Where are the Homeless?
Today as you were going about your daily routine did you encounter a homeless person? Chances are if you did not, you either were working out of your home or your mind was preoccupied. The homeless are all around us if we pay attention.
They may be at a busy intersection that is on our way to work, holding a sign and asking for help. Perhaps your office is downtown where they approach you and ask for money. Wherever you go in our community you can rest assure that the homeless are not far away, even if they seem invisible most of the time.
Our homeless population is reluctant to show themselves, unless absolutely necessary, because they risk arrest, harassment, or worse, downright abuse. They are our voiceless and powerless citizens. And like it or not, they are citizens of this country and members of our community!
We are a better people, a more civil and decent people, when we help the most vulnerable in our midst. Reach out and connect to a homeless family or person. Let them know that you care and will help them find the resources and/or organization that will get them back on their feet and in their own home. Do it because it is the right thing to do. Do it because it makes you, our community, and our nation a kinder and gentler people and place to live.
this is great. Very good.
ReplyDeleteI was talking with a pastor of a young church recently. he told me how his group works hard to actually KNOW the homeless--not just be kind to them.
Your piece here is so full of compassion. Thank you for writing it. The simple awareness and acknowledgment of the homeless is a beautiful place to start.
my intention for sometime in the near future is to take a 6 pack of beer with me and sit down to actually talk with a guy who's usually holding a sign on the street corner. I want to know his name, hear his story, become his friend. I want him to emerge from the faceless mass of (as you so wonderfully point out) nearly invisible Homeless. I want him to stand out as a Person. I want him to feel both loved and valued.
He doesn't need me to evangelize him or even necessarily try to get him to change. I can just be fully present. I can drink a cold Longhorn with him like friends would on a hot afternoon. I can laugh and tell him my own story.
Thanks, Michael. great, thought-provoking piece.