My daughter and I went to bed last night in the cozy comforts of a warm home and an incredibly soft and comfortable bed. We woke up this morning to the soothing sounds of raindrops tapping on our windows. Unlike the literally thousands of people (most especially women and children) living homeless, right here in the gem of the south…Atlanta, GA.
Author: Yolanda J. Ash
According to the Metro Atlanta Task Force for Homelessness, the fastest growing group of homeless people are CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 9. Even more alarming, Atlanta is the poorest city in the U.S. for children – more children in Atlanta live in poverty than in any other city. Wow. What a mind blower. I have lived in the metro Atlanta area for nearly 30 years. I have seen (and I have volunteered to help) my share of people “less fortunate” than myself. And yet, I am guilty, as I am sure most people (whom are not homeless are), of having selective amnesia when it comes to remembering, that as I lay me down to sleep each night, in the comforts of a safe and warm home, many others are sleeping on the streets, fighting the cold and other harsh realities of life without a roof over their heads.
After watching The Soloist, my nephew and I had a discussion concerning homelessness. He shared with me that he knew kids whom were homeless and yet they had cell phones and game players better than the ones he has. I challenged him. Does being homeless mean that you should not have “nice things”? Does being homeless mean that you should fit into a particular proscribed description and definition of who and what you are?
What purpose does homelessness serve? In my opinion, society’s acceptance of homelessness is nothing more than the techocolor evidence of the selfishness, greed and acceptance of exhorbitance existing in human nature. How else do we explain away the fact that while literally millions of people sleep homeless each night, there are just as many vacant and abandoned buildings (serving no purpose to mankind), other than as pricey write-offs for their owners.
My wise Grandfather once shared with me that every “average” American (regardless of color or present income) is really only one paycheck from being homeless. The recent slump/deterioration of our economy has proven this hypothesis alarmingly true. I carry a number of fears around with me in my head…one I pray never to have to meet face to face is being homeless. I know I could not survive the experience.
Although I am far from being selfish, and although each night, my daughter and I get down on our knees and pray for “the whole world” and for those people who do not have a house to live in, I will admit, I don’t really know what I, as one individual can do to make a difference in the harsh reality and statistics of homelessness. I do know, it will take a whole lot more than prayers to make the changes that need to be made.
This great country we live in, the good ole’ United States of America is the wealthiest nation on Earth, and yet, we have a wider gap between rich and poor than any other nation.
If tomorrow, you woke up homeless, what would you do? Do you have a homeless survival plan? Could you handle the blatant discourse in your present reality? Would you know who to turn to for assistance with your dilemma? I’ll admit. I don’t have a clue, but I want to help where I can.
Bubba has a big idea. Perhaps if each on of us truly committed to reaching one of us (fellow human beings) needing a helping hand, and not necessarily a handout, then I do believe, we can and will eradicate homelessness as we know it in our present society.
Metro Atlanta Task Force for Homelessness: MISSION
BECOME AN ADVOCATE FOR THE HOMELESS
Peace, Love & Prosperity-
Well said and Bubba is right. We each can find a way to help! We as a nation of common people, could alleviate the problem if each of us would respond with actions instead of words. Some of us look, but we tend not to want to see the homeless. Many of us turn our heads away and even blame people for being homeless. Perhaps the recent floods in Atlanta, are a reminder of how anyone could end up homeless.