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 LLC - ECH counseling & Wellness 617-729-9111 
homelessness has been around for a long time. i mean since i was a little girl i remember seeing them around my neighborhood, alot. Always asking for money, even veterans.
even today, i see them alot more as i work at a hospital. we see them a lot more, coming into the hospital because its warm. or even for more complaicated things.
Regardless of their situation no homeless person should have to go through that, especially this time of year when it is freezing and they have absolutely no where to go.
LikeLike
Who is “them”?????
LikeLiked by 1 person
http://risetoshinetoday.org/mental-illness-and-homelessness/
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was coming back from a day in Boston with a group of friends. I seemed to be the only one acknowledging the homeless, giving each a dollar or so. On the train ride back we began to discuss the way we handled encountering homeless people. They asked me why I gave them anything if it wouldn’t make a difference and they’ll most likely use the money for some sort of substances, which was just ignorant of them to say. Then one friend said something I’ve never thought about “America is the easiest country to make it in.” After giving it a lot of thought I concluded that regardless of the fact that this nation provides, to an extant, the resources for a better future, it doesn’t take away from circumstances that brings and keeps people homeless. It’s our moral obligation to help them, because if one was in their situation that’s what we’d hope for too.
LikeLike
i grew up in Africa without knowing the definition of homeless besides, i have never see a homeless before until i got to America, i was shocked to see people sleeping on the street, i realized that being homeless is not by choice, they did not choose live on the street.life is a mystery, we never know what would happen the following day, everything we do have is by the grace of god. most of them are not necessary a drugs users, some end up in the street, because they lost their jobs, or they were on child support, they are many reason why people end up homeless. but not all of them who leave in the street do have money,and not necessarly living in the street but remains homeless. i had a friend who consider herself as a homeless person, she had money in her pocket but she was living to one hotel room to another with her two kids.it was a hard time for her and her childrens. some people think that being homeless is all about money,but we can have money and still be homeless.
LikeLike
This is an interesting perspective cubique, I don’t often think about homelessness on a global scale since I am so focused on seeing it everyday in Massachusetts. As I said earlier in one of my repsonses I have come to see homelessness in a new way fairly recently for a number of reasons but one of the biggest ones is, if something were to happen o me and I found myself sleeping on the street I would hope people would show some form of compassion and generosity because I can imagine very easily getting stuck without a home.
I say all this because your story of your friend who would move from one hotel to another with her kids shows she’s hard working, generous and compassionate. Traits any person in the world would love to have. So being homeless, in my opinion, does not make you a bad person or lazy, it’s all very circumstantial and a large population of homeless people have just hit hard times, but these are people who deserve to be helped not shunned or looked down upon.
LikeLike
I agree with you. People don’t just wake up one day and decide “I’m going to be homeless today” and not all homeless people are addicts. Things happen and we don’t always have complete control over them. Also, its true that homeless doesn’t always mean you don’t have a home nor any money because I see plenty of customers who walk into my job buying little snacks with their food stamps card but telling me how hard it is not having a home. I feel like we should have more shelters and more programs to help people get back on their toes.
LikeLike
Yes, there should absolutely be more programs. I believe any program that helps anyone become more self sufficient and a productive member of society is vital, maybe even more so than additional shelters. Helping homeless folks out by buying them some food or volunteering at an agency or soup kitchen is something that everyone, in my opinion, should make a point to do whenever it’s feasible. It makes a more humane and compassionate society. However, I do look at the big picture. Where will that person in need be next week, or next month? There are, of course, people who have accepted whatever situation they are in and will stay there regardless of whatever help is available. But I believe nobody wants to remain at the bottom of “Maslow’s Hierarchy” forever, and by nature people want to better themselves and have better lives for themselves and their families. I’m a life-long bleeding heart liberal who doesn’t mind my taxes going to help the less fortunate, and the whole “I’ve got mine, too bad for you” mentality of many Americans is actually weakening the country. However, throwing money at a problem often doesn’t fix it. It’s how that money is USED that’s key. More programs and resources help more people than we realize. It’s easy to see the homeless out on the street everyday, but what we rarely see are the people who actually HAVE gotten back on their feet. Just because we often don’t see or know about those people doesn’t mean that those programs (and tax dollars) aren’t working!
LikeLike
@ Darren
I do agree with your point of view and to me I would that people can become homeless for a number of reasons. They could be hit with a financial downturn and lose their job as Darren said and eventually their home because of all financial crisis Or they could be simply kicked out of the home they are in. Regardless of the reason, suddenly becoming homeless isn’t an ideal position to be in, and isn’t something most people are prepared for. If you should ever find yourself in a situation where you become homeless. I believe in what Darren said about faith and spirituality and don’t forget that can’t do a number of positive things to have better life.
I just want to add a link in which you guys can visit about Homeless in Boston.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have thought about this issue a lot, I have gone back and forth multiple times and thinking about the problem from different perspectives but ultimately I do think care for the homeless should be improved and I try to help the homeless near my home when I can. I will say it’s tough to help a lot right now because I am in school full time, and I work occasionally so I don’t have a lot of disposable income but going into CVS I will either give a dollar, some change or ask if they would like a drink from inside.
The conclusion I have come to is a large section of homeless people I see and/or hear about are not bums or lazy, they are people who have hit hard times and have not been able to bounce back, often times because many if not all of these people can not even get jobs because they don’t have a permanent residence.
LikeLike
Homelessness is an unavoidable issue in this country. Any time that you go into the city, you’re guaranteed to be exposed to it. Not a lot of people know what the real causes of homelessness are. They just assume that those affected by it are lazy, or substance abusers. A majority of homeless people suffer from mental illness and lack the resources necessary to recover. Though, it is true that some people are homeless due to poor life decisions. Personally, I don’t give homeless people money. I deal with the homeless frequently in my line of work, transporting them to the hospital to give them a chance to get some kind of treatment. Unfortunately, a lot of them do not want help. They’re so mentally ill that they don’t even know it. Most of the addicts don’t want the help either.
LikeLike
from a young age i was introduced to homeless people. the area we hung out for many years as young kids to teenagers had many of them, surprisingly due to you would not normally associate a homeless population with cape cod. all of us local kids knew the local homeless.they would hang out with us sometimes and tell wild stories. you would be surprised of some of the knowledge in some people, appearance is most certainly not everything. we would buy them food and give them money… even though we knew it was for booze. they live outside or in a shed or tent, maybe under a tree. Would’nt you want a drink? most of them are as stated, down on their luck, addicts, veterans, or mentally handicapped. All of these groups of people need and deserve help. If they lived in a house and had “things” they would be helped, why are the less fortunate less fortunate?
LikeLike
It’s easy for us to all assume that every homeless person wants the same thing (money for drugs etc) but really every one has a different story. Sometimes all they need it someone to talk to, and listen to them. I believe that every person has a choice, but sometimes that is blinded by the fact that mentally they are stuck. Your mind is a powerful thing, and without it you can feel really lost in this big world of ours. A mental cap on your brain, the feeling that you can’t do anything is what I think can hold any person back from achieving their true potential; and a homeless person is no different.Just to put everything into perspective I think what we all have to realize is that we are humans; every single one of us. And we need things, daily essentials to survive, so the next time you see a homeless person try to offer them something. If you can’t at least acknowledge them and let them know that you see them. Sometimes it might be all they need. After all as humans, don’t we all want to be seen?
LikeLike
I agree with you Samuel, It took me a long time to come to this conclusion but I’ve noticed similar things to what you described. I’ve formed relationships with some homeless people and learned that they aren’t bad people they’re just having a really hard time, and putting myself in their position begging on the street, not knowing for sure you’ll be able to eat two or three separate times in a day, and not even being able to get a job are horrible and understandably difficult situations to endure.
I should say there do appear to be at least some homeless people that appear like they should be in a mental hospital and the way they interact with people is hard to watch because it is so vulgar, but the more I have seen in life I think those are the minority. I do believe the majority of homeless people have just run out of options and have virtually no way out of their current situations.
LikeLike
When I think of homeless first of all I think of the fact that there are so many. I wonder how they end up at such a low place in their life.Every individual’s story is different and sometimes they need someone to just listen to them. It’s natural for us to automatically think that they all fall into the same category, but we are sadly mistaken. I find it very difficult when I walk by and I don’t “donate to the cause” but I figure everyone has a choice. And mostly what I’m thinking to myself is, “where do you start to help this person”? So mentally I just give up. But just to bring things back into perspective I think we have to remember that we are all humans and we need things to survive, and some things are apart of our daily living. We are humans with emotions & feelings, so next time you see a homeless person take that into account, and offer them something if you can; and if you can’t at least acknowledge them and let them know you can see them.
LikeLike
You’re definitely right, and unfortunately donating money isn’t the best way to go about helping them anyways. Sparing food portions and water are your best bet, if you can. Doesn’t need to be anything special. Say you have half a sandwich that you don’t want, instead of throwing it away, you could make somebody’s day with it.
…The little things!
LikeLike
I used to judge a homeless person by thinking that they are all drunks and addicts and they put themselves in that situation. I used to give money to them but stopped because I felt that I was telling them it is okay for them to be that way. Now most times when I can, I would buy them a meal. If they ask for money, I usually ask if they are hungry.
My perception of the homeless people changed that way because I was someone who became homeless too, but by choice. I was someone who left from an abusive household. So from my experience, it may seem that most homeless people are drunks and addicts. It’s not true because of how I ended up homeless. Some people are homeless because they have to for the better. For example, they are getting physically and verbally abuse in their home. For me, at that time being mistreated at the house, it was just better off to be homeless then being in a violence household. Nobody deserves this life.
LikeLike
Strolling through Boston, I noticed several homeless people, the first thing that goes through my mind is what can I do to stop these population of homeless from through life, and provide them with better conditions, and almost immediately I feel bad for them, because while we experience a normal day, everyday for them is really painful, and not easy. While most people automatically infer that a homeless is someone that is a drug addict, or some sort of bad person, I believe otherwise, I think no one chooses to be a homeless, there must be a very difficult situation that they are going through which resulted them in the place they are in now. I don’t think it’s right for our society to treat homeless as invisible people or simply ignore them because a lot of them probably don’t deserve to live in the social standards they belong in now, and it’s always a moral thing to help others in need, in exchange it would make our community a much better environment.
LikeLike
Living by Central Square I see a lot of homeless people. The first things that come to mind is what events in their lives can cause them to live out here in the freezing cold or when it is scorching hot outside. Of course there are many different reasons. I think that we have a social responsibility to help them even if they do not want the help. It does not even have to be money, it can be a snack or a drink. I know that one issue is giving money because some of them may look like they are on drugs. One might think that they will just use the money to go buy more drugs or alcohol. Personally I have not known anyone that was homeless here but I do have family back in El Salvador who struggle every day to put food on the table. My aunts and uncle that are here send money over there every month so they have enough to eat and every day essentials. Here in United States there are many different organizations to help homeless people. It is a huge issue in this country and that contradicts what this country is about, which is opportunity. I think that we should all have an opportunity. Some homeless people are not even addicts, that is why we should not judge right when we see them because the month before they could have been just like all of us going to work and an unlucky situation could have presented itself and there they are. We are not all saved from it either. One day one can be buying coffee the next month maybe one would need to ask someone for a cup of coffee. The tables can be turned at any moment that is why we should never judge. A lot of the actions that one does also depends on how one was raised. I was raised to treat everyone the same, and to treat them how I would like to be treated.
LikeLike
Last night at approximately 9PM I was walking around the North End in Boston, after having eaten a huge dinner at an authentic Italian restaurant. As I was leaving, a woman stopped my friend and I and asked if we had any money to spare, so that she could pay to stay overnight at a youth hostel, for it was very cold outside. My first reaction when something like that happens is to give a few dollars, I would never deny someone asking for food or shelter. So I gave her some change and a few dollars I had in my pocket and went on my way. My friend, who was visiting from Istanbul, Turkey, asked if I always give money to people who tell me a sad story on the street. She said that in Istanbul, people would just ask for money and won’t usually give a story behind what they’re planning on using the money for. I just thought it was interesting that she said that and after reading this post, I realized that there must be some sort of trust issue between humans. Some people would think twice before helping a homeless person on the street because they automatically think that that person will use the money on drugs or alcohol and they don’t want to condone that behavior. It’s one thing to judge somebody based on their appearance and make a decision about whether or not that person is worthy of their help. But it’s another thing completely to wake up every morning and make homelessness a career choice.
I’ve read about people who dress up like homeless people and go out and beg for money on the streets, and at night, will go to their multi-million home. Things like this make me worried that people like this are ruining the trust between humans with each other and the willingness of people to help actual homeless people on the streets. I guess we all just have to stop and think and see if it’s worth helping a person on a cold winter night, and just give someone the benefit of the doubt. I know that I will definitely think about this next time I see someone on the street who is just not as privileged as I am.
LikeLike
I personally myself have never been homeless but I have had very close people to me in my family homeless for many different reasons. There are so many more things to think about when you see a homeless person then just “get a job.” For one I have a few addicts in my family and because of it it has left them homeless. When I see people on the street like them who are asking for money I never give them money and that is because for the most part I know that they will use that money to buy drugs and not for food. And again I know it from personal experience because I have watched my own aunts and uncles do it. I learned from a friend of mine her dad who is a truck driver, he drives to a lot of differences places and he is exposed to a lot of the homeless community. He told me that he does not give homeless people money but instead he will go inside a store and buy them a sandwich or give them his lunch that he packed for the day. That way he is sure that he is helping them. Sometimes the homeless are so caught up on their addiction that they forget to eat. Of course addiction is not the case for everyone but the people who do have it they need to want to be helped as well! On the other hand as far as war veterans go I believe we as a country should make better resources for them. They served our country and they fought for us so we don’t have too. It is hard to understand their perspective and their view on the world after they come back from war because we never experienced it. Many of them go through PTSD and because of it they need proper medical care and we should be able to provide that for them. I have had a cousin who was homeless for a few months as well. She is a mother of 2 and she had to bring her children to a homeless shelter. It is sad this is the world we live in but unfortunately is exists.
LikeLike
Homelessness is a huge problem today, for several different reasons. A lot of people assume they are all addicts and alcoholics who spent all their money on drugs and booze. These people are judged almost instantly and sometimes unconsciously. I believe how you judge the homeless can be a big part of how you were brought up. Children from privileged homes have no concept of money because they have never had to go without, so when they come across homeless people they have no empathy because it is so far from their realm of reality. And these learned perceptions carry out into adulthood. But I think people from a low class or even middle class naturally have more compassion towards the homeless because it can very well become a possibility for themselves. Not to say that people with money have no heart but it’s hard to feel for someone in such a desperate situation if the idea of not having money and living on the street does not cross your mind. And there are people who have a lot of money who are very much willing to donate and contribute to organizations and programs that tend to the homeless and the homeless themselves. I personally have never judged a homeless person because I too was homeless for a period of time. Whatever the reason may be that led to a person being homeless does not mean that generalized assumptions should be made about the person. Every person and situation is different.
I try and make eye contact and smile and say hello to let them know that they are still people and deserve to be acknowledged. I think it is ok to buy a coffee or offer some food to someone who is homeless as opposed to just handing them money. A lot of people will use it for drugs and booze and what good will that do to contribute to their drug/alcohol abuse? There are options for addicts, alcoholics, veterans, and the mentally ill to utilize to promote a better living situation. It’s not a walk in the park and may take time, but there are programs to assist these people. And I don’t think anyone sets out and says I want to be homeless, it could be a slow progression that some don’t even see happening until they are left with no where to go. I think every person deserves to be treated as a person and nothing less, regardless of their situation.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have lived in both urban and rural environments. I have been homeless for as long as a year. I have also made $147k in a single year. I wish I could chime in from a more consistent position.
I have been both kind and cruel. This article struck a cord with me. It makes me feel guilty for not maintaining a more consistent personality. Regardless of my mood or situation I feel as though it is my responsibility to at the very least to maintain sympathy if not empathy for every person I meet.
I believe I avoid not only the homeless but anyone in difficult situations. This is probably true because those people remind me of what I am one wrong decision away from. I can honestly say I don’t judge them because I am far to busy avoiding my own truths, judging myself, and of course nit-picking my wife.
LikeLike
@ SteveMc
I am somewhat surprised to read through some of these posts where quite a few of us have actually been homeless ourselves. And for whatever reasons that led to those circumstances, that just goes to show you that homelessness can happen anywhere and to ANYONE, even to someone who made over $100k a year. But for those in this blog who have been without a home and have done what it takes to rebuild our lives, gives me hope that it is possible for others to reverse this outcome.
I have also been both kind and cruel towards the homeless. Before I became homeless, I admit I barely paid any attention to people living on the streets, maybe an occasional “that sucks” to myself but never felt any responsibility to help. Now, I can’t help but feel empathetic towards them and offer a smile and a hello, if nothing else. My experience humbled me, allowed me to grow and become more open-minded, especially towards the
LikeLike
Growing up my parents taught me to believe that homeless people were drug addicts and that is why they are homeless. As I got older and started to form my own opinions and beliefs I strayed away from thinking it was only because of drugs. There are different reasons for homelessness and it should not matter how one got there, but more so what can I do or we do collectively to help? Whenever I walk around in which ever city I happen to be in I sometimes try to take the time to say hello, or spare some change. I’m not making a huge impact (maybe not even an ounce) but acknowledging that they’re human can mean something? Countless people walk by without even noticing, and I certainly do not get to everyone or give change weekly. More could always be done on my part. As a society I think the majority of us have learned to ignore homeless people because it is not happening to us. But if it did, or we knew of someone who experienced homelessness we would have a different perception. Why is it that it takes great lengths for someone to care? I know there are many resources in Boston, and young leaders who try and help homeless people with anything they can provide. Hopefully one day this will be a domino effect and more people will try and help.
LikeLike
I also grew up believing homeless people where all “junkies”. My impressions where formed more from the D.A.R.E. program and after school specials. As I grew into my own perspectives I also wanted to help. I personally think you are on the right track with acknowledging everyone’s humanity. Even if you make no immediate impact on anyone else, you have at least safe guarded your own humanity. I feel people who have enough strength of character to continue to attempt to love instead of judge, fear, or hate truly improve our society.
LikeLike
I truly feel like all of our parents try to make us believe that the reason those people are homeless is because of drugs, alcohol, etc. when in reality it’s not the truth on why ALL those people are homeless. It could be, for certain people but not all. I think our parents say that to us because they obviously don’t want us to do drugs and drink alcohol and we don’t ever want to become homeless so it has us stay away from that area. (It’s a win-win situation) I work in Downtown Crossing and I see more than 10 different homeless people a day. It saddens me to see them at such a low point in their life (even though I don’t know what they’ve been through) and just the fact that I can’t do anything to help but give them some spare change. But spare change does little to nothing but I know the homeless people are probably grateful for it. Although sometimes I feel like it’s better for me and other people to give them food or a little snack rather than money because they could use that money towards something negative like drugs etc. I also agree with @Lizette Pinto when she said that acknowledging them can mean something, which is true because I’ve seen so many people act like these homeless people don’t exist and I can’t even imagine how that feels like. I do believe we have a social responsibility to better help the homeless because they are human, they are still apart of our community and if I were in their shoes I would want people to help me during my lowest point and hopefully everyone would to..
LikeLike
I live in Malden, and I don’t regularly see that many homeless people. However, when I take the train, I it’s not that uncommon for a homeless person to ask me for spare change or a dollar. The idea of saying no to a homeless person makes me very uncomfortable, because I know they definitely need the money way more than I do. I find it heartbreaking to see these people struggling so much. They are real people who deserve rights and a better life than they have. They are not “lesser animals”. I once saw a post on Facebook, where a building put spikes on the floor of their entrance so that homeless people would not rest on the floor their. I honestly felt like that was the most heartless thing someone could do, and it made me question modern humanity. Many people tell me not to give homeless people money, because they could spend it on drugs or alcohol. I am aware of this, but I try to have faith that they will spend it on things like necessities. I truly feel we have the social responsibility to help these people. If I were in this situation, I would want help from other people.
LikeLike
My parents also raised me to believe that homeless people were drug addicts and alcoholics. I also feel like they told me this to encourage me to never do drugs or drink. However, as I got a little older, I realized that not all homeless people are addicts. They told me this to try to benefit me, but it is wrong to say that all homeless people are homeless because of that, because it is a stereotype.
LikeLike
I see homelessness mostly in the Downtown area, also on the MBTA trains such as the Orange and Red line. People walking back and forth on the train begging for money. I don’t and almost never give them money when I do it is change in the bottom of my bag I’m trying to get rid of. I offer them food or buy them food if I have money to spear. I don’t give them money because I honestly think that they are going to spend it on drugs or some type of substance abuse. Sometimes when they ask for money and I offer them food instead they catch an attitude most of the time they are very grateful and take the food.
I do think homelessness could happen to anybody so I try my best not to judge them because you never know what happened in their life for them to be homeless. I think it’s a problem that could be improved but never fixed. There are places and resources in the Boston area that help the homeless and also it up to that individual to seek help and want to change for the better. There are homeless people who to deal with a mental illness and need help, those are the people that should be sought after to have care and safe places to go to be treated.
LikeLike
I also see so many homeless people around Boston and the trains either begging for money or sleeping in a corner with the birds. I think it is a very smart idea to give the homeless people some food instead of money or maybe even a pair of gloves that you don’t use or coffee, just something to keep them warm in the winter. I remember someone who told me a story about trying to give a homeless man some food and he just ignored her and proceeded to hold up the “hungry, need money for food” sign. you know who the appreciative people are and the ones who deserve to be helped by strangers in a time of need that way. people become homeless for countless reasons and I also try not to judge them now after reading this article, but i never used to want to help anyone before because i never thought about the way they ended up in their situation.
LikeLike
I think about this a lot, usually with a lot of guilt. I always, or almost always, make an effort to look homeless people on the eye and say, have a good day, or sometimes just, sorry (if they’ve asked me for something specific that I’m not able to give). Treating someone like a human should be the bare minimum, but sometimes I catch myself patting myself on the back for it.
And then I think about the reasons I don’t give cash more often. There are few simple ones – I don’t carry change that often, and I can’t afford to give a whole dollar to every pan handler I see. Not to mention that I don’t feel safe pulling out my wallet on every street corner. But none of these are great excuses for not doing more to fight for humane treatment of the poor on a societal level.
LikeLike
Don’t feel guilty. It’s not your responsibility to give them money. Giving out cash isn’t the best thing to do, anyways. They could use it on anything, and the sad truth is that a lot of them(not all) are going to buy drugs, alcohol, or cigarettes with it. Give food/water when you can, and continue to treat them like humans.
LikeLike
I don’t come across homeless people too often, but I haven’t really interacted the few that I did. Most of the time, I’m in a rush to do something. I’m not trying to stereotype this group of people, but I always wonder what they would do when given money. I understand a majority of the homeless just want some food and a place to keep them from the cold or the heat depending on the season, but there are also others who have habits. Maybe from drugs to alcohol or something else, they won’t use given money in a responsible way. Of course, there’s always the option of straight up buying them food, but when you’re in a rush, you don’t really consider that. Then there are others who aren’t truly homeless and feed on the pity of others. Perhaps it’s just stories I’ve heard that have made me skeptical, but I’m always hesitant when faced with these situations.
LikeLike
It really breaks my heart to see anyone homeless regardless of the situation.
I typically will not give them money unless I am in a rush to get to my destination and have no other option, for the ones with habits that are detrimental to their health and well being I don’t want to support that .
I most often will buy them a meal or something to eat/drink from wherever I am(CVS, WALGREENS etc) I’ve returned home and brought back clothes and snacks etc.
I don’t understand how a country that can hold a lottery jackpot for over a Billion dollars can have people that are hungry and have no place to sleep and think that its ok to just give money away to someone who may not even need it.
LikeLike
Hey Zakia,
Gosh! I thought the same thing with such a huge lottery going on and people still struggling with hunger and homeless. Lets take it a step forward, our kids, or kids in general receiving broken books to learn or even us buying books that cost 300 dollars! I feel part of the problem is top bottom! What can people in the minority do?
P.s. I don’t think my first thought wining the lottery would be homeless people, (honestly) but eventually I’d address some type of non profit organization that specialize in helping the homeless, substance abusers, woman who have gone through sexual and psychical abuse etc. Funny thing, I’ve always wanted to work with prostitution.
LikeLike
When contemplating the issue of homelessness, is not good enough to feel sorry for the person’s situation, rather we should strive to understand and help them. However, we might not know how to approach a person in need. Thus, when I walked by a homeless person my first reaction was to offered any change I had. Nevertheless, this article has made me realized that small things such as saying “hello” or giving a nice hot cup of coffee can mean more to a homeless person, because they might feel loved and cared for. Furthermore, is also a good way to begin a conversation with them, sometimes all a person needs is to be listened. I believe that the most important thing is to not judge them, because life can be harsh and challenging, one day we might be successful and prosperous the next day we might be on the streets. We should not forget that these people are human beings regardless of the label that society imposes on them. Last but not least, when I get the opportunity to see a homeless person I will like to speak to them like I would with any other friend.
LikeLike
I am not sure if by commenting I have to answer a specific question, but I’ll just add my perspective on the matter. I grew up in chelsea, and at the age of fourteen my mother and aunt had their differences which resulted in my mother and me being homeless. We had no money, just an old olive green van where we were forced to sleep in until my mother raised enough for a room. I showered in the gym, and went to school as if nothing was wrong. My meals were the breakfast and lunch the school gave (we all know how great that is) and nobody knew I was homeless.
Later on in life again I was homeless due to our home being caught on fire. A short circuit put me and my 9 month daughter at the time in the streets again. I had a sporty two door car I slept in. Being homeless can trigger so many more negative thoughts because you feel as if you hit rock bottom and nothing else really matters (in my opinion). I was hopeless and the red cross only gave me a voucher for used baby clothes and one night in a hotel.
During christmas this past December I offered a homeless man begging for money in downtown crossing a bunch of clothes I had just purchased as a gift for someone else. As I walked out of the store he was there missing a leg and it was freezing! He barely looked at me and said “I don’t want that sh*t”. So, embarrassed as I was I put the items in the bag and said god bless you and walked away. Okay, fine… I felt so stupid! The cops across the street started laughing and shouted to me “at least you tried”.
I have had so many occasions where I have been homeless, Ive given people food, money etc. I know what it is to be homeless, and no I was never on drugs and I feel that everyone has this tainted image of the homeless. If I see someone that needs help I will always spare the change, give a person gloves, a scarf, whatever, because I know how it feels to be on the “other side” and also because I have a five year old watching my every move.
Just yesterday a woman came up to my car in the parking lot asking for change and my daughter had a quarter in her coat which she handed to me and said “guess she needs it more than us”.
It’s a shame it’s so prevalent in todays world.
LikeLike
Wow, I really like your story in how you started barely with nothing, but you and your family stood strong and came back. Now that’s amazing. Since you faced being homeless, now you feel the need to help others as anyway possible even if its clothing or food. I really like that you care for others. What would you do If you saw a drunk homeless person right in front of you and asked for money?
LikeLike
Hey Ernesto,
I believe you are replying to my post, (Now I get why the professor stated to mention names of the people your replying too, gets confusing) lol
I wish I can say that my family is super close but we are not. I guess in that specific moment we were, thankfully. I have worked for a substance abuse program for over 11 years and to be completely honest if a drunk homeless person asked me for money I would give them a dollar, or would spare some change. Detoxing is the most scariest thing to watch and I can only imagine to go through. If you keep that one drunk person alive for another day, thats another day they have where they might be “saved”.
Maybe that next day could be when they get picked up and brought to a program, or even get locked up where they may help detox and help getting back to daily living, etc.
Some feel its enabling them, I feel it’s giving them a chance.
LikeLike
Your testimony is amazing. I truly believe that our experiences throughout life are not always for us but for someone that we will encounter that may be facing a similar or the same situation…our knowledge will then allow us to help them through it or help with prevention depending on the situation. Not everyone will want our help but its important to remain true to yourself and keep offering help when its on your heart to do so.
LikeLike
@Stephanie Rodriguez, sorry that I forgot to state your name. You have a sweet heart and its true, we may never know where the drunk homeless person would be tomorrow, even with a little help and spare change or food can give someone a little hope, it can even be life changing.
LikeLike
I agree that people do not wake up one day and decide to become homeless. In fact, most people are homeless because they cannot afford housing. This holds extremely true in urban areas like Boston. I pass several homeless people during my daily commute- many who dwell in subway stations to stay warm in the winter time. Homeless people are often stigmatized for their living and lifestyle situation but many people don’t realize that it’s lies deeper than just getting a job. Many homeless people have experienced some sort of financial crisis, family conflict or have mental or physical illnesses and other disabilities. Sometimes it’s easier to walk pass homeless people than to presume social responsibility to help out in some way. I think it’s important to realize how fortunate we are and to pay it forward whenever it’s possible.
LikeLike
When I go in the train there is homeless people left and right. They are either asking for money or doing like type of performance like singing or playing an instrument in order to get some change in return. It is amazing of how many people simply walk past individuals without even looking. I believe that people simply look away because they look down on them and simply do not value them as individuals or believe that everyone can simply get a job. We often tend to ignore the homeless because we don’t want to deal with the issue and simply go on with our lives.
Now the big question is, are we responsible to help the homeless? Of course we are. One day it could be you. We often look at the homeless like they are less than and we do not acknowledge that people go through things. Many people assume that most homeless people are homeless because they do not want to work and because they are drug addicts and alcoholics. The truth is that most people are homeless because they have some type of mental disorder.
I believe that everyone should try to help them in some way. I personally feel uncomfortable giving them money because you do not know what they want to do with the money. If I have a water bottle or some food I will give it to them. They probably need it way more than myself. In conclusion, yes we do have some type of responsibility to help the homeless. If everyone did something small, the world would be such a better place.
LikeLike
I agree with @LisandraTorres, they do need acknowledgment because they’re humans just as we are. Even if it is just a water bottle or some food. People do look away from homeless people because they don’t want to understand due to a preconceived notion such as being lazy or being addicted to drugs. If we collectively took the time out to understand without judging the world would be a better place just as she said it.
LikeLike
I completely agree with you that there are so many homeless people on the street that need the help from others. most of them didn’t just wake up one day and say that they just wanted to become homeless. i however do not agree that we are responsible for helping the homeless people on the street. i believe that it is definitely the right thing to do and they should be helped in some sort of way, probably with food or clothes but not money. I just do not think that we are responsible for it but I am not saying that we should not help them. Also i also like how you said “if everyone did something small, the world would be a better place” because if everyone who walked by the same homeless man one day then that small mount of food or clothes from everybody would make all the difference.
LikeLike
The homeless is definitely an issue in today’s society, not just in the United States, but also all over the world. We do NOT see the issues in the media most often because the richest and the violence become the sensations in our eyes. Some homeless people do not deserve the life they are living. People may never know, maybe they became homeless because a huge crisis that happened in their lives, which may have brought them to being nothing. For example loosing the only job that was helping pay most of the bills and rent can destroy someone’s confidence and the ability to think and get back up. Not only money is on their mind, but also they are thinking of food, shelter, and hoping to make connection with the world. They are playing the life or death game, and it’s horrible.
I grew up in one of the poorest countries, at least for a few years, since my parents decided to move back to El Salvador. My parents were poor, but they work hard to get where they are now. Because I came from loving parents and hard workers, I believe that I have become a sympathetic person. I’m always feeling sad and concerned every time I see homeless in the streets, even in the bitter cold. In my thoughts I am feeling the need to help them in any way possible, even if its just fifty cents in my pockets. I know I can’t help them all because some are frightening and scary. Sometimes when you see them they look like they can be drug addicts and may use the money for their bad habits. We see those who are worth helping.
If only we as human individuals stand with each other and face this issue, maybe more homeless people would have better lives.
Its less than forty degrees outside and I head out to meet up with a friend at Panera Bread in State Street. As I approach I see a sincere homeless man, asking for some change. I can see him shivering, and he asks me if I had any change, all I can say is sorry. As I entered Panera, I wanted to give him some change, but I couldn’t. I figured its cold out and he is barely wearing a jacket, so I decided that the nice thing to do was to get him some hot coffee it was the least that I could have done. We as individuals have social responsibility to better help people in any way possible; they are individuals just like us.
LikeLike
@Ernesto Bonilla
I agree with your comment, I am from El Salvador as well and I witness people suffering from extreme poverty. Like you said, growing up with hard working parents makes me value and respect them for what they game me. I think that it was very nice and brave of you to give a cup of hot coffee to the homeless man in State Street. With small but yet effective actions like yours, we can change the world we live in. Thanks.
LikeLike
My perception of the homeless population has changed within the past year, as have I. I was raised to ignore them. I was told they are drug or alcohol addicts, and any money I give them will be wasted. Taking the MBTA almost every day for years, I decided to give money to a few. One man, was disabled and in a wheelchair. I gave him all the cash I had, which wasn’t much. He wanted to get on the train. He yelled and swore at me, and threw it back. Instances like that made me hesitant to give for a few months. After almost becoming homeless the past few months, I decided to stop ignoring and running by anyone begging. I start conversations sometimes, and I give some of the tips I make after work to whoever I see. It’s hard to know what’s really going on with whomever you give money to, and what I would much rather do is bring them to a social worker or somewhere for whatever assistance they need. Now, I relay where they could find resources, and try to be careful how friendly I am, (primarily for safety purposes.) I don’t think giving about $10 a week is a big deal to me. Instead of ordering something out to eat, I am helping someone- hopefully.
I don’t believe anyone asked to be homeless. Perhaps, there are a few individuals who wanted to try to see how that life is. They most likely have somewhere to go back home. Aside from them, the majority of the homeless population probably remain homeless because they are in survival mode. Without help from outsiders, it is difficult to get out of whatever hole you are in. I believe the U.S. should have more shelters or housing with assistance to get these individuals and families back on their feet. Mental health counseling is a must. Substance abuse counseling as well. Job training…etc. We have the money for this. We just need to do it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Georgia,
I am on board with most of your thoughts. I can appreciate how you have grown into your own awareness. I can see how giving the few dollars you have to help others, helps ease your conscience as well. I hear how a polite conversation can have an echoing impact. You had me right up until the end. I however do not personally think we as individuals nor as a society owe any of our community assets to those that choose not to contribute. My key word being choose. The unable and elderly qualify by default.
Do you remember “Stone Soup” the children’s story? Is it fair or righteous to divide the funds evenly among those that chose, and those that choose not to contribute? Honestly, our government (Federal and State) move an incredible amount of tax generated funds to solve this problem every year. I’m of the opinion:
“you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t MAKE it drink”
It’s a cliché because it’s true, right?
I’d be willing to bet most that reads this post do not read past: “The unable and elderly qualify by default. ” Can we group those that suffer Downs Syndrome with those that suffer addiction? Addiction is a “disease” right? How you answer that question dictates your actions of empathy or contempt. At least that’s what I believe.
LikeLike
Hi Steve,
YES,, Addiction is a disease. Once an addict always an addict. Being sober and maintaining your sobriety does not mean you are no longer an addict. You will always be prone to this illness. Think of addiction as a non-curable chronic long-term disease, but one that can be maintained and controlled!!!
LikeLike
@VERONICA
If you could somehow anonymously survey 100 American adults (think Family Fued), do you think your opinion would be the majority or minority? You stated that Addiction is in fact a disease. I’m curious, what evidence does a Doctor need to make that diagnosis? What is the test that confirms the presence of the disease?
Please understand I am only asking the questions that have been presented to me. I have attempted to argue your (and my) position countless times.
LikeLike
@ SteveMc
Addiction is most definitely a disease and thankfully, it’s becoming less stigmatized as more awareness and resources are becoming available. But I do agree with you on the “lead a horse to water” thing. Alcoholics and addicts have to be READY and WILLING to accept help. Until they are, the cycle will go on and they’ll continue to be homeless, in and out of hospitals, or locked up. The shelter I stayed in was one that was known for helping people get back on their feet, yet a few young, able bodied men had been there for years. I joined an IOP program and went out job searching and to meetings every single day. When I got back, some of these guys would still be where I left them, watching TV or plying on their phone. And the residential treatment program I was in saw it’s share of guys who were court-ordered there or were simply trying to get a place to stay for the winter. These were the people that always left early or were kicked out, only to move on to yet another program, in jail, or as it happened a few times when I was there, end up dead. So I agree, there are some who truly need the help and some who are just taking advantage of the system. I’m sure working with the latter when I get a job in the recovery field will be a major challenge. I don’t think handing out dollars to each and every person you pass on the street who asks for it really solves anything. But when I prepare or hand out food at the soup kitchen I volunteer at to someone I didn’t give a dollar to earlier that day, I feel I’ve done my part. For me, it’s more about a hand-up rather than a hand-out.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Steven and Darren,
Remember,, my opinion:
So the debate,, the operational definition of addiction, a chronic relapsing brain disease that is characterized by compulsive drug use,,, considered a brain disease because drugs/alcohol change the brains chemistry and structure,,,, other non-physiological diseases are said to fuel dopamine, the feel good chemical in the brain,,,
Some say that addiction a disease and you have to have medical treatment to cure it, these people may advocate the “make money concept”, support drugs to cure drug or alcohol addictions, etc., or the alleged “rehab facility” only for the rich and famous,,,
Some say that if you say addiction is a disease that you are taking the responsibility away from the addict making recovery harder or non existent because now the addict has an excuse to continue the bad behavior,, addicts have a thousand and one excuses, bottom line, they will not get sober, be sober, or stay sober, until they are ready, and recovering addicts are not allowed excuses.
Many arguments and opinions, many sides of the coin, I personally do believe that it is a disease, you may have contracted the disease at your own hand, but, one can say the same about many diseases that are contracted in “certain” fashions…. The how it happened needs to stop being the excuse as to why or how, or if someone should deserve treatment.
Regardless of the disease or if it makes people feel better, the addiction, the “stereotyping” of a “problem” is dangerous, there should never be a “good persons, oh what a shame” disease or a “bad persons hmmp”,, they were asking for it” disease.
My primary function is to assist in the process of moving people forward, positive growth and self-acceptance. Again, remember, these are my personal opinions only, regarding the topic, real life scenarios that I experience, well, I do not judge,, but, I do not tolerate excuses, if you did it you have to own it,,, personal accountability, that accountability is what will allow you to move forward. Because one has the ability to maintain the disease, in my opinion does not and will not lessen the severity of what I do believe to be a disease.
Here is more info..
http://risetoshinetoday.org/understanding-addiction/
LikeLike
5 A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain the substance
6 Use of the substance interfering with important activities
LikeLike
Darren and Veronica
Amazing content provided in concise wording:
http://risetoshinetoday.org/understanding-addiction/
maybe just a typo but #5 and #6 are the same.
I had to battle my own demons in a less conventional manner. I was unaware there was an actual diagnosis that could be made. It seems the medical professionals I interacted with were working under some assumptions. I was diagnosed with and treated for combat PTSD. Had any of them thought in terms of addiction perhaps I would have been able to avoid some unfortunate situations.
In terms of Imperial science, psychology is relatively new. In the absence of consistent learning and exposure even “licensed professionals” can fall victim to tunnel vision it appears. If that is true then maybe the road to solving homelessness may be more involved then originally anticipated. Thank you both for you thoughts and insight.
LikeLiked by 1 person
If I could hate anything in this world it would be the fact that people are homeless. I personally think it should be illegal in some ways because your mistakes in life shouldn’t define you. Of course some people lie about being homeless for the money or they use it to get more drugs but what about those that are actually suffering everyday especially during the winter, its not fair. Why is it that the money for the lottery is so high, yet there are people on the street that the government cant lend a hand too? Those who are homeless aren’t being paid attention to enough because society has either forgotten about them or think they’re too good enough to look their way. How is it that these churches are extremely huge and fancy but yet someone right outside their doors sleeps on the cold floor every night, it doesn’t add up. There shouldn’t be homelessness in our own country considering the fact that we’re helping those in others. We need to start putting our people first. Its a a huge problem and not enough people are helping. I volunteered at this food bank that fed about 50 people those nights and to see some of them eat so vigorously because its been so long was sad. Some were just so grateful they would eat slow or cry and say grace because they thought they would never see food again or don’t know when they ever will. No one should ever live like that no matter who you are or what you did. They didn’t choose to be homeless, its where life took them. We should help these people get back on their feet for the greater good. It’s important that no one gets left behind, we all deserve a chance to start over. Everyone needs the basic food and shelter to survive, not having access to those can lead to many problems including death so we need to do something to prevent this.
LikeLike
@Luz-Anne
I really like the example you put about the churches being so big and fancy and yet there is a homeless person sitting outside of it starving. I feel like we all have a job to help someone that is less fortunate, like what you did for the food drive. Was that a one time thing like for me, every summer my mom and I give our old clothes away.
Personally what makes me upset is when I see people with signs saying “need money for weed”, I like that they are being honest, but they ruin the whole image of homeless people for someone that actually is in need for money for something more important.
LikeLike
Where I live, in Malden, I never see any homeless people in the streets. But on my way to and back for school and work I always encounter a couple asking for money at stop lights. Ever time I have cash on me I always find myself giving something. What I find weird is that I pass by these people almost everyday and I don’t even know their name. I feel like society now a days associated homelessness with drug addictions, even though drugs may be the reason some people may have ended up on the streets, but its not everyone. I believe that that drives people away form helping the homeless most of the time, and I know that a few dollars here and there isn’t going to make a difference, but it might mean that that person may be able to get a meal for dinner. And shelters are great and everything but especially in places like New England that have extremely cold winter, there should be more options for homeless people to have shelter from the cold.
my last thought is that the government already uses tax payers money for welfare. I think that that money should be used on those that actually need it, and if it were regulated better than more of those who were actually needed that assistance would be receiving it.
LikeLike
Thaiz,
I agree with you to the point that the government should help the homeless. Especially in such a cold climate like the one in Boston. I also agree with you to the point that not every homeless is out there because they have an addiction to drugs or alcohol. Many of them actually lost their jobs, families, homes, and have sickening mental disorders.
On the contrary, I don’t believe personally that we are responsible for giving them money. Most of them claim that they need money for food. So why not buy them the food? I have a sense of paranoia that the money given is not going to food, but rather to drugs.
The challenging question is, how can the government help every homeless in the streets?
LikeLike
Every time I walk by a homeless person in Boston, I always question why is this person homeless, especially when they’re young, because we live in a place that has so much opportunities, that other people in different countries would die for. I also question if they really are homeless because of past experiences. Once I saw this lady begging for change because she lost her money and didn’t have any left to take the bus and go home so my friend and I gave her change, she gave her thanks repeatedly saying she can finally go home, 2 hours later we saw her in a different spot doing the same thing. So then that makes me think that people ask to be homeless, but then I see people who are actually homeless and they have a missing limb or any type of disability. And then I realize it’s hard for them to get a job because in America you are nobody without an address. But that’s just how society treats you when you don’t have a home, as if your nothing.
LikeLike
@Marie
They are treated like nothing because seem to have this image that that’s what they are which makes no sense to me because it’s not like they were all homeless their whole life. Even though there’s many opportunities not a lot of people have access to them. It’s limited depending on who you are. It’s not just about having a disability because they are people who’s health goes a whole other direction internally due to lack of food and the weather changes. Being outside, they’re exposed to so much that’s unhealthy which is why we need to help as a whole to get them off the streets. Of course some people are gonna lie about it but helping just at least one person is worth it because you just saved someone’s life and made a difference. America is so quick to help other countries when the people in their own don’t even have a place to live. The world just needs to change overall.
LikeLike
Most of the younger homeless population of Boston is a lot of LGBT teens that were kicked out of their houses. Others are usually ones that were in an unstable household. Thankfully, for Boston, adolescents and early adults have a few places to go to that are just for them. Bridge Over Troubled Waters has a drop in center with counselors, a place to sleep, food, medical care, and transitional programs. http://bridgeotw.org/
Also, Y2Y also known as Youth on Fire in Harvard square- their website: http://y2yharvardsquare.org/
For some people, it seems homelessness will never happen. Eliminate family. Do you still have somewhere to go? Eliminate friends- perhaps you’re too ashamed to ask them for somewhere to stay. Add balancing school, work, and trying to afford an apartment in Boston- it’s expensive. And difficult. How are you suppose to focus on school if you have to work so much to afford living somewhere? Longer term… school may be better for a higher pay.. It’s a balancing act called life and unfortunately homelessness happens.
What’s more unfortunate is the fact that humans enter survival mode when homeless and all their energy goes into surviving and so it becomes difficult to get out of that situation.
LikeLiked by 1 person
@ Georgia
Yes, about 40% of homeless youth are LGBT, the main reason being kicked out, with physical and/or sexual abuse running a close second. I’ve often wondered if LGBT youth avoid seeking shelter or treatment because they fear the same kind of persecution, bullying, or physical abuse they experienced at home. I’ve heard some people question why LGBT youth should have their own shelters and services, as if it was a frivolous concept. Unfortunately, they’re necessary because they need to feel safe, understood, and know they’re not leaving one bad scenario only to wind up in another potentially worse one. Here’s a link to the True Colors Fund in NYC which I support and donate to, founded by a favorite artist of mine, Cyndi Lauper. (After all, I’m an 80’s kid!) https://truecolorsfund.org/
LikeLike
@ Georgia
To clarify, I got my LGBT homeless statistics from two sites, https://www.dosomething.org/us/facts/11-facts-about-homeless-teens, Which has HUD’s stats from 2014, and 2012 stats from the Williams Institutehttp://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/press/americas-shame-40-of-homeless-youth-are-lgbt-kids/
LikeLike
Georgia and Darren,
There are many different reasons why people are homeless, why people turn to drugs or alcohol, why good people may make bad decisions, etc., This is why I stress,, judgement free,,, it is not our place to judge, we should never make assumptions.
I wrote in my initial post “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.”
And yet, there are people who do chose to live on the street because of circumstance,
Some people will chose being homeless over an existing abusive situation, and that is another issue that we should not lose sight of,,,
I am glad that the both of you have added this very important topic into our conversation.
Thank you….
LikeLiked by 1 person
When I was younger, maybe around the age of 12, I saw a homeless man sitting on a crate in downtown Boston with my mother. He was asking people for change, and no one was paying attention. When I asked my mother why no one was paying attention to him, she said they thought less of him because he had no place to live. I asked my mother why he had no place to live, and she said she didn’t know. I still wonder why homeless people don’t have places to live because there are so many unoccupied apartments and houses in the U.S. There are so many places for homeless people to live, sitting there without anyone living in them, and they have to go through impossible hurdles to get a place to live. On that day when I saw the homeless man with my mother, I asked him if I could give him money. She said no but i could go into McDonalds to get him something to eat. I think she decided to let me give him something to eat instead of giving him money because she was afraid of him spending the money on drugs. Homeless people are always judged as drug addicts who need to get a job, but that is not always the case. However, you never can truly know the difference without knowing them personally. So when I see a homeless person to this day, and I have extra money, I buy them something to eat. So yes, we do have a responsibility to help the homeless because they are people too. Maybe more people should imagine themselves in their shoes.
LikeLike
I’m from malden and to be completely honest I’ve never encountered homeless people here. The first time I did encounter homeless people was when my friend took me to Harvard Square on the train. As soon as we got off the train and walked out the station I was shocked at how many homeless people were outside sleeping on the ground in the cold. I’m not going to lie and say I wasn’t scared. I wasn’t scared because they were homeless, I was more worried because I don’t know what anyone is capable of doing. I’m cautious, but willing to help and listen. It’s not my place to say “He or she is homeless and they deserve it”, so that will never come out of my mouth. We don’t know the story behind why or how that person became homeless unless we ask. I have no issue with giving someone food or clothing if they need it because I would want that in return if i was in their shoes. I feel like we do have a social responsibility to help not only the homeless but people in need in general. People try so hard to ignore the horrible things that happen in the world when we should be accepting it. We see someone homeless? is it really so hard to buy them food? a sweater? or even try to get them into a shelter for the night? Whether they are homeless because an addiction took over their life or they weren’t financially stable and lost everything some people just need that extra push and support.
LikeLike
Meraliz,
I 100% agree with you. It is often frightening approaching a homeless person because anyone is capable of doing anything. I agree with you that we shouldn’t be quick to judge a homeless because we don’t know how they got there in the first place. I believe that we should help the homeless in every way we can because one day it could be us. It’s not only about helping the homeless, it’s more about the feeling we get went we feel like we made someone’s day easier.
LikeLike
@Meraliz
I totally agree with everything you wrote, especially with the part about us having a social responsibility to help out people in need because it’s not difficult at all to give someone a blanket when it’s cold outside, old or new if they really needed it they will take it. I also really like how you wrote that if someone were in a homeless persons shoes they would want some help too, but people don’t understand.
LikeLike
In today’s society, homelessness is an important issue to talk about and share. Lately, the numbers of homeless people on the streets have increased year after year not knowing what the cause is. Working in the health field, we have homeless patients walk in to our clinic for care and support. After listening to their stories, I can understand how easy it is to become a homeless person. Most of them they had a life before (house, job, family, car, money….) All of a sudden, they lost everything and become homeless. Most of us have that horrible feeling when we pass by a homeless person. Sometimes we can help one or two people by giving them a couple of dollars, or buy them a cup of coffee with donuts, or even a slice of pizza for that moment. Most of us do not have the financial means to help every time we see a homeless person. We should educate ourselves and we must learn how to help those people and support them financially and emotionally. We should understand their specific needs. Most of the homeless people could not get support because they have no phone, no permanent address to reach them. At that point, we should raise our voice and demand the government and the partnership to think completely and profoundly about that serious problem and offer more shelters and provide enough food and clothes to the homeless people. We are all responsible and we all should consider the homelessness issue.
LikeLike
The country were I was born has its streets full of homeless. There are kids, women and men begging for compasion. When I listened about USA as the land of the oportunities I used to think there was not poverty over there. However, fiftheen years ago, when I arrived to Bronx, New York, I faced the poverty I wanted to leave behind me. I felt like an ignorant. Poverty is anywhere. Maybe we can not control or change completely that social issue. However, we can try to change it together step by step. Reading this blog and every post encourages me to have more social awareness. As an immigrant I’ve helped many in need, but that is not enough. I need to do more. I can not judge what others do or do not do. I should start by myself.
LikeLike
I also feel like this post encouraged me to be more socially aware. It motivated me to want to get involved and help with issues like this. If many people worked together on this issue, it would definitely help resolve it. Spreading awareness on this issue would benefit society, because more people would get involved and want to help end poverty.
LikeLike
Life is composed by a series of choices and situations, some are completely out of our control and others are. As a society, we have the tendency of wanting to assume a role of power, all of a sudden we have an opinion on someone’s life. The United States prides itself in its freedom, I won’t get too political here; but where is it? Where’s the freedom of making choices and not being judged for them? If i decide to wear a lot of pink one day i’ll be judged for being too girly and some might even dare to say that i’m not the brightest of the bunch. Where is the freedom to express my mood through my clothing? Maybe I didn’t have a chance to do laundry and that’s all I had! People are so quick to judge and voice out their opinions without listening to the full story.
The same goes with homeless people, most assume they are drug addicts or alcoholics. Some may be, but does that make them any less of a person? Less deserving of a “good morning” or even a smile? Sure it’s easier to walk by and ignore what’s there, but it doesn’t make it right. I’ve taken the time to strike up a conversation with a two guys who sit outside the station at Back Bay, they always say good morning and God bless, these two men who don’t know me are wishing me a good morning and for me to be blessed? Seems selfish, and in return they get dirty looks, silence and the occasional mumble “you too”.
However, if they were standing outside in a suit and wishing people “good morning” I can assure you that the responses would be much different. We are judging these people by what they have and their appearances. Does not having clean clothes make them less of a person? It should’t, maybe they left an abusive home and the clothes on their backs are all they have. When did we become a society that feels entitled to judge and comment on someones life? We don’t know their story, their struggles, what kind of life they’ve had. We’d be willing to say good morning to a stranger in a suit but we can’t say it to a man sitting by a station? Let’s reevaluate our social interactions as a society..
LikeLike
You wrote “The United States prides itself in its freedom, I won’t get too political here; but where is it? Where’s the freedom of making choices and not being judged for them?”
Make no mistake, civil liberties, freedom of choice, is what allows you the FREEDOM to have choice, and allows you the FREEDOM to judge!!!
The right to have a personal opinion and to express that opinion is a civil liberty and freedom that I never want to lose.
What I chose to do with my personal opinion, agree to disagree, or be a total complete pompous, arrogant so and so,, well.,. now that is a different story,, why,, well because,, this is America,, and I retain the right to be me, and believe in what whatever I want to, regardless of who likes it!!!!
If you want to wear all pink,, ROCK IT!! Never lose your individuality, BE PROUD OF WHO YOU ARE, but never forget, why you can wear all pink and why others can judge you for it!!!
Can you think back and remember any time or incident that you looked at a person or a situation and made a judgement based solely on personal opinion and not fact???
LikeLike
Nobody in this world deserves to live homeless. Nobody. I think the topic of the homeless is a very sensitive topic of conversation. Which is why it is not seen on the news, nor brought up in social conversations. My outlook on the homeless is a very odd one. My moral is that everyone in this world has the same 24 hours. What you do within those 24 hours is your choice. However, there are special cases where some people can’t do much or do what they have the potential to do.
Now a days, this world is no longer about what you know, rather it is about WHO you know. And many people are judged in today’s society by the way they look. Homeless people may not have the accessibility to shower or even a place to sleep. Even money to buy an expensive suite to go to an interview. Many employer’s lack empathy therefor, these people are turned away.
When I use to take the T, I would come across many homeless people. Ever since I started driving the homeless have slipped my mind. Reading this blog made me realize how homeless people really are the “invisible population”. It’s like we know their in dire need of help but we chose to look the other way because it’s unbearable to see. To me, homeless people are a reminder. A reminder that I should always count my blessings and be grateful for everything that I have in my life. Even when things aren’t going right and I want to blame the world, at the end of the day it could be worse.
I think it’s so mind blowing that people are SO comfortable with spending SO much money into the power ball, scratch tickets, etc. There was someone who spent over 100,00 dollars into the power ball and ended up not wining. We can gamble with our money but can’t even give a person a couple of bucks? Why is it so hard for us to give someone who is in NEED of the money but it’s so easy for us to gamble our money?
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is a struggle for me. There are days I notice and say hello, and maybe even give out a dollar or two. However, there are others that my heart aches to see this never-ending tragedy of homelessness – so I turn the other cheek. I pretend I don’t see, because as they say, “Ignorance is a bliss.” It is not that I see them any less of a human because they live out in the streets, because I truly have never walked in their shoes and do not any of their walks of life. I don’t know their story and what drove them to be in the position that they are in. Though it is disheartening and discouraging to see homeless people every single day, almost every where we go, and want to desperately help them, not knowing HOW?! Does giving out a dollar or two here solve the problem? Does providing blankets and socks for winter months correct the problem? Surely it helps, however,it is still not getting to the root of the issue here. Unless we come together as a nation and address the issue, homeless people will continue to be overlooked and treated as less. In my opinion, it has to start from the top.
LikeLike
It is sad to think that out on the streets are many people without a home, food, clothes, or family and friends. We all have seen homeless people on our streets. People become homeless not because they had a choice but because they can’t afford somewhere to live, lose their jobs, use of drugs, or gambling. There are too many reasons why people are on the streets without any support. No one deserves to live on the streets. They do need help. The resources available are, but are these recourses willing to help? We should help them too but how much of our dollars can help them? Homeless people needs homes and jobs to afford the home. The government should think about them and open more jobs and build affordable apartments. We do have a social responsibility to better help the homeless.
I would like to share this video with you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That made my morning! I’d like to share that on my Facebook page…thank you!
LikeLike
@Jonida Thanks for sharing the video, it was really touching. I agree with you, no one deserves to be in the street, but we see many homeless anyways. The resources should promote themselves out in the streets more often because how are the homeless going to find the information for the help they need if they don’t have computers/phones or when they talk to others they ignore them.
LikeLike
@Jonida THANKS for sharing this video! It’s amazing what changing our words can do for our life. I’m constantly reminding those around me to make positive confessions over their lives instead of negative ones. Its normal for someone you love to help you turn things around but its something overwhelming breath taking when someone you don’t know sees a need and meets it! Powerful video. Very inspiring.~ Zakia
LikeLike
This was a very nice video. I have actually seen a few videos on facebook where a guy who was not homeless as all pretended to be homeless just to perform and experiment and see who would help him. It turned out that it wasn’t the people who are rich or had money helped him but other homeless people who had nothing as well. It goes to show us and remind us that homeless people are just like us. They are human beings too, who have feelings and have basic human instincts.
LikeLike
Thank you for sharing this video with us! It is so important which words we choose in our daily lives. This video is so special. It is amazing what changing words but getting the same point across can do. This lady didn’t even leave money or food… She did more than that. She changed words, for more people to help out!
LikeLike
There have been many comments regarding this video! An advertising agency named Purple Feather in the UK, made the video to advertise their marketing skills and services. The video does bring attention to the issue, (even though they are promoting their marketing business) so we will consider only the positive outcomes and not the reason why the video may or may not have been made….
LikeLike
I find it very interesting how many homeless people that i walk by every day with out noticing until yesterday when i decided to pay attention when i was at the train station. There were about five that i noticed and i am pretty sure that i walk by more on a daily basis through Boston. I agree with one of the responses on this article that i would have usually in the past assumed that the homeless people on the train were just druggie and alcoholics. i never took the time to think about how they got in their current situation and realized that no one wants to just sit on the cold side walk all day begging other people who will just ignore them anyway. I did watch a video clip a while back where news reporters followed a “homeless” and “handicapped” person all day just to find out that there was nothing wrong with this woman and that she had a car that she snuck back into by the end of the day and used the “begging money” to go to the bar with friends. Its disgusting because many people see that clip and now probably assume that every homeless and handicapped person begging for money is faking it. I realize that it is just best to talk to the person and get to know them and their personal situation a little but better before judging and turning the other way.
LikeLike
I am a person who has in her mind all the time that I should not judge people, disregarding of the situation they could find themselves into. Why? Because I have clear in my mind that we are all humans. We all make mistakes. We all have good and bad days. We all seek for attention. We all feel the necessity from time to time to break down because we can’t handle some of the situations we found ourselves. Those “lesser animals” are humans as well, they just didn’t have someone to tell them how much potential they have. Now, they are in the corners of the most visited places, crying for some help, for some attention, and we just look the other way.
LikeLike
Homelessness has been around for as long as I can remember. I remember, in my high school days, I would come out of school to go home. As I was walking home, I saw so many people, homeless people, just begging for money, food, and clothes. They just wanted something, anything. All I remember thinking was “MacDonald’s is always hiring. Why don’t they just go apply? They just want my money so they could buy drugs.” Now whenever I see a homeless person, I begin to pray for them. I ask that he get homeless person out of their situation. As I began to mature and really understand things, I began to notice that things happen that are not under our control. No one ever wakes and say “I think I’m going to be homeless for the rest of my life.” The fact that it happens and not a lot is being done about it hurts. Why is it okay that some act as if this isn’t an issue? People do treat their pets better than humans. That to me is mind boggling. For people to be in this position, something bad happened. The most common theme in most people is to ignore. Why is that okay?
LikeLike
@ wedline
The thing about being homeless is that you can’t get a job because in order to get a job you need an address. It’s a dead end street. You’re right no one wakes up wishing to be homeless in fact it’s the last thing anyone would ever ask for. It’s not okay that these people are being ignored for something that they had absolutely no say or control over. Some of them would rather die then to continuously suffer day by day especially in this weather. You never know what someone is going through until you’ve walked in their shoes and until that actually happens, no one has the right to judge them. By the way I’m not saying you specifically, in general. I would always pray for them to ever since I was little because where I’m from, the whole country is poor so I sympathize a lot when I see people suffering.
LikeLike
the current system is so difficult for someone starting at the bottom to get on their feet. Even getting an identification card can be excruciating. Plus everything is done electronically these days, many lack the knowledge to even get the ball rolling and then give up. I do not understand why as a country we say we want to help and see people succeed except you must run this gauntlet to proceed.
LikeLike
Justin,
Excellent point, and even worse,, these people cannot receive benefits because they do not have an address!!
LikeLike
I often see homeless people anywhere when I go out. To tell the truth, most of the time I pass by those people as if they are not there. Even though I did think something for homeless, when I saw them, I did not have a courage to talk to them, give a cup of hot coffee, or help them because I did not see any people who are talking to them. With both good way and bad way, people tend to follow what the other people do. As a result, most of people might ignore homeless by following people, which is not good for human beings. in our society, I believe that helping each other or supporting each other is the most important thing to live because we are all same human beings and should be treated the same way. Therefore, we need to look at this issue much deeper in order to solve this problem.
LikeLike
Shiori,
Approaching a homeless person is one of the toughest things you can do but I am sure they will be plenty thankful for all the help you can give them! I think if one person’s sees an act of kindness (toward a homeless person or not), they will be more likely to pay it forward themselves. We should help out whenever it’s possible but often times it is easier said than done.
LikeLike
A. Xayavong,
I know most of time it is much easier to just say than actually do as you said. I totally agree with you but yes, we should some how help out whenever its possible! Our next step would be considering how we can actually act for people to support each other.
LikeLike
Shiori, You have have great outlook on this issue, it took me a long time to come to this conclusion but I agree with you. I also believe helping or supporting each other is the most important thing to do. My biggest concern arises when I see homeless people along either the strip of land leading up to I-93, where most of them look strung out on drugs or a homeless man/woman panhandling saying obscene things and appearing mentally unstable because unfortunately I still believe if I gave that person money they would just go get high, in one form or another. I genuinely feel bad for homeless people, however my problem and I believe a common problem for people dealing with homeless people is figuring out how the money you give them will be used. That’s why Veronica’s point last class really resonated with me, when she was saying she would stop in to 7/11 and buy them coffee because that way you’re helping and you know for sure you’re not contributing to their addiction.
LikeLike
Duncan,
As you mentioned, I also agreed with you and Veronica’s point. Although I believe supporting or helping each other is the most important things to do, I usually wonder what homeless people use the money for and because of that, I lose the courage to share some money with them. I often see homeless people who ask us some money but they actually have iPhone 6 or 6s, and they do not look like they are poor. Likewise, even if we try to help people whatever we can do, it might not be good for them because it is not contributing to their addiction. By thinking so, I get lost what we should do or we can do for homeless people. I’m pretty sure supporting each other is significant, but it is not that easy like we think.
LikeLike
I am reading quite a bit about “them” or “those” people,, how should we interpret the meaning of this categorization of people??
If we were talking about people of color or religion or gender, or sexual preference, would we not be discriminating against these populations of people?????
LikeLike
Homelessness is an issue that has been around for a long time, yet it is still not recognized as a large enough issue by the higher-ups. I believe our personal selfishness gets in the way when it comes to us individually helping out a person who is homeless. Although I know we cannot open our doors and let every homeless person sleep in our house, I know there is way more that we as individuals can do more for homeless people. For starters, we must all recognize that at any given moment that homeless person that you’re trying to ignore in the T station or on the street could very well be you. Life changes in an instant, and we never know the demons another person is fighting. I believe compassion would be a small step in helping our homeless population. I don’t have the answer to what kind of programs we can start, and what we should be funding, but I believe a listening ear goes a long way. And with communication good things start to happen. Be kind to the homeless people you see everyday, whether you have a personal connection to them or not. Spare them the extra dollar, buy them a coffee with yours, smile at them, and treat them as you would want to be treated if that was your predicament. We also shouldn’t judge our homeless population so harshly. Quite frankly, it doesn’t matter to me how someone became homeless, because we live in a country where this shouldn’t even be an issue. No man, woman or child deserves to go hungry, or not have a home to call there own. The United States could very well afford to provide these people with homes, or something of equivalence, but greed tells us otherwise. Maybe we should allow the homeless to trade places with the financially well off for 24 hours, and then maybe we would see some results in countering America’s homeless crisis.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I completely agree with you. I feel like no one is better than the next person like we are go through personal experiences some worse than others so the fact that these people are looked at a different way and treated negatively most of the time isn’t fair. At the end of the day, everyone should be given respect in order to return it. No one knows what kind of demon they faced to end up where they are. I feel like society as a whole should contribute to helping them out because someday it could be you. We need to stop living in a world where we think “oh we should’ve done something” and just do it while we still can. They are still human like they bleed the same blood we do but yet people treat them as if they were another creature. Yes a few do lie to get the money but that’s the risk that life brings because what about that one person that’s telling the truth and just saying hi makes them happy because they’ve been recognized. It’s the little things in life that counts.
LikeLike
@ Kaitlyn
LikeLike
Hi Kaitlyn,
I like that you stress the fact that it can be any of us at any given time because it is very true. We are not guaranteed a house for the rest of our lives. The tables can turn and one of us can end up in the same situation that they are in. I agree that there are many different ways that we can help, Especially a smile, because a smile can go a long way. I know it too well from personal experience. I can be walking down the street upset and a stranger passing by me can smile and it can pass. Even spare change at the bottom of our bags or pockets anything small like that, makes a huge differences to them. We do not know why they are there, what happened to them or anything but they are human beings like us. They feel the same way that we do. One important thing we can do is try to put ourselves in their shoes for once. The point you make at the end about them trading places for 24 hrs would be very interesting because it would bring interesting and drastic results.
LikeLike
Homelessness should be a huge concern for our society but unfortunately it is not. To be honest most of the time I do turn my head the other way when I see someone begging for money. I think the reason I turn away is because I feel saddened and ashamed that this individual has to be in this situation. Most of the time I don’t have anything to offer so I pretend not to notice them.
But one day as I was pumping my gas at a Hess gas station, a young man not much older than me approached my car. I automatically saw that he was scrawny and filthy. I knew he was going to ask for money. So when he approached me and asked, “can I ask you a question?” I automatically replied, “I’m sorry I don’t have any cash,” because honestly I never carry cash anymore. But the next words that came out of his mouth broke my heart. He asked me to buy him something to eat because he hasn’t had a meal in over three days. I automatically felt ashamed for turning him away so quickly. When i finished filling my gas I took him inside with me and told him to pick a sandwich and a drink. When we approached the register the cashier saw what I was doing so he told the young man to grab another hot dog because it was “buy one get one free.” The cashier smiled at me and I knew that just this simple thing started a chain reaction. When one person sees someone do something good they too get inspired to help. The young man could not stop thanking me, for what to me seemed nothing much because it was just a hot dog and a drink. But to him it was everything he had. After that day whenever i notice someone struggling on the side of the road if I have nothing to offer them i always give them a smile, because that too can go a long way. At least I can start to acknowledge that they are only human too.
It pays to pay it forward.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Amela, I liked your post. No matter what a person is going throught, or how they look, or what ever issues they may have they atre all still human beings.
LikeLike
I often ask myself the question why are there are homeless in a land where the opportunities are better than other countries, where being homeless is the only option they have. I concluded that yes it could be they are mentally unstable, drug abuse or other circumstances that led them to be homeless in America. Sometimes it did bother to know they have more options than other homeless around the world, however I know I ignored each situation of them and try to justify them with reasons above. Regardless of my opinion I think that we do have to help others not just because is a homeless person but any human being.It is a social responsibility to help and contribute around our community and the world.
LikeLike
@Estefania Gomez
I agree with you, when I first came to this country I did not expect to see so many people in need. But now I understand that maybe there is not enough help available to help others achieve economic stability and therefore homelessness increases. I too believe that it is important to help any human being in need regardless if they are consider to be addicts, mentally disabled, or homeless.
LikeLike
I often ask myself the question why are there are homeless in a land where the opportunities are better than other countries, where being homeless is the only option they have. I concluded that yes it could be they are mentally unstable, drug abuse or other circumstances that led them to be homeless in America. Sometimes it did bother to know they have more options than other homeless around the world, however I know I ignored each situation of them and try to justify them with reasons above. Regardless of my opinion I think that we do have to help others not just because is a homeless person but any human being.It is a social responsibility to help and show humanity around our community.
LikeLike
Hi Estefania,
the problem is a large majority of homeless people do suffer from these problems. It is because of these problems such as mental illness that they cannot get out of their situations. There is so much stigma around being mentally ill that is not cared for a treated as it should be. The stigma around people who are mentally ill is a huge problem because it is preventing us as a society from properly helping these people the way they need.
It should also be noted that people who are mentally ill may lack the capacity to organize themselves to fix their situation. Someone who suffers from severe depression may lack all motivation and not care for getting help.
LikeLike
Hi Kristin,
What is the stigma regarding the mentally ill? Where are you getting your information from,, is this factual information, or is it perception or opinion of people who are maybe making assumptions as to why the problem continues to exist??
LikeLike
This blog is very interesting to me, because just the other day I talked through email with an old high school class mate of mine. He had started a go-fund me fund raiser in order for him his wife and child to not become homeless. Every time i pass by a homeless person which pretty much is an every day thing i get such a horrible feeling inside me, and i always ask myself why is this happening to people. This past year i participated in the walk for hunger but unfortunately i could not finish the whole walk because i had to go pick up my mom. as i was making my way to the train station to go back to school to get my car i noticed what seemed to be a homeless lady sitting there crying. This was right across from the start and finish point of the walk where there were over a thousand people having a good time eating ice cream drinking and eating fruits etc. this literally changed my whole mindset on all the fundraisers. How is there a fundraiser to help out the hungry yet right across the street there is a homeless lady balling her eyes out. she was not the only homeless person there, i saw a bunch just sitting there begging. Hopefully one day someone can make a change on the homeless crisis we have here in America.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Mr. 2:30,,
Do not get discouraged with fund raisers, sadly there are times when the event and circumstance can be very ironic, but, the best way to ensure that your contribution to a fundraiser is being used appropriately is to follow-up and make sure that the funds are going to the people they were intended for!!
LikeLike
Hey Souhil,
I thought it was pretty ironic to hear what you went through/ saw, but I couldn’t help but think that all it may have took was for one person to say something. granted there is only so much one person can do. Maybe though if that someone stood up and people decided to feed or donate an extra t shirt or water, that could have made them spend a moment where being homeless wasn’t a disease but just bad circumstances. I hope you understand I am not coming at you but in general I feel more people should give and more eyes should be opened in order to just BEGIN to address the homeless crisis in America.
LikeLike
i agree i feel like that is the problem that not enough people take the time out to listen or attempt to help a person in need and not just financially. We make it seem that our lifestyles doesn’t allow us, but then again we all have free will to do what we want, so at the end of the day it is a choice by all human beings that we have allowed this crisis to happen. i do try my best to at least help someone on a daily basis but it’s not enough. there is a sort of a psychological affect that we get whenever we see a person in need, and that is that we think that we don’t have enough to help out when all it takes is just a hello to make that person smile, because that is also a form of charity it’s not just about money.
LikeLike
The Issue of homelessness is one that always weighs heavy on my heart. The way I respond to a homeless person always depends on the specific situation. I feel the very least I can do for a homeless person is to acknowledge their existence by simply responding and looking at them while I’m passing by. However, there are instances where I may totally ignore a person if its an issue of safety. If I’m walking up T station stairwell I would be likely to totally ignore the person and move swift. While on the other hand I am always willing to help the homeless man that is often by my local coffee shop because I know he harmless.
To most groups of people in need of some sort of assistance I would typically think, well go through the proper channels to receive your assistance. With the homeless population of people its not that simple or easy. People with mental illness are often unaware or unable to accept treatment for mental illness. Without treatment it may be nearly impossible to get organized enough to go through the proper channels for assistance.
We do have a social responsibility to help the homeless. Because of the issues the homeless suffer from it is important to help people on a one-to-one level. I believe its important to give what you can when appropriate. To make sure the person in front of the coffee shop that says good morning to you everyday is okay. To make sure they have train fare to get to the shelter or perhaps wants the granola bar you have in your backpack.
Helping people comes with balance though. While its important to help people on a one-to-one level we need to put a larger emphasis on social work and out reach programs. We need to make social work more of a priority in our government. This is so important because these people didn’t ask for the disadvantages that put them in their situations.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I totally agree with you when you say you choose to ignore certain ones for safety purposes. I grew up in Springfield, Ma (western mass) and only moved to the Boston area about a year ago. The reason I came here at first was because I was attending Suffolk University right down town. I lived in the major dorm building which is located on Tremont St right across from the Boston Commons. Not being familiar with the area I did not know what to expect but what I learned from living there for a few months was that there were many homeless people who hung out around that area and many of them were very disrespectful to me as I walked by. Of course it is human nature to want to help someone in need but when I feel that my own safety is in jeopardy I choose to ignore them too. Which is also unfortunate because those experiences ruin it for others who truly do just want our help.
I do disagree though that we have a social responsibility to help them. No one forces us to get up and help them but we should of course want to. If we were ever in their position we would want help from people as well.
LikeLike
Arianna and Kristin,
Now we will circle back to a previous conversation: FREEDOM OF CHOICE, that wonderful civil liberty we all have. It is your choice your personal choice and decision to either help someone or not.
There are many mitigating factors that can influence a decision, primarily, your safety, absolutely yes, you must always ensure that you will be safe.
Some people really cannot afford to spare any extra change or buy an extra cup of coffee, and that is ok,, nothing to feel guilty about, you have to take care of yourself.
And circumstance, there are some people out there that are professional panhandlers, this is how they make a living, there are legitimate homeless people that do not want your help, there are addicts who just need a fix,,,,,
and then, there just might be that one person, that a little bit of humanity helps survive…….
But whether we do or we do not,, the choice is ours to make….. for me, personally, it makes me feel good, just knowing that I tried,,,, and that really is all I can do…
LikeLike
Arianna,
I can agree with you that your own personal safety should come before assuming the social responsibility to help out. It’s important that you are getting respect in return when you are lending a hand but sometimes people don’t want to be helped. It is really disheartening and leaves you confused about if you should or shouldn’t help out.
LikeLike
Living where I do in the city of Lynn, MA, I see homeless people every day. When I was much younger, I was guilty of assuming that most homeless people were alcoholics, addicts, or just plain lazy. Giving them a dollar or two was “enabling” them, and it was best to just walk on by. Then, years later, my own experience with being homeless brought on by alcoholism changed all that. However, I was fortunate enough to go through some programs, get back on my feet, and be physically and mentally healthy enough to get to where I am now. However, not everyone is so fortunate, and for many different reasons. I often wonder if my foray into the helping professions will have the same impact on people as others had on me. I certainly would hope so! I think saving cats and dogs is a wonderful thing too, and I’m glad there are people and organizations dedicated to it, but how many of those animals ended up on the streets because their owners did as well?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Darren,
You have moved forward and now living in the moment, is all that matters. We never want to forget the past or more importantly the triggers, but we also do not want to over contemplate and dwell on the past,, we want to accept the choices we have made, the actions we have taken, and we want to remain positive and move forward. You are a very good example of positive growth and change, BRAVO,, but never without constant reminder,, what do you do today, to maintain your sobriety??
LikeLike
@Veronica,
Thank you! Losing my job, apartment, and ending up in a shelter was my definite bottom. Entering and completing a residential program (and working very hard in it) got me back on track, and gave me the tools I needed to get and STAY sober. I have a great support system of sober friends in AA and NA as well. Going to meetings, my friends, my spiritual faith, and the desire to help others to overcome their alcoholism and/or addictions are key to maintaining my sobriety. And if the smallest thought of drinking should ever enter my mind, a quick thought of where my life was a few years ago works wonders to dispel it. If you want to move forward, you don’t dwell on the past, but you mustn’t forget it either.
LikeLike
Hi Veronica, yea, you are right about that. I don’t forget about where I’ve been, thats why I stay focus and remain positive and move forward in my life for the better. What I do to remain my sobriety is work, school and do my meetings.
LikeLike
I grew up in Boston SouthEnd, and I see homeless people every where I go. It is sad to see,but thats the life they choose to live. I want to say most of them not all of them ,because I know things could happen In life to people for them to become homeless and lose everything that they have worked for all their lives. Thank god that they have shelters for homeless people and veteran. I sometimes see a homeless person and I do give them a dollar, or buy them something to eat. Most of the time some of them are just panhandling to get high and Im not giving my hard earn money to them to buy drugs and Im not using today. I never went over to check to see if a homeless person lying out in the train stations ,or streets to see if they were ok though.
LikeLike
Hi Darren, I grew in Boston SouthEnd all my life and Ive seen it all. I could relate to to what you were saying, far as being homeless and addicted to alcohol. I fell in that hole for about what thirty something years in and out of detoxes and jail. I was addicted to cocaine, heroin and that had changed my life. thank god, they had treatment centers and programs to go and get the help for people like us. I have been clean for seven years now and I have accomplished a whole lot in those seven years. I’m truely grateful. My major is Human Services, I want to give back and help people who are addicted to this disease.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Vanessa,
Thank you for your honesty, and CONGRATS on your 7 years sober!!!!!!!!!! What was your motivation for getting sober,, and what helps you stay sober??
LikeLike
Hey Vanessa,
Thanks for sharing. I feel that when people go through obstacles during their life and voice it, and how they changed it is refreshing read. You never know if someone else is going through the same thing or even have a loved one going through this. I have worked for a substance abuse program for 11 years and I know it is not easy, with that said congrats on living sober.
LikeLike
congratulations i encourage you to keep going, i know some people who struggle for their entire life and at the end give up. one thing im pretty sure is that it never too late to get back on track,never give up no matter what.Be blessed
LikeLiked by 1 person
Big congrats Darren & Vanessa! One of my anchors was my spiritual faith. I found hope in my sorrows. My two daughters were my inspiration to overcome darkness. I’m totally agreed with you Darren, helping others is a key to continue enjoying freedom!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Darren,
Thank you for sharing your story. I think your perspective turns completely around once you’ve experienced something such as homelessness on a first hand account. Congratulations on getting sober! I agree that many people are not as fortunate/don’t know the resources available for them. Sometimes it’s easier to give up but I am so glad you persevered through such a tough time in your life!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hey Darren, like many others above I found that your story really open my eyes to reality, the story was truly inspiring, and I’m glad that those programs actually helped you out.
LikeLiked by 1 person