK]

06:30 PM on 09/09/2010

I have the pleasure of being a volunteer Health Care Provider with Operation Safety Net and cannot express the admiration we all have for Dr Jim Withers. No matter how long and burdensome my clinical day has been, I look forward to the extra hours spent in service of the Homeless Community in Pittsburgh. By making lighter another's load, mine is lifted and despite the physical fatigue, I am wholly renewed.

I hope for the day when we are no longer needed, but until that time, we will continue to answer the call to serve others.