12/15/2019
I have been reading the posts for our small town and I am wondering...Who among you is really trying to help people?
I am helping and the only thing that is certain to me is the problems our community is facing is much larger than a single good samaritan can absorb.
I am a 49 year old disabled veteran who has the fortune to be caring for my 7 year old autistic son. When my boy asked me why is that person sleeping outside? I was faced with the dilemma of trying to explain the myriad of issues surrounding the homeless plague that is nationwide. My answer was very simple I said son people are too caught up in their own problems to take the time to see the suffering of their brothers and sisters, and rather than extending their hand to help they look past the suffering and rush home to protect their homes and families.
I asked my son should we walk past them today? Or should we see if we can help? My son chose to help them.
I have spent many hours getting to know our homeless in the community, I have imposed upon them at their camps and recieved hospitality fit for a king. I have extended my hand with the offer to help them.
I am no fool and I understand all of the complexities surrounding homelessness. I am a former homeless veteran who lost sight of the beauty in this world, I survived the trials of a crippling traumatic brain injury, paralysis, drug addiction, prison, and personal loss.
Today I see the world through a different lens and I offer help for my struggling brothers and sisters. I hold occassional NA Meetings, and my son and I host dinners and spend time mentoring and studying with several former homeless strangers who are now getting their GED, Clean & Sober, and working towards getting enrolling in community college.
Should we walk by them? If we do then nothing will change for the good.
They're all out there...and unfortunately, I don't have the resources to help them all.
