Interview with Kyle Reynolds, Chaplain at Serve Seattle.

Interview took place on September 12, 2016.

What do you do, exactly? What does a typical day look like?
We are a department of SGM, 3,000 square foot mansion that they converted
into housing for all interns and office space. 27 interns coming in next week and
will be with them for 10 months, from all over the country. One from Ireland.
Diversity but all followers of Christ, from bible belt to Pentecostals. Conflict
resolution is part of my job, appreciate differences. A secret thing we are doing is
making really great husbands and wives, learning to process through conflict.

Why did you chose this career?

He was a pastor for 14 years, finished masters in December. Didnt grow up in
Christian home. Outside looking in perspective, skeptical. Never felt pressure to
follow Jesus. Used to do a local outreach campaign, started partnering with the
city more and seeing the need, I couldnt shake the idea of what about our
neighbors that dont have houses. Made me a better dad, a better husband. MY
kids love coming to see what I do. Basically I see all the learning and curriculum.

I read on the Union Gospel Missions website that this program hosts an
eclectic community letting go of stereotypes and learning to love each
other sacrificially how do you equip interns to do that?
Curiosity became a real virtue. Taught to have answers, and others have the
questions. It finally hit me that I have never prayed to God for the right question,
but never the right question! Jesus almost twice as much asked questions
instead of gave answers. Practically, there is a hope line at UGM. Our approach
to having a hotline is (instead of just handing out a flyer), this guy cant get a job
and place to live and a shelter doesnt help that, it perpetuates the problem. He
needs an attorney. Lets knock that ticket off. The hotline understands each
unique situation

What are some of the specific needs of the city?

We dont do it all, we do a lot of partnering. Were actually not that strong in sex
trafficking, but there are organizations that are. No organization is meant to do it
all. 1,000 girls will be bought and sold on the street tonight in Seattle, and the
average age is 14. Another estimated 1,000 underage homeless people. 40%
identify with LBGQ and get booted from the households. And its safer for them to
be on the streets. Foster care is another huge problem of underage
homelessness, because of abuse.

What happens to your work if there are shifting priorities or changes to

policy?
I do know that recently Seattle passed a law that being in alley ways is illegal.
Giving food is illegal, to actually give food with a church group, you wouldnt get
arrested or anything but theyd ask you to stop. Its a dark seedy thing, but I
learned that certain alcohol can be sold, determined by the government, like the
cheap high alcohol beers are only legally sold in a certain parameter of Seattle

and they do it so they can help the homeless population to a certain area. Which
is dark and sad. Theyre profiteering on the demise on the lowest can of people.
Another thing too is, the Jungle there is a huge homeless encampment
nicknamed the Jungle, has a lot of crime and drugs, so police has done swept
and forced everyone out. But they never offer a place to go. Its terrifying to have
your house, your home, with no moments notice. This is the first year the city
has asked for help, since they know we have a relationship with them. We
warned them before their home was taken from them.

Have you had the experience of working with people of a race or sexual
orientation different from yours? (be able to articulate how culture impacts
your work re: abuse/neglect/prevention/intervention etc.)
As mentioned before, I have worked with those who identify with LBGQ. That is
only one demographic of the city that has so much need and diversity.

What do you hope to accomplish? One big goal?

I would help people help people. Im not necessarily on the very front lines. I do
search and rescue often. I really enjoy helping equip young adults. I see an
underage girl being trafficked right there in front of me, so that trauma impacts
me.

What major disappointments/failures have you had in fieldwork?

That girl [The one in sex trafficking] stands out. We were out in search and
rescue and we parked in front of this coffee shop. UGM is so well known and
respected by the homeless population, they flock to us when they see our logo.
So were hanging out sandwiches, socks, prayer and there was a girl inside
with a much older man. He was in his sixties, and they were totally making out
right there in the front window. She is most likely underage. There was a holy fury
in her eyes of what she was witnessing. It had to be a nonemergency number, so
we had to end up driving away. The tone in the team completely shifted. Some
were weeping quietly. It was a sobering moment. Other times too, people dont
want help yet.