Just Another Issue
I know right now you are sitting behind a computer, so you would be considered (at least by me and millions of others world over) to be... well... lucky. Here is where you react with your personal problems which are rather petty (sorry not trying to be rude here) life situations that amount to a hill of beans, barring extreme life circumstances, compared to say, that one guy who wears rags and talks to himself on the corner of Main and Broadway. Huh? You know who I am talking about, that creepy homeless guy (or so you say to yourself as you remember to lock your door while sitting at the red light.) Behavior such as his would qualify about 100 years ago for a good old fashioned exorcism, a scalding bath with lye soap, and some fresh clothes. Now I dare you to imagine 2 days in the middle of a harsh winter in this man's shoes.
In my heated debates on internet discussion forums, I've addressed my feelings in regards to the homeless situation here in the US. I have heard from some that the homeless are homeless by choice. Perhaps it could be said that some are put in their situation as a direct result of poor life style choices such as drug or alcohol abuse, but odds are most have serious underlying mental issues. Ever think of the life that that person lived? Maybe if you went through and saw all that they had or rather lack thereof, possible abuse, likely poor aptitude for learning or disabilities, and the like... you would may likely abuse drugs or alcohol as an outlet as well.
The vast majority of the homeless within the US are undereducated and mentally unstable. Face it, most mentally stable people are not crack addicts selling their bodies for the next fix. You can argue about some who have been able to turn their lives around and rise above it, but let's be real here. This is the exception, not the rule. Not everybody was born with a bright mind, nerves of steel, and determination to be a success.
Perhaps the homeless situation cannot be eradicated, but I think much can be prevented and many individuals can assisted though education and rehabilitation to be a contributing part of society. There is no excuse for half of what occurs in the United States... we are the USA for heaven's sake! And yet, there are areas here in the States that mirror a third world country.
The website I wanted to link to (The National Coalition for the Homeless or NCH) focuses on housing justice, economic justice, health care justice, and civil rights. They use various approaches such as grassroots organizing, public education, policy advocacy, technical assistance, and partnerships. I hope you take a look.
