Don’t Just Look at Me, SEE Me.

home·less  (hmls) adj.
Having no home or haven.
n. (used with a pl. verb) People without homes considered as a group.
Often used with ‘the’

Bring up the topic of homelessness in a room full of people, and you will likely incite an argument and heated words. Homelessness in our society is a very heated topic, filled with debate, ego and judgement. Fortunately these arguments are contrasted by empathetic individuals, capable of putting themselves in other people’s situations with the ability of treating each person as an individual with their own circumstances. With today’s economy, many of us may be able to relate in ways we previously could not.

Good or bad, the term homelessness often brings images to mind, as well as generalizations about intelligence, motivation and past history. Perhaps this video that I found earlier today will be a reminder to all of us that there are far too many people living without shelter: children, the mentally and/or physically challenged and seniors who have lost their way. In between, you have a population of people just like us, possibly just too far behind to get back to zero. This is a story of Catherine, a strong, witty, intelligent woman who recently lost her battle with homelessness, passing away in the streets. Please enjoy her candor and spark and find ways that you can  interact with and help homeless people by volunteering!

 

And please remember that there are ways you can help, even with very little to give. Donate clothing to local homeless shelters, addiction rehabilitation centers and other non-profit organizations. Or if you can swing it, blankets, bedding, tea lights and other means to keep warm are always of use. Please visit the United Way website for more ideas.