My friends the Homeless

So this is my first blog for this, but here it goes!!

I do not know about you all but I really like homeless men and women. I love talking to them, hearing their stories and seeing what I can do for them. Have you ever just given your restaurant leftovers to that man or women sitting on the bench outside AND then taken the time to talk to them? To tell you the truth it would surpise me if many people have taken the time. We are in so much of a hurry to accoplish our agendas that we do not take the time to see how someone else is doing, muchless someone who is dirty. Now I am not saying that you should just walk up to any homeless person, you do not want to put yourself in danger.

There are some great characters out there. I have found that taking time to share leftovers or a mug of coffee with that man or woman sitting on the sidewalk can be not only rewarding (we are always told that doing these things are more rewarding for us) but it is also encouraging. A few times when I have been thinking of chaning my major (history) I would happen upon someone who would renew my interest. John Chase in Santa Barbara for example. He is a veteran who was kicked out by his wife when he got back from serving. He is now on the streets and has been for some time. Sharing my Chipotle burrito and talking about history. He had majored in agriculture because his father wanted him to, but he always wished that he had majored in history. Talking with John and hearing how passionate about history he was/is made me want to pursue history even more.

No matter what people believe it is not always that man or woman's fault that they are on the street. Yes, many are suffering from their bad decisions, but many are also suffering from decisions that were made for them. Veterans that were kicked out of their homes and accused of killing the innocent. Women who had no where to go when things got bad hat home.

Well you say that they should go to the rescue mission or the homeless shelter. Many shelters do not have the facitilities to help everyone. When it is cold and the beds fill up where are these people supposed to go? No one will take them in and care for them. I know the rescue mission in the city where I go to school has a horrible reputation among the homeless population. The men and women I have talked have told me of thefts that are not dealt with, gifts meant for the homeless that are not given to the homeless but are sold for the missions own profit. I find it very disturbing when these men and women can not trust these people who are supposed to be there to help them.

Please take the time and talk to these men and women that so want to be heard. Their days are so much better when someone takes the time to listen to their stories; to have a conversation; to be noticed. Next time you have leftovers from a restaurant, are you actually going to eat them? Can you go without those leftovers? Give them to that man or woman and take the time to talk with them.

On a cold day do you see that person outside shivering in the cold?? Get and extra coffee, it does not have to be fancy or anything, and enjoy a cup of coffee with a stranger. They will really appreciate it. I think we are all have a responsibility to treat every person with dignity, so why not these?

Share this post on:

 •    •    •    •    •