Homeless Issue #153

What can a homeless person do with their spare time to help them “escape” their homelessness?

Make a plan. Think of one’s resources. Think of one’s skills. Who can/will help them in their time of need? Then continually “sell” the marketable skills one has. During the winter months, stay at the Nomadic Shelter, eat at The Upper Room, and stay active and productive at any job, paying or nonpaying. Just stay active. This worked for me. (I did not have a Nomadic Shelter or Upper Room)

Many homeless persons have mental challenges that can only be treated by professionally trained persons. This is a City/County/State “human” issue that has to be addressed but is ignored by the City/County/State. This group will always be with us. It is “Human Nature,” The only thing we can do for them is purchase a sandwich, a cup of soup, a piece of fruit, or a meal. It is wise not to give them money as they have shown that they are not good money managers. And then, pray that the Cities/Counties/States/ will care for their citizens who have the very least at some point in time….

What can I do to help the homeless?

          Get involved at your church and school as well as let the City/County governments know your concerns, continue to collect socks, rolls of toilet paper, new women’s and men’s underwear (Medium and Large), and most of all remember they could be us. In the winter, jackets, warm hoodies are wanted.

Treat the homeless and all people as we would want to be treated. Give reliable homeless persons jobs to do. Give them some responsibilities when/where you can.
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Homeless Challenge: This represents the first few nights to Homelessness. As one finds their way in this homeless situation, they may discover some variations to this regiment.

Take the challenge.

Starting this afternoon:
Eat one meal. Then go outside.
Do not use any toilet paper at any time.
Get any water you use from an outside water faucet.
No TV, Computer, Tablet, Phone, Radio, flashlight,

At sundown go to sleep outside or on a garage floor, with a blanket or sleeping bag. If you are on the garage floor, you are VERY fortunate.

When you get up the next morning, pick up all your belongings including everything you plan on using for the day and keep all of that with you all day. Do not leave any of it alone as it may be taken by another homeless person. (This is the reason that you do not want to donate large shampoos, toothpaste, or large anything to homeless providers/distributors.) They have to be carried all day.

Spend that day outside.
Eat one meal that day.
 
     Repeat, Repeat, Repeat, Repeat, Repeat.
                          Now you will get the idea.
                    
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And yes, our County Government has made great strides in planning, preparing, and visioning the day when the homeless who are on our streets, have a place to lay their heads and a safe place to put their burdens down, and cry, smile, and feel worthwhile.

Unfortunately, we have persons who do not want to give anything to anyone or even care what happens to those who do not have their advantages. They vote for county offices and resources.  Homeless persons don’t vote.
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I am blessed to see some of my ex-homeless friends this time of year. Working, dry, warm and with a smile on their faces. One friend I see about once every few weeks, and have known for a number of years who is “off the streets,” has a job and an apartment. When he sees me, he makes an effort to come to me. He opens his wallet and hands me a $20.00 bill for JSS. He is “Giving Back” with a smile and a “Thanks.” …………. That is what you can call a

         Merry Christmas!
From the JSS Group and their donors and supporters.