CHANGE STARTS WITH YOU
What inspires’ me are the homeless children and families I am blessed by and have the privilege to work with each day.
It is their courage to forge forward in their darkest hour, the dreams they share, the hope for a brighter day, the challenges overcome, the selfless love, healing wounds, and the sheer humility shown that drives me to stand up for what I believe in! These amazing individuals inspire me to become a better person each day.
It’s the light of hope behind each child’s eyes that fills my heart. I have never experienced a moment more fulfilling than that of the knowledge of knowing the day was long, difficult decisions were made, I experienced the joy of hearing the laughter of a child, I provided a listening ear, I lent a hand, used kind words, loved selflessly, but most important as the sun sets I am at peace realizing today, I made a difference.
Along this journey I have been humbled, I have learned, and had the opportunity to grow. I think about my opinions of past and realize the stigma of homelessness in the eyes of society at large. So, it's important to me to share a small piece in the chapter of this journey.
WHERE DO YOU STAND?
What I hear and see about homelessness in the community is both painful and sometimes downright shocking. How many of you believe people truly want to be homeless or that they are homeless because they are helplessly addicted to drugs? Of course they are dirty, imagine not having a place to bathe or wash your clothes. Imagine having a harrowing night on the streets not knowing if you may be ushered away from a safe place by the police or assaulted by an unknown predator in the night. Now, imagine in the wake of your nightmare keeping your children out of harm’s way.
The truth is only 6% of the homeless population are indeed homeless by choice. And yes, there are those individuals with drug addictions. However, consider the battered woman seeking safety, the single mom that lost her job, the under educated working for minimum wage. I say working for minimum wage as a baseline for the cost of living in beautiful Hawaii.
In Hawaii if you are fortunate enough to make a wage the equivalent to $18.50 per hour you may be fortunate enough to have the safety of a one bedroom apartment. Now, imagine being a uneducated single mom with three children in tow. And even educated, how many of us live pay check to pay check? In this down turned economy are then some of us just one check away from becoming homeless? Think about it.
Honestly, the homeless are truly remarkable and really no different than those of us that have a place to call home. They laugh, they cry, they have hopes, dreams, and goals. And despite being knocked down most of them never give up. Yet, imagine being a victim of cruelty. Imagine someone telling you are no good, lazy, worthless, and worse over and over. After a while you get stuck and start to believe what people say about you is true. Hence the promotion to homeless person sticks. And the senses weaken, hope dwindles, and you become a product of the labels created out of cruelty. Even a smile can assure someone that they matter.
Are we not all human beings? Maybe, you are about to lose your job, get evicted, and then.... you are dirty, have no clean clothes, have lost your personal belongings, cannot create or print a resume without a pc and because of your helpless state may not be allowed entry into a public domain to do so. No address, no phone, turning in your applications lacking basic hygienic needs. Your chances of interview and hire become much slimmer. Yet, anything is possible. I witness greatness each and every day.
What about the children? When they are tired, full of fear, missing school, the subject to bullying, and more. Imagine not being able to communicate how you are feeling, but only reacting to the emotions of others around you. These children are the future of this great nation. Will you let them become a product of environment?
HOW DO I HELP?
So, what can you do to help? I say the most valuable gift one can give is simply nothing more than time. If you can make time you can save a life. Utilize your wonderful skills, take a block of your time, and apply those skills to helping others.
Stop going out of your way to avoid the homeless person or family on the street. Stop, smile, say hello. This can make all the difference in the world. Sit down on the street corner with a homeless vet and a cup of coffee. Show your community you care.
Should you give the homeless money? I say it's more effective to make your donation to a reputable shelter or program that specializes in homeless needs and issues. This way, your hard earned money will go to assist in a hand up rather than a potential hand out.
Create a drive with your Church, Club or Organization. Even toiletries and soap that smells good will be met with gratitude. All of the things we take for granted everyday. Blankets, towels, a hot meal....Someone to talk to.
I encourage you to spend some time at a homeless shelter in your community. Volunteering your time is priceless. May you learn, grow, and become inspired.
Please share your thoughts and ideas to end the cycle of homelessness for good.