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PLEASE EXPLAIN…
Homelessness
Please understand that I cannot fully explain homelessness. First of all, I have never been homeless. Second, the reasons for homelessness are varied and complex. And third, trying to capture, identify, and rationalize human behavior and all the baggage that precedes an action or contributes to a lifestyle, chosen or otherwise, is, well, impossible, or at least, arrogant. Therefore, I will attempt to make you better aware of the problem and address some of your pre-conceived ideas and notions.
Homelessness is a national problem. In Richmond alone, there are an estimated 1500 homeless persons. Most are homeless for a temporary period of time. Through eviction, medical or emotional emergencies, results of divorce or abuse, loss of employment, etc… many people become homeless but once they are “back on their feet” they are able to acquire adequate housing. They are able to draw on the support of family and friends or from the network of service providers that address such issues.
But what about those with unstable or unreliable support structures or those with no support structure at all? What about those who, because of previous choices or situations, have “burned all their bridges” so to speak? Who helps them? When the attitude of most people is complacency or prejudice or superiority, how can those who need help get it? Surprisingly, an average of 65% of the homeless are employed because most employers won’t hire someone if they have no residence and you cannot hold a residence if you have no job. For many, it is a vicious circle of battered self-esteem, depression, and hopelessness.
Many people classify homeless persons as addicts, criminals, scary, dishonest, crazy, and aggressive. These often applied, but often misinformed terms, prevent many from getting involved and helping improve the lives of these children of God. Homelessness is a condition, sometimes chosen, directly or indirectly, and sometimes forced upon people just like you and me except the fact that they have fallen on hard times. Many times, people are unable to help themselves remedy the situation. Maybe they do not have the skills, finances, or support to “pull themselves up by the bootstraps” and better themselves and their situation. However, they still have feelings, dreams, hopes, souls, etc… They are people, children of God, and need to be treated as such and not pre-judged or stereotyped. Remember, Jesus said, “Love your neighbor”…period.
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