I think that there are a lot of truths written here, and indeed, a granola bar is a kindness most of us can afford. However, I think something that should be said here, is most homeless are suffering mental illness, have been stigmatized and rejected for it by an overburdened healthcare system, exhausted family, and friends who couldn't be bothered. I also believe acceptance has to come into play here and patience. I have cared for many homeless people, managed to help them stay safe and in the housing provided by simply treating them with dignity and not hostility because they won't shower daily or eat when I dictate. Too many folks think if the homeless won't do it my way, then to heck with them! You can't control them. Learning to help them on their terms is something we need to focus on.
^100%!!! I couldn't agree more on the need for strong safety nets (healthcare, public housing, etc.) for Americans struggling with the invisible burdens that source homelessness.
Like I said in the last paragraph, I'd LOVE to have that conversation, but our "just go away" mentality prevents us from having that discussion as we still don't believe the homeless are worth helping.
Hopefully talking about this wicked mindset (which I find myself struggling with too) will help our nation remedy it so we can get to the solutions debate.
I think that there are a lot of truths written here, and indeed, a granola bar is a kindness most of us can afford. However, I think something that should be said here, is most homeless are suffering mental illness, have been stigmatized and rejected for it by an overburdened healthcare system, exhausted family, and friends who couldn't be bothered. I also believe acceptance has to come into play here and patience. I have cared for many homeless people, managed to help them stay safe and in the housing provided by simply treating them with dignity and not hostility because they won't shower daily or eat when I dictate. Too many folks think if the homeless won't do it my way, then to heck with them! You can't control them. Learning to help them on their terms is something we need to focus on.
^100%!!! I couldn't agree more on the need for strong safety nets (healthcare, public housing, etc.) for Americans struggling with the invisible burdens that source homelessness.
Like I said in the last paragraph, I'd LOVE to have that conversation, but our "just go away" mentality prevents us from having that discussion as we still don't believe the homeless are worth helping.
Hopefully talking about this wicked mindset (which I find myself struggling with too) will help our nation remedy it so we can get to the solutions debate.