Understanding Homelessness

What's your opinion on the homeless?

I'm always amazed at the polarizing effect that question has on people. More often than not, you will get one of two very striking responses:

(a) "I feel so bad for them, I wish I could help. I try to give them a little money or food but I know it's not enough. Last night was so cold, I felt so guilty in my nice warm home..."

Conversely....

(b) "Those bums need to get a job! I work my ass off everyday, do you see me taking it easy? No sir. Where the hell is their pride, for god's sake? I know I earn my keep."

Perhaps you have friends in both groups, I certainly do. I do respect both reactions because they are speaking the truth - their truth - and highlights very different views on the plight of the homeless. I'm not sure which group I belong to, (a)? (b)? Both, perhaps. Part of my frustration stems from a lack of basic information. I wonder, how many of us really understand this issue...

I have many questions... Like, how did many become homeless in the first place? Are the same conditions in play for the majority of the homeless? If so, what are those conditions? On the other hand, does every homeless person have a unique story? A unique hardship. Hell, we all know how tough life can be, and at times, we are amazed how we got through difficult times. Certainly mental illness (incl. depression) must be a factor for some, perhaps many. How many homeless people are just plain lazy and have, therefore, given up? Are the homeless to be pitied or is it their own fault?

And my biggie - where the hell is god in all this? Whatever your opinion of the homeless, these souls are lost, suffering and forgotten.

As a Project Manager, whenever I saw confusion on a project, I found it useful to restate the roles & responsibilities of the team. So....
- What is god's responsibility in this?
- What is our (society) responsibility?
- What is the government's role?
- What are the homeless role in their own plight?
- And finally, what is my role in this? What are you and I going to do about this, if anything?

Too many question w/o answers.

I think the homeless are a problem that we all share, whether you admit it or not. That most of us continue to ignore them, is symbolic of our own frailties. So, while you count your blessings this afternoon at lunch, perhaps splurge a bit for an extra sandwich or soup and make a difference to someone in need. It won't solve their plight, but will remind him/her and you that we are all on this planet together, and acts of kindness is something we are in short supply of... That's what I think. And I will walk my talk this afternoon...

Hmm... that's interesting, in the process of writing this entry with as much honesty as I can muster, I've found myself firmly in group (a) and not group (b). I guess I have learned something about myself this morning...