The number of people we have living without a home is staggering, our communities seem to have more and more homeless people showing up every day, standing on the street corners with their cardboard signs asking for help and saying God Bless You, and being completely ignored by the majority of us.
We have about 2,400 people living on the street within the same county that Cindy and I live.
There are approximately 10,300 homeless people living in the state of Georgia.
Well over 16,000 are homeless in Detroit, Michigan.
Upwards of 58,000 people are living in Los Angeles County, California without a home.
And on any given night there are well over a half a million people in the United States who are sleeping on the street, and over 100 million homeless people in the world.
The numbers I am using here are examples of homeless people mainly in the United States, I know that our friends who live in outside the U.S. see similar situations, and if you want to share numbers from where you live with your comments I welcome and appreciate your input.
I once saw a man sleeping in the doorway of an office building (before business hours) wrapped in a blanket trying to stay out of the cold wind, another man sitting with his arms wrapped around himself sitting on the side of the road in between shrubs, I swear there was frost on his hat, and people huddled together underneath an underpass trying to stay out of the rain. Scenes like this breaks my heart.
Some of you have seen homeless people showing up on the streets in the early morning hours. I always wonder where did they sleep last night? And what did they have for breakfast?
The vast numbers of homeless people need to be fed somehow, they need shelter from the elements, but a whole lot of them never show up at any shelters to receive help.
What can you do to help? I don't have the answer that will fix the whole problem but I think that if each of us provides just one meal for someone living on the street then that will be one less meal that they have to ask for.
Cindy and I have provided meals for people in lieu of giving them money, if you see someone hanging around near a restaurant you are going to, buy an extra burger, fries and a drink, hand it to them on the way out the door.
Just the other day Cindy was at Wienerschnitzel picking up lunch when she saw a young woman and man who were obviously homeless sitting at a table inside counting out change between them, the young woman brought her change to the counter, it was enough to buy one hot dog and a drink, she paid and went back to the table to wait for their food, Cindy told the clerk to add five chili dogs and another drink to their tray, and to not say who paid for it. The looks on the homeless couples faces were priceless when their food arrived, I was really proud of Cindy, and to think that five chili dogs were that valuable to them.
You can feed people without putting yourself into harms way just like Cindy did, or by buying extra food and giving it to someone you see waiting around looking like they need a meal.
Why do we avoid making eye contact with homeless people? The simple answer is they scare you. The aggressive ones especially, but what about the silent ones that just sit and stare, they can be scary also because you don't know what they will do. Put yourself in their shoes for a minute though, sitting there with no home, no food, and no one who cares, I'd stare off into space too.
You have to be choosy, you don't want to approach someone obviously aggressive or high, but for those that you can tell are just down and out, they will gladly accept food in lieu of cash.
If you buy a meal for someone that is a perfect thing to do, if you give someone a little cash don't worry about what they are going to do with it, wouldn't you rather get snookered once than to hold back from someone who is actually hungry?
I always liked the song, What If Jesus Comes Back Like That by Collin Raye and I think of it often when I see homeless people.
The next time you see a homeless person he most likely won't be Jesus, but I guarantee you this person was born with a name, they have a face, they were once someone's baby, they are somebody's brother or sister, husband or wife, parent, friend, and sad to say a whole lot of them are down and out decorated veterans that we don't recognize anymore, each of them have the same feelings that you do.
These people will be a lot better off if we can give them at least one meal to help curb their hunger, they will also be better off if we simply look them in the eyes and say Hello as we pass by, this means one less person looked down on them today, or even worse refused to look at them at all.
A little bit of compassion goes a long way. If I were in the same situation that they are, homeless and living on the street, I would hope that at least one person looked at me as if I am a human.
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| Homeless Veteran(Source) |
There are approximately 10,300 homeless people living in the state of Georgia.
Well over 16,000 are homeless in Detroit, Michigan.
Upwards of 58,000 people are living in Los Angeles County, California without a home.
And on any given night there are well over a half a million people in the United States who are sleeping on the street, and over 100 million homeless people in the world.
The numbers I am using here are examples of homeless people mainly in the United States, I know that our friends who live in outside the U.S. see similar situations, and if you want to share numbers from where you live with your comments I welcome and appreciate your input.
I once saw a man sleeping in the doorway of an office building (before business hours) wrapped in a blanket trying to stay out of the cold wind, another man sitting with his arms wrapped around himself sitting on the side of the road in between shrubs, I swear there was frost on his hat, and people huddled together underneath an underpass trying to stay out of the rain. Scenes like this breaks my heart.
Some of you have seen homeless people showing up on the streets in the early morning hours. I always wonder where did they sleep last night? And what did they have for breakfast?
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| (Source) |
What can you do to help? I don't have the answer that will fix the whole problem but I think that if each of us provides just one meal for someone living on the street then that will be one less meal that they have to ask for.
Cindy and I have provided meals for people in lieu of giving them money, if you see someone hanging around near a restaurant you are going to, buy an extra burger, fries and a drink, hand it to them on the way out the door.
Just the other day Cindy was at Wienerschnitzel picking up lunch when she saw a young woman and man who were obviously homeless sitting at a table inside counting out change between them, the young woman brought her change to the counter, it was enough to buy one hot dog and a drink, she paid and went back to the table to wait for their food, Cindy told the clerk to add five chili dogs and another drink to their tray, and to not say who paid for it. The looks on the homeless couples faces were priceless when their food arrived, I was really proud of Cindy, and to think that five chili dogs were that valuable to them.
You can feed people without putting yourself into harms way just like Cindy did, or by buying extra food and giving it to someone you see waiting around looking like they need a meal.
You have to be choosy, you don't want to approach someone obviously aggressive or high, but for those that you can tell are just down and out, they will gladly accept food in lieu of cash.
If you buy a meal for someone that is a perfect thing to do, if you give someone a little cash don't worry about what they are going to do with it, wouldn't you rather get snookered once than to hold back from someone who is actually hungry?
I always liked the song, What If Jesus Comes Back Like That by Collin Raye and I think of it often when I see homeless people.
The next time you see a homeless person he most likely won't be Jesus, but I guarantee you this person was born with a name, they have a face, they were once someone's baby, they are somebody's brother or sister, husband or wife, parent, friend, and sad to say a whole lot of them are down and out decorated veterans that we don't recognize anymore, each of them have the same feelings that you do.
These people will be a lot better off if we can give them at least one meal to help curb their hunger, they will also be better off if we simply look them in the eyes and say Hello as we pass by, this means one less person looked down on them today, or even worse refused to look at them at all.
A little bit of compassion goes a long way. If I were in the same situation that they are, homeless and living on the street, I would hope that at least one person looked at me as if I am a human.
And some of these people have a home and this is the way they make their living. It's been documented more than once. Anyway, I don't give money either, but I've fed many with them knowing it was me. Hubby and I are pretty good at this.
ReplyDeleteHave a fabulous day. ☺
Yes there are a lot of them out there that make good money posing as homeless, this is a crying shame because for one thing they take money away from those who truly need it, and for another they make everyone homeless look like they are scamming you. That's why we like giving them food in lieu of money, we have never had anyone turn down a meal yet.
DeleteI have a feeling that the meals you have provided are greatly appreciated.
There was a lot of them in Atlanta, they mainly hang out at the public parks as the cops can't technically force them out of public property especailly at daylight.
ReplyDeleteI however don't trust the people hanging out on the road with the cardboard sign. One guy near my work did it and then we found the LP guy caught him stealing merchandise. You have to wonder if these people are really homeless, or if they don't want a traditional job?
There are a lot of scammers out there Adam and it's hard to tell which ones are really in need, I guess we just have to go with out gut on that...
DeleteCompassion certainly goes a long way. Sometimes it is heartbreaking to see homeless people everywhere.
ReplyDeleteYes Sir, it is definitely heartbreaking, and just showing a little compassion whether monetary, by feeding, or just simply speaking to them without looking down on them goes a long way my friend, you are 100% right.
DeleteWe don't have many here, due to the cold weather. My husband was shocked last time he went to San Diego. And I thought it was awful in Vegas last year. Sadly, I think the majority don't use shelters because they are on drugs and are not able to use if they go to the shelters.
ReplyDeleteMy son lived in Munich last summer and saw zero homeless people.
I am sure you are right that the substance abusers will stay away from the shelters for obvious reasons, hopefully the homeless in your area are at least inside and out of the weather, I know where we lived in NM they had found a couple of our homeless people frozen to death during the winter, these weren't addicts but did have mental issues...it was really sad.
DeleteI'm sure we have them but I personally have never laid eyes on one (that I know of). We do donate to the food bank and the clothing closet and the Salvation Army at Christmas. One can only hope it's enough.
ReplyDeleteDelores, I would think that any food or clothing donations would be a tremendous help, one person at a time is what it takes and your donations go much further than that I am sure.
DeleteWe don't have a visible problem here but I'm sure they are around, because the homeless shelter does get some clients. Those who know say there are also hidden homeless among teenagers who end up living on friends' couches.
ReplyDeleteAnybody can end up on the street. Like you said, if that happened to me, I'd want to be treated as a person, too. Good for Cindy for her solution to one couple's hunger for one point in time. That's all most of us can do. But most of us can do it.
Jenny you are so right about the teens who are sleeping on friends couches, I feel for these but worry less because they are at least sleeping inside and hopefully getting to eat there too.
DeleteFeeding someone for one point in time is indeed something most of us can do, I like the way you said that.
My affluent city has lots of homeless people. Which breaks my heart. There is an Early Morning Centre close to where I volunteer on the crisis line which does a lot for them. And each time I do a shift I stop in with donations of food. I am there so often that not only the staff but the regulars say hello to me.
ReplyDeleteWithout doubt there are some scammers among the ranks. But there are scammers everywhere. I err on compassions side.
EC, my hat is off to you for all that you do for others, Thank you my friend.
DeleteYes there are scammers and we have to be careful, but like you mentioned when in doubt err on the side of compassion.
We have several homeless in our city. We also have shelters and churches that reach out to help theses people. If I see one hungry, ill feed them. If I see one without feet covering ill grab them some socks. I keep hats and old blankets in my car during the winter jist incase i see someone in need of one. Sadlly, I have seen them toss hand outs to the crub because they want money instead. It makes me leery about giving but every now and again, one face will strike me to be generous. I always thought “what if that is Jesus testing me.”.
ReplyDeleteCindy is a sweetheart.
Lisa
Lisa you are a true blessing to a lot of people, keeping socks, hats, and blankets in your car goes a long way in helping those less fortunate to stay warm.
DeleteI think Jesus is there helping us in these situations more than we realize.
I just love what Cindy did. You have a special lady there Jimmy. You both have excellent hearts. I just checked and my town doesn't have a homeless shelter. So far I haven't seen any obviously homeless folks but I live in the country. I will try to be more observant. Excellent post and glad you redid it.
ReplyDeleteThank you Patti, I am really proud of her, we try our best to help out when and where we can. Like you we don't see any homeless people right around where we live but when we drive into town it's almost like the numbers are increasing every day.
DeleteWe average around 800 homeless in my town and they always take the census count of the homeless on the first below zero night of the year. They do it then because it drives them into the shelters and it makes it easier for volunteers to count those who stick it out under the bridges. In the summer I'm guessing it's higher because some will catch trains down your direction for the winter.
ReplyDeleteI've never bought a homeless person a meal directly but we've been giving donations for years to the local missions who feed them. The missions put out a call for blankets, coats and other outdoor clothing in the fall which is another good way to help. There are heroes in every community who will go out at night to check on the needs of the homeless, bringing them coffee, sandwiches and blankets, etc. even doctors. If we all do what we can, it may not be enough but it all helps. Inspiring topic for the holiday season, Jimmy. Thanks for the reminder.
Jean donating to your local missions who feed the homeless and participating in the gathering of blankets and winter apparel for them is admirable, these actions go a lot further than you realize by helping so many people.
DeleteLike you said the things we do may not be enough but it sure helps.
Thanks for this uplifting post. We all need to help each other. If not, why are we here?
ReplyDeleteAmen Stephen, one of the reasons we are here is to help one another when we can. I'm happy that you enjoyed the post.
DeleteThere aren't many that we see around here. Sometimes they stay under the bridge by the river. My son saw a scruffy guy sitting on the curb eating a Happy Meal after we drove through McDonald's. "Stop, Mom. I want to give him something. Somebody already gave him a Happy Meal."
ReplyDeleteMy boy was 17 at the time, and he took a $20 bill out of his wallet and handed it out the window to that guy. Who shook his hand and said, "God bless you." We hadn't seen him before, and didn't see him again. So he wasn't a regular beggar around here.
Val, That was a very kind thing your son did for this man, you have some really good kids there, you have raised them well.
DeleteIt is so sad to see the truly homeless people out there. I'm not one to give money to someone at the corner with a sign because I've seen some people who carry a sign and then you see them walking back getting into a car. We support rescue missions in every city we have lived in. While I know those using drugs, etc. won't utilize those services, there are plenty of people that will and take advantage of what the rescue mission provides, including programs to train them to get a job and to get off the street.
ReplyDeleteThe previous church we went to in the San Diego area was connected with an interfaith homeless shelter type of program where the churches would provide housing within their facilities for several families for 6 months (moving every 2 weeks to a different location) and during that time the church would provide meals for them, housing overnight (they couldn't stay there all day, otherwise it was considered a permanent housing) but also worked on getting them off the streets. We did a lot of volunteering the weeks our church participated in the program.
It is said that the majority of people are one paycheck away from being homeless. It is a sad fact.
The homeless are dear to me and I do try to help out as much as possible. When we lived in San Diego we were also part of a group that would buy various supplies and walk the streets of San Diego where there are basically tent cities of homeless and give out the supplies. I told hubby one day we are going to do something similar in downtown Phoenix, just haven't planned something yet.
Son had a homeless friend that he befriended. He would spend a few nights at our home now and then but we usually provided a meal for him. He unfortunately stole a small amount of money from son's room (less than 10 dollars) and would not come clean about it when hubby asked him to be honest, so we couldn't have him stay there any more, but son still saw him and when he did, I always sent something for him to eat.
Interesting, a week or so ago hubby was approached at a Jack in a Box restaurant by a homeless person asking for a dollar to buy a taco. Hubby said "sure, come inside with me, I'll get you a taco." He ordered the guy a taco and gave it to him. Hubby then proceeded to eat his food and looked and saw the guy approaching other people asking for a dollar to buy a taco.
One time going shopping, we were approached by a guy who asked if we had spare change to give him so he could buy a beer. We appreciated his honesty and hubby gave him a few quarters.
betty
Betty I remember that you have done a lot of work helping the homeless in the communities where you have lived, we need more people like you and your husband.
DeleteIt sure sounds like the guy wanting money for a beer was a lot more trustworthy than taco guy, honesty goes a long way with me also.
I've done the extra burger and fries thing occasionally, less now that I no longer eat those things, but I've also taken a hot drink to people selling "The Big Issue" on street corners, or other people collecting for charities and shivering. Cold drinks in the summer of course.
ReplyDeleteThat is a really great thing you are doing River, the simple act of taking a hot drink to them when they are shivering trying to earn money selling "The Big Issue" tells them that someone cares about them, that means a lot to them I would think, I know it would for me.
DeleteJimmy these are the things who kept me in painful condition for many years of my life ,i cried when i tried to eat something ,i cried when i laid on soft bed ,i cried when it rained by thinking of those who don't have shelter over their head.
ReplyDeleteit was hard to keep me normal for my mom and later for my husband .
it took quite long time to make me understand that i have to live with these facts and try not to ruin lives of people around me by being disturbed by cruel realities of this world .
I try to help people as much as i can do .
certain amount of money i give away to two women who are widows .
when ever i go out i give food or some money to people who look deserving .
figures you mentioned are terrifying ,in this world people exist who even don't know how much they have in their bank accounts ,if such few try to help those homeless may be no one will stay home less anymore
It is very interesting Baili that people like your family and mine are reaching out to help others when as you mentioned have so much wealth that even one of those people could help so many.
Deletei absolutely adore and respect the attitude of dea Cindy and wish we all can have this !
ReplyDeleteBaili I believe you and Cindy both have the same spirit, you reach out to others and help them when you can just like she does. You are a good person my friend.
DeleteI don't get out now, therefore I don't get to see homelessness. I used to buy the Big Issue but never gave money to others because I wasn't in a position so to do. In my city there are dedicated organisations who feed the homeless and find shelter for them. I often wonder how and why families break up to such desperate plights.
ReplyDeleteValerie I hate to admit that I didn't know what The Big Issue was, I like that they help the homeless in the way that they do, and you buying their publication is actually helping the homeless, it is great that your city has organizations that help provide for people in need.
DeleteAs always, you've touched on a subject that's so important to me. I've been homeless in my lifetime, and not many people know that. Many people don't realize that the true definition of homelessness is not having a place to call home. So while people traditionally relate to those people we see on the streets, it stretches out to to men and women who sleep on someone else's couch, in their office at work, cars, etc. Sure there are people who are less than honest about their condition, but for me it's the act of kindness. If I or anyone gives someone something from the heart, and it's then misused, our blessings are still received because we gave with good intentions. To me, there's no reason for a person to be homeless or hungry, yet the numbers as you've mentioned are staggering. And it saddens me that vets are in those numbers. People fall on hard times, there's illness or emotional issues and some are embarrassed to seek assistance. I think the answer is to be more aware, to help if and when we can, and to keep the communication channels open. Thanks so much for talking about this important topic. You're the best! Hugs...RO
ReplyDeleteRO, Thank you for helping put a face on the issue of homelessness and for expanding on the exact definition of it, the numbers are staggering and I am afraid are even higher when we consider those who are sleeping on the couches of friends with no place to call home.
DeleteAwareness is the first step in helping those who need it, and like you said when you give a gift to someone and they misuse it doesn't diminish the good intentions behind the gift itself.
Thank you for being so open on this topic my friend.
It truly depends on where you live. I was in LA and was shocked by the number of homeless wandering the streets in Korea Town where my goddaughter lives. It sounds like Georgia is greatly affected as well. Oklahoma's homeless are not as visible unless you are out at night. It is heart breaking to watch and I am going to pay closer attention and help as much as I can. I do support The Salvation Army and they do the best work of all to aid the homeless.
ReplyDeleteAnnie, you are right it is really bad down in the LA area, last time we drove through there you could see people actually sleeping just off the side of the freeways, seeing this is really heartbreaking as you mentioned. Helping support organizations like the Salvation Army is a great way to help all around.
DeleteI do like the idea of buying a meal. In Berkeley, CA, there used to be a program (it may still be there) where you could buy vouchers from restaurants and give them out to those who were homeless. In downtown Savannah, there are large homeless areas under the bridges.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of buying vouchers to pass out to homeless people so they can purchase meals, that is something I would love to see more restaurants offer.
DeleteYour Cindi is a real sweetheart, but I'm sure you already know that.
ReplyDeleteI think it's important to treat the homeless with compassion and dignity, and as individual human beings with individual stories and problems. There, but for the grace of God...
I agree Susan, everyone should be treated as a home man being because we all have different stories, actual lives, and family history's, we are all the same and like you pointed out so well. There, but for the grace of God...
DeleteThis is a huge very sad problem. Your county is one of the biggest in the state. My county is one of the smallest. Despite that fact, we have almost twice as many homeless in my county. Mentally ill, alcoholic, or just fallen on tough times, I feel for these folks and have been told more than once that I give too much to them. I'd rather make the mistake of giving money to somebody that doesn't really need it, than to not give anything to somebody that does. I don't know what the percentage is, but a lot of "homeless" people out here are scammers. So many have been caught driving away in nice cars and followed home to their nice houses. I still give though, but I'm a bit more selective.
ReplyDeleteI have noticed a lot more homeless people down in your area any time we have been there, it really a shame to have that many people anywhere doing without. The scammers make it harder on them first by taking money basically right away from the ones who need it, and second by making people more leery of helping anyone.
DeleteMy wife Jilda and I keep money in the consoles of our vehicles. When we pass a homeless person we give them money.
ReplyDeleteWe have a friend that does homeless bags with hand sanitizer, gift cards for a meal at McD,s a tooth brush and some other things. That makes a lot of sense to us and we’re in the process of putting some together for us.
The bags are an excellent idea Rick, it's a good thing to have things like this handy to give out, even gift cards to local fast food places will at least point them towards food.
DeleteCindy has a heart of gold!
ReplyDeleteWe have a number of homeless people here, mostly because Orlando and Tampa try to kick them out. This town has a number of shelters, but the homeless can go there only at night, and not all do. One lives in the back doorway of the office building where I work.
I like the idea of handing out bags with toothbrushes, sanitizer, gift cards for food, etc. I remember hearing that clean socks are a great idea, too.
The bags with toothbrushes, sanitizer, gift cards for food and such is a wonderful idea, clean socks is something that we take for granted and is a must have for people living without a home, I didn't think of this but will remember it now. Thank you for the great suggestion.
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