Date:   December  21, 2012
Writers Name:  Rosey Denise White
Title:   Being Homeless is Not Only about Not Having a Home

 

Chances are you have never been homeless.   If this is true, consider yourself among a fortunate few because too many have experienced the ugly plight of homelessness.    Some may assume that homelessness is just about not having a place to stay but it really is about so much more than that.  Lacking a safe, stable home is just a fraction of the story for any homeless person.  Being homeless may mean lacking the skills necessary to get back on your feet.  Perhaps addiction isn’t the reason they are homeless but the experienced homelessness due to a job loss or abuse.   A homeless person might be able to find a shelter and food that supply their physical needs but what about the emotional impact?  Every homeless person you encounter on the street has a story.  Something tragic occurred in his or her life that lead them to be without a permanent home.  Very often those tragedies impact the ability to put their life back together in a positive fashion.

The best thing a person with a home can do is learn how to support someone who doesn’t have one.  This support does not necessarily mean opening your doors to strangers, although some may feel led to show compassion in this way.  The more important thing we can do to support the homeless in our communities is by first showing that we care.  Here are ten easy tasks we can all make an effort to do that will inspire the homeless in our neighborhoods.

• Don’t ignore them.  The most disrespectful thing we could do to a homeless person is treat them like they do not exist - as if they are beneath us or aren’t deserving of basic human compassion.  How many times have you turned your nose up at a homeless pandhandler? Be honest.  Often we form opinions about the lives of strangers we do not know. Be considerate because one day you could be in their shoes.
• Volunteer.    If we can spend time engaging in social media activities, just an hour of sacrifice from this could be diverted to volunteering at a homeless shelter, soup kitchen or providing a service.  Teach someone who is homeless how to read. Help them with a resume etc.  Not only are you helping others, you can also get a fresh perspective of the plight of those without permanent places to lives.
• Considering hosting your own soup kitchen.  It is not hard to get a temporary food handlers permit in your local state. This is generally all that is required to serve food to the homeless.  Check with the department of health and human services for further information.
• Donate.  Many of the shelters and soup kitchens are non-profits where the demand is greater than the resources. Just $20 can go a long way in helping someone who is homeless.
• Buy a stranger a meal.  I know many times we are reluctant to give money to strangers. The next time a panhandler asks for spare change, ask him or her if they are hungry.  Offer to buy them a meal instead. I’ve personally done this a few times and I know the feeling of helping another will last you a lifetime.
• Speak up!  Sometimes people think that only homeless persons are out on the street.  This is a myth.  Chances are someone you know (a co-worker, friend, neighbor) is on the verge of being homeless right now. 
• Devote your craft to their need.  Are you an author, singer, poet, musician etc.?  Consider donating a portion of your show and proceeds to a homeless shelter or other organization.
• Blog about homelessness.   Write about the plight of homelessness of not only those in your city, but the plight that affects so many worldwide.  This brings an overall awareness to homelessness and may encourage others to get involved.
• Hold a free garage sale.   Need to get rid of a few things?   Instead of focusing on the money you could earn, think about the people you could help.  Put up signs offering FREE clothes, shoes or whatever you have.  Give it away to someone else who really needs it.
• Make helping others a regular task.  Don’t wait until seasons change, or holiday time to get in the spirit of giving.  Develop a conscious effort to help at least one homeless person a month in your area.  It doesn’t have to be elaborate…a cup of coffee goes a long way for someone who doesn’t have anything.

Date: 11/5/12
Writer’s Name: Allison Martin
Title: Ways to Assist the Homeless

With the rate of homelessness increasing due to the economic downturn, assistance needed is greater than ever.  Listed below are ways you can pitch in to help out:

1. Education is essential: Prior to working with any homeless individual or family, you must have an open-mind and understand that they are normal human beings just like the rest of us.  In addition, it’s important to know that some have stories that will surprise you and sometimes, those who are extremely intelligent are homeless due to an unfortunate set of circumstances.

2. Donate Professional Services: Since a vast majority of homeless individuals do not have the wherewithal to pay for professional services, it’s never a bad idea to donate your time if you are skilled in a particular craft.  For example, there may be a member of the homeless community who was employed at some point in the prior year and needs tax preparation assistance.  In this case, an accountant, CPA, or Registered Tax Return Preparer could donate this service.

3. Host continuing education courses (and tutor young children): Just like in any population, some members may not have a high school diploma (or GED) and lack basic skills needed to secure and maintain employment.  To assist, you could host free continuing education seminars that provide GED prep resources and general employment information.  Bear in mind that many children are also homeless so it wouldn’t hurt to incorporate a tutoring program for them as well.

4. Assist homeless with securing employment: If you are well connected in your community, encourage employers to hire the homeless.  To prepare them for employment, provide educational resources that will help them excel on the job (i.e. interviewing tips, how to dress for success, conduct in the workplace, etc.).

5. Volunteer Your Time at Homeless Shelters: You never know whose life you may touch just by volunteering.  Remember that all homeless individuals have a unique story to tell and your listening ear and interactions with them may leave a lasting impression.

6. Generate a list of shelters: This list can be distributed to those individuals you see who are homeless and may not know which way to turn for help.  Some do not have access to a computer to research shelters and/or organizations that can assist them.

7. Food Banks: If you belong to a local church or community organization(s), start a food bank and set a schedule to distribute non-perishable items to the homeless.  For those who are not affiliated with any group but want to help, create a mini-food bank in your home instead.

8. Clothing closet: Either find a location where the homeless can come to retrieve clothing or donate the items to a shelter.  For many homeless people, the winter time is quite harsh due to the lack of adequate clothing to keep them warm.  Therefore, a coat drive is also a great idea.

9. Donate funds: If you do not have any items, services, or time to give, the homeless can always use money.  I am not suggesting that you hand out massive amounts of cash to pan-handlers.  Instead, find a 501(c)(3) (Not-For-Profit) organization whose values and beliefs align with yours to donate to.

10.  Prayer: For those who are Christian, you know that prayer is one of the most powerful gifts you can give anyone.  You can pray for comfort, peace, and that the needs of the homeless are met.  In Matthew 6:31-34, we are encouraged not to worry about food, drink, or clothing.  Instead, we should fix our thoughts on the kingdom of God and righteousness and these things will follow.  Use that encouraging scripture to lift the spirits of those who are distressed.

Date: 10/07/2012   
Writer’s Name: S.F. Hardy
Title: Free or Not to Be

Once again we visit my biggest fear and the reality of many people in my city, Detroit. Those less fortunate to have a home are not hard to find. Many can be spotted under the viaducts along with all of their worldly possessions. Just the other day I saw a lady walking down my street with what appeared to be everything she owned in her hand. At night, Downtown Detroit is no exception as the homeless sleep on park benches and entryways of closed businesses.

After speaking with one of the prisoners who frequents the library, whom we will call Prisoner X for obvious reasons, I learned that once he is released he will most likely face homelessness. According to the US Department of Justice, “More than 10 percent of those coming in and out of prisons and jail are homeless in the months before their incarceration.” Prisoner X is no exception to this reality. He is maxing out of his time and therefore will not be under the supervision of the state (parole) once he is released and therefore he is not required to live in a half-way home as a condition of his release. All this may sound good to the average person who has not a clue to how the process works, however, with a felony on his record and no immediate employment prospects in sight, Prisoner X anticipates homelessness to be his fate.

It is not realistic to expect that prisoners will reenter society with gainful employment. What is realistic and often the norm is those released from prison are disenfranchised from employment opportunities due mostly impart to their criminal record. Many employers don’t want to run the risk of hiring those with felony records, while others are restricted by laws as well as high insurance premiums. This alone poses an enormous problem for former prisoners who need affordable housing.

Transitional Housing is not plentiful and often competing with those who don’t have a record for housing. Public housing is limited and restricted by local and federal laws and ordinances. The reasons for denial of housing, both public and private to those with criminal backgrounds vary, The Reentry Policy Council explains:

“The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has a number of policies, commonly referred to as the "One Strike and You're Out" policy, that require all Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) or federally assisted housing providers to deny housing to a variety of categories of people: individuals previously evicted from public or federally subsidized housing for drug-related criminal activity; individuals subject to lifetime registry under state sex offenders registration programs; individuals convicted of methamphetamine production on public housing premises; individuals currently abusing alcohol in a manner that interferes with the health, safety, or peaceful enjoyment of the premises by other residents; and individuals currently using illegal drugs. In addition, federal statutes authorize PHAs to reject from housing or terminate the lease of households where any household member's drug use, alcohol abuse, or criminal behavior threatens other residents. While there is substantial local discretion in making these decisions, some assisted housing providers, including local housing agencies, have used their authority to make wholesale rejections of the application by persons with criminal histories...” 

Although it makes common sense that those released will be less likely to recidivate if they are released to homes of family members, often this is impossible. Family members who want to take their loved ones in are often prohibited by the terms of their lease for allowing individuals with criminal backgrounds to dwell in their home.

Someone who I am personally familiar with was recently released from prison. He was all too happy to reenter society where he would live with his mother until he could solidify employment and therefore afford housing for himself. For several months everything went well until he was required to fill out a leasing application at which time his criminal past began to haunt him. You guessed it! Because of his criminal past, the gentleman was forced to move from his mother’s apartment or she would be evicted as well. With no family or friends in the county he was released to, the man had to move in with a friend who dwells in a separate county than the one in which he was released. As a result, his probation officer had to be changed among other things.

I am told by both Prisoner X as well as the gentleman above that they want to do everything legally possible to ensure and maintain successful reentry in to society. Although they acknowledge living with others and not having a place of their own to call home is a form of homelessness often overlooked they are appreciative of family and friends who reach out to help them in their journey to remain free and off the streets. However, they state that the odds are against them. How can society make it easier for individuals to reenter society after they have paid their debt to society?

For a list of housing options and types  for people released from correctional Facilities visit: (http://reentrypolicy.org/Report/PartII/ChapterII-D/PolicyStatement19/ResearchHighlight19-6)



References

http://reentrypolicy.org/Report/PartII/ChapterII-D/PolicyStatement19/ResearchHighlight19-3

Name:Tamyara Brown
Date: August 31, 2012
Title: Homeless and Working



44 percent of Americans today who are homeless are working class citizens. It is the waiter, the waitress, the grocery store clerk, the school bus aide, the office clerk or nurse's aide. The face of the homelessness is no longer the drug addict or the mentally ill covered in dirty clothes and asking for spare change. The new faces are the people dressed in business casual clothes and going to work clocking in 25-40 hours every week who simply cannot afford a place to call their own. They turn to the shelter system when there's nowhere else to go.

Sandy who works as a school crossing guard and single mother of four explains that she now makes $9.00 an hour. She lost her job where she once made $15.00 but due to the company closing down she was stuck without a job for two years. She had exhausted her savings and unemployment and now resides at Cornerstone Manor waiting to receive her income tax refund, which will give her the one-month's rent and security deposit she needs. She doesn't qualify for any assistance but Medicaid and food stamps. In order to have an apartment that will accommodate her family she also pays rent of $176.00 a week. She found herself not able to save for the one month's security and most of the agencies she went to had no funds available to help her. So at the shelter she remains. She has hidden from her family that she is living in the shelter because she is ashamed. This is a crystal clear picture of an American working class citizen still residing in a shelter system.

Department of Social Services and the Coalition of Homeless Alliance numbers in 2010 had a four- percent increase from 40 percent. With the Section 8 program being almost non- existent with a ten-year waiting list and public housing with just as long of a wait time, those employed are flooding the shelter system and it's not a good feeling. Some of the reasons include being laid off and having to take a huge pay cut. It's better to have a small paying job than no job.

Living on minimum wage of $7.25 an hour with a family of four isn't enough to sustain a family. It doesn't cover the bare minimum of food, clothing, and transportation. Finding suitable housing has quadrupled in some cities and states. Many who have been laid off of good paying jobs have lost their homes due to foreclosure and mounds of debt occurring while living off of unemployment. The end result is almost always going to the shelter system when they have either no family or worn out their welcome with relatives.

Nowadays, to reside in the shelter system means you hopefully qualify and that there is space available. It is always a possibility there is no room available and you could sleep out on the street on any given day. In New York State if employed you are now required to pay for residing in a homeless shelter, which can be almost 50 percent of your income. I understand the principle of teaching someone to have responsibility but if a person is looking for suitable housing how do they come up with one month’s rent and a security deposit if they have to pay rent at the shelter? How do they even think of taking the half they have to survive and save when it's so little already? With the homeless Section 8 program non-existent and public housing waiting list as long as 5 to 7 years, some people feel as if they are stuck and will never find a home of their own.

In New York City they have even went to the extent of offering relocation assistance to another state or opportunity to live with a relative paying for transportation and one month's rent to alleviate some of the overcrowding. It's not a real solution because now that person who was once employed has to start all over from scratch, ultimately having to apply for public assistance, look for a job and rebuild their whole life over again. It's isn't a cure for homelessness - to just pass the buck to another state, setting that person two steps back.

The growing homeless epidemic is a major crisis in America and if we don't find a solution to helping those families who are willing to earn a living have affordable housing, this will continue to be the face of homelessness. It may take sending those individuals in shelters back to school for better paying jobs. It may take credit and finance classes to manage their income. It may take implementing a program to provide transitional housing for those who are earning an income. The abandoned buildings that are just collecting rats should be rehabilitated and used to house the many who are working and just need a hand up. In 2012 let's work to eradicate homelessness.

© 2012 Tamyara Brown- Tamluvstowrite

Date: 08/6/2012

Writer’s Name: Andrew J. Rainey

Title: How can I make a difference?

Visiting shelters and volunteering at soup kitchens are one way in which a person can make a difference but there are many other ways you can help as well. Prepare sack lunches. In some communities, soup kitchens are only open in the evening or on Monday through Saturday. Find the shelter in your community who is trying to feed the homeless on the weekends and offer to make up a bunch of sack lunches. Sack lunches can be as simple as a peanut butter & jelly sandwich, a piece of fresh fruit and a canned beverage.

Donate food for the homeless to a local food pantry. Many of the homeless come to emergency food pantries for nonperishable groceries they can tote in their backpacks. Instead of buying a case of five peanut butter tubs, why not buy some single serve food staples instead? Pudding cups, fruit cups, 4 oz. peanut butter jars, cheese & crackers, 3 oz. cans of tuna, and juice boxes are just a few examples of food that is easy for the homeless to carry. Bring your single portion food donations directly to a food pantry that serves the homeless. Your state's Food Bank network can give you the name of a food pantry that ministers to this need.

Donate your coats & sweaters to a shelter. When the weather gets cold, many of the homeless are without proper clothing. Instead of donating those old winter coats to a thrift store, why not donate to a local shelter instead? If you don't have an old coat to contribute, buy blankets, or a dozen mittens and knit hats instead. Call your police department or city hall for a listing of shelters in your area. Contribute to operating expenses. Shelters, soup kitchens, and food banks cost money. Find a shelter that needs some financial help to meet utility or food costs and commit to a set amount every month. If you don't like the idea of donating money, contribute a bulk food item instead.

Donate bus tokens. Many of the homeless have no transportation and rely on public transport to receive medical care or search for employment. Find a shelter or agency that distributes bus tokens to the homeless and offer to purchase a regular amount every month.

Save your old books and bring them to homeless shelters and food banks. Many food pantries especially like having books they can give children.

Hire the homeless. One of the biggest challenges the homeless face is finding work. Most employers, including fast food franchises, will not hire someone that doesn't have a phone or a call back number.

Do you own a business that could use casual labor? Register with a Casual Labor office in your area and hire the homeless for tasks such as grounds keeping and maintenance. Save your deli containers and find an organization such as a soup kitchen or community supper network that sends home leftovers to donate them to.

Date: 6/17/12

Writer’s Name: S. F. Hardy

Journal Title: 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.

    

Brace yourself, as we explore the grim reality homelessness bestows revealing that it is diverse in the populations it affects and is not exclusive to a particular group as one Facebook commenter described as: "irresponsible people who make one bad decision after another." Truth is, this crisis extends itself to individuals, families, youth, the mentally ill, and Veterans alike. Like the population it affects, the reasons behind homelessness as well as the characteristics are wide-ranging.

In 2010, my fears where inflamed after discovering that Michigan was host to a homeless population of 100,000 individuals. The fire inside matured as I learned 20,000 of the 100,000 homeless existed in Detroit. Revealing Detroit as the national leader of the homeless population, 82.7% of the 713,777 individuals accounted for in the 2010 Census are African-American.

     

 "Where is that number, I know I saw it when we moved.” Frustrated, that I couldn’t find the number Tonya gave me in case we lost touch, I took comfort knowing that I took the time to get to know her.  Many, but not all of our talks took place on the same concrete church porch Tonya often slept on. Tonya has been on my mind lately and it concerns me that the parish as well as the porch remains; but Tonya has disappeared without a word of whereabouts or condition.

    

The first thing that comes to mind when one thinks of homelessness is chronic homelessness; people living and surviving in places not meant for human dwelling for long periods of time that include but is not limited to: residing outside on park benches, abandoned structures, manhole covers and underpasses. Although the most visible to human eye, due to lack of shelter, the chronically homeless actually represent the smallest group of homelessness in Detroit at 10%. Comprised of individuals who suffer from mental illness, chronic health deficiencies and substance abuse reliance, this group is most difficult to reach in terms of assistance and long-term treatment. As a result, a major portion of resources available to assist the homeless is expended on the chronically homeless.

     

Who then, makes up the larger portion of homelessness in Detroit, if the people who are thought to make up the higher percentage of homeless are actually the smallest portion of homeless population? It is easy for those who move in with family, go from one home to the next, take up residence in shelters in temporary and transitional housing to go unrealized as homeless. However, homelessness is comprised mostly of those situations invisible to the human eye because they receive some type of shelter.

    

Contrary to popular belief, there is no one explanation for homelessness. In many cases, the reasoning is beyond the control of those faced with homelessness.

• Fifty-one percent of individuals currently experiencing homelessness are experiencing the crisis for the first time. Foreclosures, evictions due to increases in rent, loss of work due to lay-offs, company downsizing and closures, home fires, and failure to pay property taxes can be attributed to the loss of a place to call home.

• Twenty-seven percent of first time homeless Michiganders are employed but below the poverty rate and cannot obtain or sustain affordable housing.

• It is reported that the majority of Detroit’s homeless population endured by families with children have never been homeless. Forty-seven percent of children who experience homelessness across the US are African-American.

• Runaways, throwaways, who are either forced to leave home due to mental health issues and abandonment, and/or those who leave home voluntarily for lack of acceptance and support as a result of revealing their lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender status account for up to 800 homeless individuals in Detroit.

• Unaccompanied youth who age out of state care make up 15% of Detroit’s homeless.

• Approximately 6000 individuals who experience domestic violence find themselves homeless.

• Individuals with felonies as well as those reentering society from prison make up 10% of Detroit’s homeless population as these individual are not a protected class.

• 13% of Detroit’s homeless is comprised of United States Veterans who suffer from mental illness such as posttraumatic stress syndrome and substance abuse.

    

There are organizations and agencies who seek to assist and eradicate homelessness in each of the aforementioned homeless populations but the resources are limited even more so in the current economic crisis. Funding has been either depleted or cut forcing many organizations to close its doors. Detroit alone has a little over 5,000 shelter beds all recently filled to capacity forcing organizations to turn just as many if not more individuals seeking assistance away.

    
As individuals, we can all help in our perspective communities by first acknowledging that the problem exist and has the potential to affect each and every one of us. Volunteering with churches and other organizations and lending our expertise and hand in various events or on a regular basis as needed could all make a big difference. We can also write to community officials taking an active stance against homelessness and the problems it creates for the community as a whole. More importantly, we can treat the homeless like the humans they are because it is the right thing to do. No one ever knows if, when, or why they will face homelessness.

    

Now that we have unsheltered some of the many reasons associated with homelessness across the United States as well as my own backyard, my fears have not been laid to rest, but more realized. However, I hope that through this article I have shed some light of the disheartening diversity of homelessness and encourage readers to be more sympathetic towards homelessness by gathering together to fight against homelessness in the name of prevention and eradication.

Resources

1.      http://www.endhomeless.org

2.      http://handetroit.org/documents/10YP.pdf

3.      http://www.nccp.org/annual_fund.html

4.      http://ourmichigan.blogspot.com

Organizations and Agencies where individual can seek assistance, volunteer, or donate

http://www.covenanthouse.org/

http://www.hud.gov/local/mi/homeless/detshelter.cfm

http://www.ruthelliscenter.org/

http://www.safehorizon.org

“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.

We were in Memphis, TN for a book signing. We really couldn’t afford to make the trip, but we couldn’t afford to miss the opportunity either. For me, making it to Memphis also meant that I needed to make it to the Lorraine Hotel. I needed to see the place that they have memorialized on the death of a man who has done so much good for our community.  He is one who many of us believe and know in our hearts and mind, he didn’t deserve to die; but there he was shot to death at the Lorraine Hotel. I hadn’t eaten that day because I was too busy trying to get in place for the signing, too busy trying to meet the next potential customer, so eating was the last thing on my mind. By the time my husband and I pulled in front of the Lorraine Hotel, I was ravishingly eating on a piece of bread. My husband had to go back to the car for the camera as I crossed the street.

A man approached me, his hair was black and white, his beard was the same, both dreaded and knotted, whether by choice or not is unknown. The cigarette dangled from his mouth as he held onto a clear plastic bag that revealed a few take out cartons of food.

“Ma’am, do you have anything you can spare?” he asked, desperation dripping with every word.

I didn’t have a dime on me, all I had was the piece of bread in my hand and even I knew he wouldn’t be desperate enough to have that. “I’m sorry, I don’t have anything.” I said as sympathy etched my tone.

“Ma’am, don’t say that. Don’t say that you don’t have nothing. Until you don’t have a home to go to, no water, no food, clothes on your back, you can’t say you don’t have nothing.”

Humph, I thought as his words lingered in my mind. I have to be careful with the words I choose. Even with the lesson learned, the irritation didn’t cease to surface, because with his change in words also came a change in his attitude.

“Well, you asked me a question, I wasn’t replying to what I have in life, but what I have to offer you,” I replied. By this time my husband had caught up with us and the man turned his attention to him.

“Excuse me, sir. Do you have anything you can spare?”

My husband began reaching in his pockets to find something to give to the man. Noticing this, the man began his speech of gratitude.

“Thank you, sir. I appreciate anything you can give me. I’ve been walking pass restaurants and people coming out saying they don’t have anything to give to me. Yet they coming out of these fancy places.”

My husband pulled something out of his pocket and shifted it to his other hand as he went back into his pocket, finding a dollar he handed it to the man. The man became a little irate.

“I would have preferred what you pulled out the first time,” he said with no qualms.

I looked at my husband and we both walked away, but not before me letting him know how I felt about his ungratefulness. “You don’t know our circumstances, nor do you know those of the people you just berated, we may have just given you all we could afford to but you’re too busy worrying about what else we could have given to appreciate that.”

He began to rant about how appreciative he was and how I was misunderstanding him, I could no longer offer him anymore of my time and I didn’t. I walked away upset.

These instances make us turn a blind eye to their circumstances because too many of them anger us by their actions or their belief that we have to do for them. Giving is about choice and a matter of the heart, no one should be forced to do what is not in their heart, for then what they have done is in vain. However, turning a blind eye isn’t the option either as I can remember the countless times that I have seen a person pushing a raggedy cart containing all they own in life, or that person who pulls the cover over them, as they lay across a hard, cold concrete slab. The ones who set up tents in the woods because they have no place to go, the promises they make to themselves and to their children that tomorrow will be better as they hug one another tight in hope. Drinking or taking drugs may be their only way to deal with their plight. It would be wonderful if we could offer them a better way out, but quite honestly if all we can offer is a dollar or two what are we hoping that they do with it?

One person’s actions cannot and should not affect our decisions for the homeless community as a whole because the next person we walk past could very well be the angel we shouldn’t have. Don’t do anything with the hopes of what you can receive, but do everything with the hopes of being a blessing. Contact your neighborhood homeless shelter and find out what you can contribute, if you have the money, that’s a blessing, but they could also use your time to type up a letter, sweep up a floor, or cut someone’s hair. Remember, there’s always something you can offer, even if it’s that dollar, in fact naw brother man, make it two.

Date:   June 10, 2012             

Author: Norlita Brown          

Journal Topic: A Dollar to Spare

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.

Maybe doing an event that will raise awareness for the homeless by sending out sponsor letters and donation letters to local businesses to inform them of what the cause is and why it’s needed. There is so much that can be done to help. What comes from the heart will reach the heart. Reaching out to the local city leaders can help get things moving. The more manpower there is, the more individuals that can get the help they need.

Donating items such as clothing, toiletries and food to homeless shelters, women shelters, and even youth group homes can also help a great deal. Often times most of these agencies rely on the donations from the public and volunteers to help them.

The holiday season can be a very trying time for anyone, and for someone that is on the streets, it can be extremely difficult for them. It’s cold, lonely and can cause anyone to become depressed. It could bring back many emotions on what lead them to becoming homeless.

No one wants to be in this situation. Some have lost employment, loved ones, become ill or may be a displaced veteran.

Focusing on the situation and what can be done to help is a lot better than just talking about it. Stop looking at the person in the situation, but rather focus on how the situation can be fixed.

Get involved in walks for the homeless. Learn how to serve others without causing them to feel inadequate. Take for instance Ted Williams. Back in early 2011, he had become a YouTube sensation all because of his “Golden Voice.” It was discovered that in his earlier years he’d worked as a radio announcer, but due to some very untimely circumstances he found himself on the streets battling with drug and alcohol abuse; he’d also been arrested several times for things he’d done in the community.

Another prime example! Here’s a man that had it all, a great education and served in the military and was discharged honorably after his time served.  He lost everything. Could he have known that he would become homeless? Was there anything that he could do or have done to prevent it? The real point here is that homelessness can have the intended effect on the educated as well as the uneducated; it doesn’t matter about a person’s ethnic origin, age, social or financial status.

However, in today’s society many individuals believe if a person had prepared for life there’s no way that this should ever happen. Honestly they’re way off base here on this one! My question is how can a person prepare for a major loss, such as an illness, loss of employment or the loss of a family member?

Here’s another example. Remember the actress, Mya Campbell, the daughter of the author BeBe Moore Campbell from the hit television show “In the House” with L.L. Cool J? Well her story is a bit sad. She was another one that had everything and turned to a life of drugs and prostitution to support her addiction. All of this happened due to the loss of her mother. Then she hit rock bottom.

Let’s face it! The media will publicize the unfortunate lives about celebrities and how they’re battling with all of these inner demons, but right in our very own communities we turn our noses and backs on the guy or woman that’s panhandling for food. Our heavenly father is the only one that knows what, why, and when each of us will experience hardships. So with that being said all of us should extend our hands to help those in need.

If we take the time out of our busy lives and give of ourselves, as Christ has done for us, this world and our communities in which we reside in could become a better place. The late Michael Jackson said it best in his song “I’m starting with the Man in the Mirror.”

I’ve had the opportunity to share and get involved with helping the homeless and never did I think for one moment that just being in the presence of these wonderful individuals, my life would change for the better.

Being an advocate for the homeless, I must admit there’s so much that can and needs to be done for them. There are families living in cars, with neighbors, or merely sleeping on the streets not having a place to call their own. This can be a very difficult time and very dangerous. There have been studies shown that loads of homeless people are murdered and sexually abused right in our communities while living on the streets.

Basically it’s time for all the nonsense to stop - building all these new malls and bringing all these major stars to the city. Let’s not forget the money that is spent on “The Presidential Elections” when in actuality that money could be spent for places that will really help individuals get back on their feet and not harm them any further. We need programs that will assist with job skills, educational training, and housing. Just because a person is homeless doesn’t mean they’re uneducated or have lack of job skills. They may just need a place to live.

Picture it like this. There’s a brain surgeon; he’s married with a family making roughly six figures. Then tragedy strikes. Keep in mind he’s probably already in debt with loans of his own (e.g. house note, car payment, insurance, children in college the list could go on). He’s in a major accident, and basically he’s left unable to work. He’s completely wiped out of his savings, loses everything, and now the family is homeless. Where does he go and who can he turn to? There needs to be something in the community that will help him and others like him get back on the road to recovery.

All it takes is one person to make a difference in the community to impart a difference into the lives of these people; not just financially and emotionally, but spiritually. This is serious, knowing firsthand what it’s like to have it all, and in a years’ time lose it all. Have a heart for the community and people in it. Feeling obligated to give back isn’t even enough. 

Being in the midst of adversity, having been talked about, put down, laughed at, and all the should’ve, could’ve, and would’ve’s --- basically nothing could’ve prepared me for the journey. Many will ask, Why did, or How come, or What happened? The answer is this thing called Life happened! I am still looking back over everything and thanking God for the experience. The experience was a lesson very well received, learning not to take things for granted. 

Time is of the urgency to help. Do all that can be done to help those that are less fortunate and homeless. Go and spend time at the missions during the holidays, or even just any day talking to the ones that have been affected by this epidemic and how they manage from day to day.

You will be amazed at some of the things that are shared.  It will leave an impression upon the heart. Somehow inspiration will overcome and the need to do will spring forth. 

 

Writer Name: Danielle Taylor

Date: June 11, 2012

Photo courtesy of Lee Taylor