iCare About the Homeless
A Sincere Heart to Help: Stop Talking & Let’s Start Doing
There are many things that can be done to show that we care about the homeless. One of the biggest steps is to STOP looking down on these individuals that are homeless. Recognize that there is a problem and understand that every individual that happens to be homeless didn’t ask to be. Sometimes, the condition is even out of their control. Basically who would ask to be or want to be homeless? Really no one will raise his or her hands to that question.
Instead of talking about putting a stop to it, doing it would be more effective. People have fallen on short times and need a helping hand, not to be put down and made fun of. Let’s face it; this has become an epidemic and a cure must be found. Getting involved with or teaming up with local churches, schools, organizations and even community leaders would be a step in the right direction. Helping those that are doing the things to provide these individuals with warm clothing, shoes, food, medical care are other alternatives. At the very least, one could simply offer some words of encouragement. (read more)
Instead of talking about putting a stop to it, doing it would be more effective. People have fallen on short times and need a helping hand, not to be put down and made fun of. Let’s face it; this has become an epidemic and a cure must be found. Getting involved with or teaming up with local churches, schools, organizations and even community leaders would be a step in the right direction. Helping those that are doing the things to provide these individuals with warm clothing, shoes, food, medical care are other alternatives. At the very least, one could simply offer some words of encouragement. (read more)
A Dollar to Spare
“Here, have a dollar, in fact no brother man here, have two. Two dollars means a snack for me; but it means a big deal to you.”
The lyrics to Arrested Development’s famous song, Mr. Wendal still rings true today. It is the lyrics that inspired many to no longer walk past the homeless pretending that we don’t see them. Many times when our hearts wanted to reach out we kept our pockets closed; everyone having their own reasons for doing so. Perhaps you were the person who witnessed a “homeless” person collect money on the streets then go around the corner and get into a parked car that was ten times better than the one you were driving. Or maybe you’re the one who has seen countless homeless people buy liquor or cigarettes with the money they just collected. Did you see them turn down food that was offered? An act that confirmed for the person that wanted to give that they really weren’t hungry at all. Maybe you found yourself in the shoes I was in last week. (read more)
The lyrics to Arrested Development’s famous song, Mr. Wendal still rings true today. It is the lyrics that inspired many to no longer walk past the homeless pretending that we don’t see them. Many times when our hearts wanted to reach out we kept our pockets closed; everyone having their own reasons for doing so. Perhaps you were the person who witnessed a “homeless” person collect money on the streets then go around the corner and get into a parked car that was ten times better than the one you were driving. Or maybe you’re the one who has seen countless homeless people buy liquor or cigarettes with the money they just collected. Did you see them turn down food that was offered? An act that confirmed for the person that wanted to give that they really weren’t hungry at all. Maybe you found yourself in the shoes I was in last week. (read more)
Reaching the Faces of Homelessness
There is a growing issue metastasizing in the United States—it goes by the name of homelessness - defined by the McKinney-Veto Homeless Assistance Act as: “individuals who lack a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence.” It is reported that 2.5 to 3.5 million people are homeless on any given night. Although homelessness can be seen in rural and suburban areas among various ethnic groups, the brunt of the disparity is overwhelmingly felt in African-American communities in urban metropolises.
My friends and loved ones perceive me as fearless, but what they don't know is that I do have a fear, a big one! I'm terrified of being homeless. I hide my fear because in the past, when shared, my concern was dismissed as being baseless and unreasonable. Perhaps it was due to lack of knowledge to what exactly homelessness is or denial of the economic crisis faced within this decade. (read more)
My friends and loved ones perceive me as fearless, but what they don't know is that I do have a fear, a big one! I'm terrified of being homeless. I hide my fear because in the past, when shared, my concern was dismissed as being baseless and unreasonable. Perhaps it was due to lack of knowledge to what exactly homelessness is or denial of the economic crisis faced within this decade. (read more)
