Company's Coming to See History. Who Needs Greed?

Despite working in a field dedicated to opening doors to those in need, I have to admit that the prospect of making a few extra dollars by renting our home for Barack Obama's inauguration was rather enticing to the greedy part of my soul. Having money to take my kids skiing was an attractive thought as autumn temperatures and my 401(k) plummeted. Yet, I did not expect to see what I saw recently when I scanned Craigslist postings for inaugural housing: thousands of dollars being asked for a room or two, some miles away from the District, or even the use of a closet to sleep in. One ad soliciting rentals even said, "This is our time! Get the money you deserve today!"

Interspersed among these ads, however, were ads from people in need of housing for the event: single mothers with children, hoping to not have to sleep in their cars, and young college students spending their fortunes to fly here to share in history but having little money left for costly lodging. The stories were numerous and poignant, and quickly took me aback. What was happening here? Had we so quickly lost something since Nov. 4, when Obama asked us to come together as a community, to help each other to create a new spirit? Couldn't we share our space with less wealthy souls, fellow campaigners or seekers of history that weekend without asking for what amounted to a down payment on a house?

A sense of disillusionment and sadness began to filter into my head as my husband and I discussed this. Though our jobs are secure, we know that many others have fallen on hard times, and we had fewer objections to those asking a reasonable amount for a sofa than those seeking ridiculous sums for rooms. But, even so, we could quickly see that being able to pay anything would be difficult for some. Who would house the single moms with young children, the family driving cross-country from Oregon, the young historians with barely a plane ticket in hand? Didn't they deserve to be here? Where would they find a place to sleep, with so much gouging going on?

So a Craigslist ad was quickly penned and submitted, offering space without strings or cash, hoping to attract those really in need. We heard from several folks who were thankful to see the ad, and we set up housing arrangements for some that we'll host that weekend, including four students from California and a Cuban family with a father newly sworn in as an American citizen. We look forward to sharing this wonderful moment in history with newfound friends in our home.

But it was really a different kind of e-mail that brought tears to my eyes -- and which outnumbered those seeking help from us. These were the notes from many others who had already seized this same thought -- unheralded, caring Democrats and Republicans who had opened up their hearts and rooms for free. Some of their responses:

I like to say that I am a very good Republican but an even better American. . . . how could anyone not let them stay for free?

My boyfriend and I are living in NOVA as well and housing as many as we can, believing that you shouldn't have to be rich to enjoy such a historic moment!

We agree. We have space available in Manassas. If you know of anyone who needs a place to crash, send them our way.

I have also given our extra bedroom to a volunteer who otherwise might be sleeping in his car.

I live in D.C. and last weekend picked out a single mother and her son from Fayetteville, N.C., to stay with my husband and myself at no cost.

We were humbled by the breadth of this generosity as the e-mails came in. They had not posted anything but merely possessed the grace and kindness to seek out these strangers and offer them room. Their responses to this situation revived the good faith in people that I had felt in Manassas the night before the election, when my son and I stood in a field and listened to Obama ask us all to come together. They had taken an opportunity to make a difference, with no fanfare or notice.

Thanks to the many good Americans in Washington offering free sofas, floors or rooms for those needing space on Jan. 20, that feeling of a new spirit in our country has returned for me. It's great to know that at least a few of the thousands coming to Washington that day can make the trip because there are generous Americans -- both Democrats and Republicans -- who so strongly believe that the road to America's house starts with open doors in all our homes.

-- Stacey Waring

Oakton