Cold weather; the homeless

[inthesticks]

As I stood in my kitchen with the front door open and my head stuck outside, checking the weather...it occured to me that it was quite a miserable night. It was raining and cold...with temps in the mid to upper 30s. Cold, damp, and dark. Just miserable for anyone having to be outside at that time.

Then I thought about all the people around here who have no homes; people who must live outside in this miserable weather...hoping to find a dry spot in which to sleep. A warm spot? Around here in this rural area? Good luck. As I thought about the homeless here in Arkansas, and across this nation, I felt an unusual pang of sympathy and compassion for all those less fortunate than I. With a warm home, a roof over my head to keep the rain out, food in the pantry...I am completely thankful for what I have. It could be me outside in the dark and the cold...trying to keep warm in some bushes, or on the streets. I would be utterly miserable.

I will make it a New Year resolution to do more for the homeless in Arkansas...in my county even. I will volunteer my time to help out in the serving kitchens, or donating blankets and clothing to those who have nothing. I feel I must do my part, however small...to help those less fortunate than I. For I have spent time living in my vehicle, many years ago. I once lived for over a week with a commercial sized can of tuna fish, a jar of mayo and a loaf of bread. It wasn't a bright spot in my life.

 

[Wolfie]

Many people here have been through tough financial times, but I dare say, most don't know what it is like to be homeless. I cannot even imagine the suffering these people endure. In addition to helping out in the ways you suggested, we also need to be pressuring our elected officials. They put so much money and effort into things that don't matter that they really need to help find solutions.

1. Address the issues causing homelessness which include, mental illness, addictions, loss of employment sources...

2. Address shelter conditions. Shelters can be dangerous places.

3. Help homeless people get services by providing them with an address, job training...

You know, we have so many vacant buildings that need some work. We have so many homeless that need a place to live. What if we taught those that are able a little about contracting. Teach them drywall, roofing, plumbing, electrical... Have them help restore some of these properties. Then, give them an apartment in the building, to live, for a period of time so that they can find work. Give them some job placement assistance and a wardrobe to help them interview. Give them interview coaching... Many of these people need a hand up, not a hand out.

Those with medical/mental illness issues should be able to get some treatment if they are open to it. They should also be able to get some assistance in applying for whatever assistance they may qualify for. It's a shame how much a little medical treatment would help some of these people.

You know, if we gave a little more than a bed to sleep in, we could make a real difference. Homelessness is not a disease. It is not contagious and it does not mean the person is bad or did something wrong. I don't remember the exact statistic, but I do know that the percentage of homeless that are American Veterans is staggering and deplorable.

It's not about being Republican. It's not about being Democrat. It's about being HUMAN! We are always screaming at China about Human Rights. Maybe we should lead by example rather than by rhetoric.

OK, I will get off my rant for now. But, Sticks, I agree with you, we need to start helping by doing those things you suggested. Then we need to push harder for the right thing to be done by those that can create change!

 

[lidarkside]

We're here in New York, and we see so many on the streets when we go into the city. Then there are those you don't see. It's very admirable that you want to help those in need; but keep this in mind, most homeless on the street don't come into the soup kitchens, the shelters, etc. Many of those who frequent the soup kitchens are the poor but not the homeless. What I suggest you may want to consider is to actually go out on the street; and when you come upon any, homeless hand them a blanket, a coat, a pair of gloves, a bagged meal, etc. That would mean the world to them. Don't ever give money, though, as many are alcoholics and will use the money to buy such.

 

[miki]

It is so sad, in California I use to see homeless people all the time. I don't see them here where I live now.

I use to take things to the shelters to help and I would buy food and/or coffee for the homeless I would see on the streets.