Every day, thousands of men, women and children wake up with
their head on the concrete, the sound of the world rushing around them. They
live in a place, a culture that is very difficult for many of us to comprehend.
Most of us have a home. We have a bed, a pillow, a warm meal and a group of
people that care for us. The homeless are ungrounded, unsettled and vulnerable.
They are, for many different reasons, unable to function in society as most
people. Although we may find it hard to believe, the reality is that we too
could one day find ourselves homeless and alone. Helping those in need does not
take a huge bank account or an endless amount of time. You would be surprised
at how little it does take to make a big difference in the lives of another
person less fortunate than yourself.
Save Your Judgment
and Show Respect
One of the worst things you can ever do is judge someone who
lives on the street. Although many
homeless people suffer from mental illness or addiction, many more do not. Do
not assume that all people living on the street are mentally unsound or suffer
from addiction. Do not ever jump to the conclusion that the homeless are ignorant
or unschooled. Many homeless people were at one time extremely successful and
suffered a life-changing event that altered their lives virtually overnight. As
far as academic success, there are thousands of PhD recipients roaming the
streets of America whose IQ blows most people out of the water. So, one way
that you can help the homeless without spending a dime is to show them respect.
Respect them for being human and never judge them or categorize them without
first knowing the facts. If you change your attitude, you will find it much
easier to smile or spend a few minutes in conversation with someone who is on
the street.
Be a Voice
Frequently, the voices of the homeless go unheard. One way
to bring the problem of homelessness to the forefront in your area is to be a voice.
You don't have to start a raging protest or even get overly political. There
are many creative ways to be a voice without even speaking. If you are an
artist, use your skills and talent to speak for the homeless. Create a visual
portrait of the pain and suffering to share with others. If you are a musician,
create a song, or if you are a poet, write a poem. With all of the technology
available today, there are many ways to get people's stories heard. Start a
blog or create a short video and circulate personal stories on the Internet. Speak
in your own voice in to an audience who will listen and you will have done a
tremendous service for the homeless.
Be a Catalyst
So often what is lacking in areas, especially smaller towns
or rural regions, is someone who will organize services for the homeless. If
you live somewhere that does not have a shelter or food pantry chances are that
there are hungry people all around you. Visit local grocery stores and
restaurants and ask them to partner with you to help feed the homeless in your
area. Often local churches or civic will supply space to feed people and most
local businesses are happy to donate. Form a committee of people that care and
you will be amazed at how quickly others follow.
About the Author: Susan Patterson is a homeschool mother and
a freelance writer with a passion for the homeless. She recently wrote an article
outlining the value of 211 Software.
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