With winter soon approaching, I would like to take this moment to remind people of our most important social responsibility… Thank you for remembering the less fortunate.
By Veronica Emilia Nuzzolo, M.Ed., Ph.D.
Homeless in America
“Get a job, is the comment most often hurled at homeless individuals as they panhandle their way through the streets of our cities. Some are addicts, some are mentally impaired, some are just temporarily down on their luck, some are veterans, and many are targeted. By far the most painful to see are the veterans some with missing limbs. So, the next time you see a homeless person and you start thinking, get a job, just stop and count your blessings that you have a roof over your head because it is only by the grace of god that you are not homeless.” National Homeless Organization (2009).
January in New England, bitter cold weather and snow is upon us, how many homeless people did you see, let me rephrase, did you notice outside today? Did you look the other way, did you pretend not to notice, or have you been so conditioned to ignore this population of people who you legitimately just do not even see them anymore.
What is your perception of a homeless person, how do you justify your opinion of this population of people, do they deserve this life, did they ask for it? I personally cannot imagine that anyone would make a conscious decision to wake up one day and want to struggle just to attempt to meet his or her basic needs.
So, if you did encounter a homeless person in front of the corner store, or at the T station, did you say hello, did you even acknowledge there was a person standing or sitting in front of you, did you offer him or her a hot cup of coffee, did you offer the second pair of gloves we usually have in the back seat of the car, or at the bottom of our backpack this time of year, did you do anything, when you stepped over the man sleeping on the heating grate, did you stop to see if he was alive, should you do anything, do we have a social responsibility to better help the homeless or shall we say the invisible people barely existing within our community?
When did it become socially acceptable to treat human beings like animals?
Oh yes, the irony, what I noticed when I was out today – I noticed several groups of people out and about very concerned with finding, feeding, keeping warm, and protecting feral cats and dogs from this fierce New England weather, (thank you and please keep up the good work).
Thank goodness humanity still exists for some, but what is the destiny for the lesser animals also known as America’s homeless.
EMPOWER COMMUNITY HEALTH - 617-729-9111 
According to the article, I think that we see homeless people every day, in the train station or on the street but we never think about help them. The easiest way is to say “get a job”, however we don’t think that they didn’t ask to be a homeless, nobody want that. Maybe they want to get a job but most of them have addictions and mental illnesses and it’s really tough for them. I remember last year, we had a pot luck in class and I had sandwiches. So, I went to the train station and I gave a sandwich to a homeless and he started to yelling me saying that he only wanted money and he didn’t want food. I felt really disappointed and it was a bad experience. However, I know that not all of them think in the same way. I feel bad for them and I know that is hard to stay on the street in winter trying to get some money or food.
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It is sad to admit that this is the type of society that we live in. Growing up, whenever there was a homeless person sitting at the corner of a building or on the sidewalk, I was taught to look the other way because they were capable of getting a job in order to get themselves off the streets. However, after reading this article, I realized that people today actually care a lot more about stray animals rather than human beings because if we were to encounter a stray dog, we would surely bring them to a pet shelter and make sure that they were safe. I hope that this article can be shared with everyone in the world and that they can spare five minutes out of their day to read it. As a society, if we see a homeless person on the streets, we should make it a priority of ours to try and provide them with someone extra that we have, even if it is a granola bar that we have in our bags because even the littlest thing can help.
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I am ashamed of myself after reading this, and I am starting to worry about the people who are suffering in the cold outside. Without a doubt, I was prejudiced against homeless people and never wanted to help them. Whenever I see them, I would overlook them and just walk over. But after reading this, I would like to apologize for my mistake and ignorance. We need to remember that we are all human beings, hence interconnected. No one wants to live in misery and becomes homeless. The people who are out there suffering, they deserve better lives. It is heartbroken to read the fact that homeless women are abused and raped, they are viewed less than living things. Not going to lie, even pets have better lives than those people, where they have all the necessities and are taken care of. Overall, I wish more people can offer help to homeless people and give them some love. Hopefully, the winter is not going to be cold and can be over soon.
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Whoa! Reading this got me very teary. Seeing them asking for money I only thought of why contribute to there addiction, instead I would avoid having any type of interaction with them because growing up all i heard was people saying they were addicts, not to give them anything. Now reading this got me thinking of how wrong I was and how is it okay for society to let us think or see them as if they’re not worth anything. This goes back to the Mental Health Illness, they must of had no support or were to ashamed of being judged. And also, the veterans society abandoned them as if they didn’t fight for our country. We live in such poverty full of evil that we don’t see beyond of what is presented, society has all of us divided. We are all human regardless of peoples circumstances, we should take care of each other. We have to show a good example to the next generation.
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Very good!
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Nowadays society give pets more importance than human being. No one chooses to just wake up in the morning and decide to be homeless and not having anything to eat. Not knowing how the next morning will before the next 30 days.
It is just so sad to look at someone in that position and you feel useful. I do sometimes buy. one or two homeless person coffee or tea special during the cold weather. It does make me feel good like I gave someone breakfast one morning, so that person will only have to worry for lunch and diner.
I watch that video with Gregory Koelhn building those miniature home for homeless in Oakland. It warms my heart. I wish there were more Greg in our society. Things would be a lot more different. People are so selfish and only think about their wellbeing.
Most people are mentally impaired or drug addict with no family and no income what so ever. Struggling on a daily basis. Society do not embrace those people and teach them how to fear them. This is absolutely wrong. we need to be more compassionate and caring towards one another. Be thankful that you have a shelter and food, a job and a family that loves you. People need to stop feel privilege because they have certain things that someone else do not have.
Imagine if one day you wake up and loose it all, what would you do? How would you feel? People need to put themselves in their shoes and maybe one day we will understand what they are really going through. life is so unfair most of the time.
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There are three questions we should ask ourselves before judging others, regardless of what the subject is. The first thing we should ask is, has this ever happened to me? The second one is, were we born and raised the same way? The third one would be, were we given the same opportunities? We, as individuals, are fighting our own and unique battles everyday, so it is important to take these three questions into consideration before opening our mouths and judging others based off of our own experiences. We must put ourselves in someone’s shoes first in order to understand what they are going through and in order to judge them. Many people blame the poor and the homeless for their own situation, but I believe that this isn’t quite true. As a society we’re also responsible for the homeless people. Sometimes a small action of bringing them food, clothing or the simple act of having a conversation with them, would cost us so little and would mean so much for them. I’d like to emphasize, that no one chooses to be homeless, to starve or to be out in the cold. We tend to judge the homeless people in a bad way and say “get a job” because from the point we stand we have privileges that they don’t. We were given more opportunities than they were, and it’s sad to see the lack of empathy we have when it comes to this subject. Also, it is important to keep in mind that all of us are only one paycheck away from not becoming homeless, if a some point we lose our jobs we could potentially become homeless as well.
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The article raises a very interesting and important point that we do not acknowledge often. More often than not, we tend to look past those who are homeless or less fortunate than us rather than help. While there are many organizations and programs that work to help the less fortunate, many individuals prefer to stray away from giving aid of their own accord. It is strange that we have the inclination to ignore members of our community in such a way. These are human beings and are no less human than we are. Regardless of whether they have a home or not, they are still a part of our community and should be treated as such. Since we have the ability to help, it is our social responsibility to help these “invisible people.” Lending support, whether it be through small gestures or donations, can create a huge impact on one person’s life.
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Sorry, I started, but I don`t know what happened. I will try again.
It is a sad reality all over the world. I think some countries may have a lower rate of homelessness, and in other cases they have more government help, but it will never be enough for citizens to focus and help those people more.
I confess that when I arrived in the US. I found it very interesting, to find several clothing collection points, and to know that there is a shelter that these people get every day from the streets. I know this is not enough, but it is really cool to know that this could be the beginning of a big change.
In Brazil, we can see more homeless and animals on the streets, many of them injured. There are not shelters or many government helps. There have only a very small number of people who propose to help them. When winter arrives in the southern cities of Brazil, this case may be even sadder, there are many cases of death from hypothermia.
I think that with each passing day we are living an increasingly cruel world of people who don’t care about each other.
Some of these people, are not on the street because they want to. Sometimes it is because of psychological problems. My point is: Helping people with clothes you no longer wear, helping with food will not make you more richer or more poorer. The important thing is for people to note that there are many other people who need help and that you need to help without look at who.
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Around the world, homeless people are referred to in derogatory terms. They are seen as dirty, lacking morals, and burdens on society. And people who are in fact homeless are subject to horrific acts of violence based on hate. For instance, women who are homeless experience alarming rates of sexual violence, including hate. Due to the media, and the way homeless people are perceived, it makes it easy for society to just walk past homeless people without a glance, and to ignore the fact that many people are struggling to survive without the basic necessities. This is also makes it easy for society to assume homeless people are responsible for their own loss.
Personally, I view homeless people (and all of the less fortunate) as human beings, which they are. I love helping people, no matter if it’s through volunteer or even something as small as greeting those on the street.
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I can’t find my post. I’ll try to rewrite. Again, stigma. I had been part of a missionary group and with it brought food clothes and medicine to all kind of people in need. It is heartbreaking to see the homeless this time of the year. Drugs are hitting hard New England and with it the homeless population grows. Very sadly said. It’s not only misfortune but also addiction. I drive a lot around the city and I had noticed young people, men and women, sleeping at the streets. Yes, is common to hear judgment, discrimination, they seem young strong , why not.. go to work… but for me that I had work close with those in need I can understand there’s a lot more than misfortune there’s a struggle with addiction! They are trap in that and that doesn’t even let them think they can do better. The veterans are the worst, not only because the “misfortune “ but because it seems unfair. And that I blame to all the governments. To a soldier that had sacrificed his/ her life to save all of us they should came back home with a precious retirement and psy treatment for life.!
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I agree with your best idea. World is good for some, and bad for other. There is no real and perfect man in this world. They may do mistake in their life, but it doesn’t measure their humility. If we are a right human, we have to think the way we think for our self to think for other people too , a thing that we do, for example eat and drink, we have to be kind and help other people to have a food in their table, for example for our homeless brothers and sisters. All the time thinking positive doing things, helping other people is the same as saving fruit-life our future life or getting happiness for our coming of age. As one man, I’m happy when somebody get free from drug addiction, free from crime, and helping one another. It does not cost to be kind for other, what it will cost me to help the other people like homeless? We don’t know what we will be and what will happen in our future life. Now a days, kindness is not showing up and rudeness is getting big in the world. But let it start from us, by showing kindness to each other and helping homeless who need help from us. Even let we buy a cup of hot tea or coffee when we see a homeless people starting from today. Then we will be the symbol for other people, to help homeless who do not have any help. In other hand we are practicing psychological learning to others.
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good-afternoon professor! this is Abdi Abera it change my name. thank you
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It’s really sad to see homeless people on the streets. There’s not as much homeless people in the city I live in, but I see a lot when I got down into Boston. In Haiti, where I come from, I would see homeless people as well. I’m not sure how it is now, but a decade or so ago when I lived there, I would say the homeless situation was kind of different. The homeless there are a lot of mentally ill people. In America, there are mentally ill homeless men and women too but there are more reasons as well like addiction, being kicked out, losing their job, etc. No matter the country, state, city, or whatever part of the world, it’s sad to see the homeless and wonder how they got to that point. It becomes more tragic when I consider how some people are so rich while others are so poor. I wish there was less of a wealth gap. Hopefully, the homeless will suffer less this year in terms of the cold and snow.
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Many people do not ask to be homeless, situations can cause many bad things to happen to people who do not deserve it. If you tell a homeless person to get a job, have you thought of it from their side? They have to have an adress to apply, mental physical issues hinder them in job applications, and people rarely feel comfortable to ask for help. Always look at it from both sides, rather then assume that have done nothing , or that they chose this. We do have social responsibility to help the homeless, to make a difference in their lives.
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The homeless defiantly have a soft spot in my heart for them. I try not to ignore homeless people whatsoever and I never feel that I’m greater than anyone either. In my opinion if your homeless obviously something went really wrong in your life whether it be drug or alcohol issues or mental health disorders or just being down on your luck financially. I can only imagine how a homeless person feels when everybody treats you like scum or could care less about you as a person. Over the years growing up in Cambridge I personally got to know a homeless person every time I see him, I ask him how he’s doing and where he is on the housing list. I learned my lesson with giving money, but I will defiantly offer to buy food or coffee if I have the means at the moment. The last time I gave any money was outside a wholefood to a guy after I gave him some money, he immediately went to the next person 5 minutes later while waiting in the truck I see him pull out a wad of cash from stemming. So from that day on I personally will only buy food or drinks. To be homeless defiantly sucks on every level If we start to care about these individuals maybe it’ll give them some hope to get out of whatever rut they’re in.
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It’s a very sad reality, but most people pay more attention to animals than to people. In my opinion, homeless people do not deserve this life, often they are sick people who need care, many have been left by their families, others have drugs and drink problems. I am very sensitive to these people, and I participate to a group that helps with clothing donations. we collected clothes and coats to warm them in winter. I hope this society will one day change, and be more careful with others.
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That’s fantastic that you pay it forward!!
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It’s sad to think that there aren’t enough resources to help the homeless. When I use to see the same homeless people around my city i always wondered how they got to be there ? did they choose to be in that position? or was it just a bad hit in their life and now they’re trying to survive off of what they can (asking for change)? I always thought to my self after walking by them for the 5th time that day and I suppose to give them my change Every time I see them, and if I didn’t I felt bad, like what if that were me some day and I would want someone to help. It’s hard to say but we do ignore the homeless when we see them in the street or at the T station, because we don’t think that we would ever be in that position. Its sad to say but in a way we do treat out animals better than how we treat humans. so the question is what can we do to help institutions have the ability to help the homeless, is it possible instead of building million dollar condos we build a couple more facilities to help, inform, and treat the homeless and give them hope that there is hope and they can have a chance to live a better life.
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The epidemic of homelessness is sad but continues to grow as mental health problem spirals. Many people talk down to homeless people due to the negative connotations associated with homelessness. People don’t take into consideration what led them to homelessness. I personally feel bad for the homeless during the winter; especially women, children, and elderly people. Homelessness could be due to lack of affordable housing, unemployment, mental health, lack of services, substance abuse, etc. I think it’s sad knowing that homeless people once had jobs and were functional members of society. Most had traumatic experiences, are outcast, and uncared for. Though there are services in the community to help assist homeless people, often time they need a mental health diagnosis to qualify for such services. They also need a referral from a provider, but some services allow individuals to refer themselves. Shelters are crowded and people might have to wait for beds. Most people also don’t go to shelters out of fear that they’ll be turned away, run into someone they don’t want to see, etc. Community services, such as community outreach worker, help connect homeless people with mental health diagnosis and valid insurance to services within their community including connection to PCP, housing resources, legal aid, food pantry, material assistance, transportation, OP and IP therapist, IOP programs, employment, etc. However, these services often time only assist with the process and don’t make promises. Some homeless people see it as a waste of time and lack interest in seeking help due to poor outcomes. There are many services available to help homeless people in the state of Massachusetts but most are unheard of.
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Being Homeless is a sad status to say the least, when it comes to the mundane atmosphere that has been unconsciously place around homeless is dehumanizing as more people would pass the homeless than help out. An interesting thought that I also feel is connected to this topic is how people might give more if they feel more connected to the cause like how a man pretend to be homeless for weed and booze and got more people to donate to him but when he said it was for his family almost nobody gave anything to him. When it come to the social responsibility of helping the homeless I believe almost everyone can, therefore they should but not to say just because its doable it should be done , just saying ethically the action of helping someone is the right thing to do. American as a society to me is a movement that is struggling to paint the picture of helping everyone out that can be helped. The homeless should be able to at least know that they have other people that care whether they are complete stranger of not, a helping hand should always be welcomed but it has to be offered first. So it very discomforting knowing the need help but are ignore and as a society it’s saddening if this became if not already apart of the culture.
https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=homeless+man+gets+more+money+for+weed+and+booze+than+for+family&&view=detail&mid=F15E4879833252FDA817F15E4879833252FDA817&&FORM=VRDGAR
https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=homeless+man+jsut+want+to+talk+not+money&&view=detail&mid=08DFF3E6E9EC339F94DF08DFF3E6E9EC339F94DF&&FORM=VRDGAR
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Being homeless is really sad, but the fact that the homeless people have shortage of food, cloth and non shelter doesn’t make them less human, they should be treated with pity. Some of them are unemployed, some lack physical or mental ability to work and provide three square meal for themselves and their families. Even though, most people see them as lazy people alcohol or drug addict. Some of them uses the money given to them for drugs, cigarette or other inessential stuff. Still, we can’t judge everybody the same way. Nevertheless, the fact still remains that they lack what we might have in excess. Although, it’s hard to give out of our hustle income. yet, we should render some assistance in terms of foods cloths or links to a shelter home or any other governmental or Non Governmental Organization (NGO) around to help their situation. They need better living.
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I think that observational learning can be applicable here. We grew up seeing people passing by homeless like there was no one there, and we hear all the time that we must be careful, that we should ignore them as if they were a threat. Also, now we can apply operant conditioning, we start to associate homeless people with drugged people, lazy, and who don’t want to work and who don’t deserve anything. This have to change! We have to put ourselves in their place, think if you could live like them? With no one to help, with everyone treating you as invisible, with no money to buy food, in the streets with no appropriate clothes, having to sleep in a cold floor…
Yes, sometimes we do help some of them and then see they using the money for other things, but we can’t think that all of them would do that. We can’t make conclusions based on one single story. And, we can help them in different ways, we can give them food, we can give them a sweater, we can give them a blanket, etc. We can also give them love!!!
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Is it our responsibility to help out the homeless and less fortunate? No I don’t believe so. But that doesn’t mean there’s a right or wrong answer when deciding if you wanna help out. It’s tough to want to help out someone who claims they’re homeless when you’ve encountered those who have lied to you because you actually caught them using the money for something else or using the same excuse on you again because they didn’t remember you from the time before. Coming from two immigrant parents who worked hard to make money and put food on the table, it’s tough to not say “get a job” or “stop being lazy”. But when I do say that to myself I catch myself and remember that i don’t know what they’re going through or have gone through
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Growing up in a society who learn that homeless people should get a job and will only use our money in drugs or alcohol we learn that we should be avoiding the homeless. Many times we forget that they are human beings that deserve at least a little respect. Many restaurants refuse to give their left overs to homeless or people who have so much refuse to give a coat or a blanket. It really makes us think about the kind of society we live in.
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The problem of homeless is a serious problem. My first time to see an homeless in USA let me really down. I couldn’t believed that. But, by the time I started to understand the situation and its mains reasons. I am lucky to have a roof. During the cold weather and the snow, I wear three pants with three covers and all those things to be warm but I can sleep. When I think about some people outside It hurts me. It can happen to everyone and we are lucky not to be like them.
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This is true. It is almost accepted as a societal norm to look the other way or pass on by without acknowledging the less fortunate. I have been guilty of saying I had nothing to offer or looking the other way while driving up Melnea Cass Blvd. I believe that some of us may learn to be wary around some homeless people, especially those with a visible drug habit, for fear of the desperation and frustration they could be carrying in the event that you say no. While I’ve also had many situations and conversations with the homeless who did not appear to be harmful or visibly on drugs. I guess it can go back to what you mentioned in class about people appearing more approachable when well dressed or not appearing to be upset or disgruntled.
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Growing up in America, I rarely noticed the homeless. I always seemed to be focused on other things and never shed light on such a large problem, that was seemingly growing. It wasn’t until my trip to Tibet where I really opened my eyes. On every street corner, I saw someone homeless, poor, and begging. During this trip, I truly realized what it meant to be underprivileged. These people were poor and homeless, and truly exemplified how unfair life really was, especially since in a country such as Tibet, the opportunities aren’t offered even if one is willing. Coming back to America, though I still feel pity, I can’t help but feel that the homeless here are taking the country’s offerings as granted. Unlike in Tibet where those who are willing can’t find work, homeless here are able to find jobs, though they may not be the best. Unless I truly know one’s story, sadly I don’t feel as pitiful for those here that’re homeless as they’re able to find jobs if they truly wish to.
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The homeless of America are a truly unfortunate kind of people. With the population of homeless individuals in Massachusetts rising faster than in any other state, it isn’t uncommon to see a few people begging for money on the streets of Boston. Most people are used to ignoring them, others pitch in money or clothes. I learned to ignore them, not only because I never have any money, but also because I do not know their back story. I may pass by someone that had used all their money on drugs, someone that had gambled off all of their money, or someone that did not make enough to pay for their rent. It is truly a game of chance when giving your money to a stranger on the street, they can use it for food and other necessities, or they can spend it on cigarettes or other drugs. However, one of my friend’s family spends hundreds of dollars on gift cards to Stop & Shop, Old Navy, etc. so that instead of being unsure of whether or not the homeless person will use the money on good or bad, they’ll be sure to use it on a necessity. One day, after I had been grocery shopping with my family, we stopped at a light and someone in raggedy clothing and begging for money came to our window and instead of handing over a couple of ones, my mother offered some food from our car. The man outside blatantly declined our offer, further influencing the stereotype that most homeless people use their money to buy more drugs. The gift cards are a great idea that more people need to start using to help out others on the street. Another method I have seen and many others have as well is the winter clothing hung around trees in Boston. A Malden resident had hung winter clothing around trees in Boston Common with a sign that read, “If you are stuck out in the cold please take what you need to keep warm.” These ideas are truly helpful to those in need because instead of using money to buy harmful substances, they are forced to buy or wear what they are given, whether it be a gift card to Market Basket or a winter scarf. The homeless population need to noticed by everyone instead of being an invisible people, because if people continue to ignore these helpless men, women, and children, the problem will only get far worse. However, it is impossible to rid the world completely of homelessness but the problem can be lessened in populous cities like Boston or San Francisco.
Article on the Malden resident involved in the winter clothing idea:
https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2015/12/09/just-wanted-give-back-says-malden-woman-who-offered-free-winter-clothes-boston-common/TPq1FZw0d4QwuS5os0QFyK/story.html
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Wow this is amazing! I’m from Malden and to hear that someone from here did such a great deed is great but yes i agree with you. I believe that instead of giving money to someone who’s homeless or in need we give them clothing or food. Gift cards are also a good idea but I do know that at Stop & Shops they have a gift card machine where you can trade the gift card for card. The machine does charge you a fee depending on the amount of the gift card.
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Wow this is really cool! I really appreciate how you think of the homeless, and how you actually want to support them unlike others. I also agree with meralizcolon that you should gave homeless people clothes, and food instead of money because they won’t find that little money very useless rather than the material goods. Additionally I think we should fund a shelter for the homeless so that they will no longer remain homeless
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That is an amazing gesture of love and compassion!! Thanks for sharing with us.
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I have always focused on positivity and doing what is best for yourself and you should never give up on yourself all you need is confidence in yourself to make a change
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Veronica
I just saw this and thought of your class. I hope it is a worthy contribution to everyone’s perspective.
This big-hearted man is building miniature homes for West Oakland’s homeless.
http://nationswell.com/gregory-kloehn-homes-on-wheels-for-homeless/
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Hi Steve,,..
Thank you,, I just watched this,, it is awesome,, ,,Thanks again!!
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Hi Steve,
Amazing video. There are souls full of compassion and love for others in need. Thanks for sharing it!
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Hi Steve,
I just watched this video and it truly opened my eyes to the true people these homeless people. It’s surprising how much can be concealed of a person and accentuates the saying, don’t judge by appearance.
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Being born in Bosnia I was accustomed seeing gypsies and beggars in the street. Growing up in the United States I had a different perspective of the homeless.
Most people in Bosnia have a general disrespect for gypsies and homeless people. I know it isn’t the same being discussed in the blog, but I do believe that the different cultures towards homeless people is worth discussing.
In the United States, the topic of homelessness has different opinions from people. Walking in any city you will see the homeless; many people walk straight past them without looking or even considering them. Some stop and help with money or food. Through my experience, there is a mixed view of homelessness in America.
Sometimes the homeless are seen as addicts or beggars, other times as cons. So often are the stories of “fake” homeless people making a lot of money recited, and so little are the stories of real, struggling people discussed.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2285423/Meet-man-makes-100K-year-begging-pretending-mentally-handicapped.html
I’m not an expert on the homeless, economics or psychology. I do know that life is very often unfair, and the act of human support (either through money, emotional help, etc.) can go a long way for anyone, especially if they are in a tough situation that is out of their control.
I recently learned about a great charity that connects with this topic, “The Empowerment Plan”, that helps to distribute and create jackets that can also be converted to heated sleeping bags to homeless people. The company that makes these jackets also only employs homeless people to make them, and gives them away completely for free. Currently they have factories in Detroit and Chicago, and I think the city of Boston and it’s surrounding area would benefit from a program like this. Boston has very cold and snowy winters, and everyone deserves at least the comfort of a warm sleeping space no matter their situation.
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