We as a culture overall are so busy running here and there trying to live our best lives. So many work ridiculous hours only to crave more materialistic objects. A better car, a bigger house, brand-name clothes, how can we do this and still slow down a little so we can focus on ourselves and find some relaxation? Not taking a step back a little can definitely lead to burnout, and that can be life-altering and dangerous. One sure way to help your mood and give you great feelings is to help those less fortunate. Whether it is by offering personal time to help at a shelter, food bank, or helpline, providing a financial contribution, or some other donation, giving our time to others has amazing benefits for the giver as well as those receiving. Believe it or not, giving your time, donations or even monetary assistance can truly help you feel good about what you do, knowing you are helping another human being going through a really tough time.
Sometimes we take way too many things for granted, things others would do anything to have even a small portion to call their own. Willing to work, looking for a place and items they can call their own, for the most part, those less fortunate would do anything not to be in the position they are experiencing. Whether it’s a snack, a hot meal, dry sheets and blankets, a coat, or a bed to sleep in, clothes that are not tattered and torn, the smallest things can mean the most to other people who do not have access to, any of these things we may not even think twice about having in our possession. These are just a few of the many essentials needed by our homeless individuals and families. Other items truly needed by the homeless population and the shelters they frequent are things like those mentioned above, as well as socks, food, dish soap, detergent, toilet paper, and twin bed sheets.
Each day, so many of us see our homeless and act with fear or criticism saying things like just get a job, you bum, or just look away instead of maybe stepping back and thinking how they may have gotten there, to begin with. Maybe they LOST their job which they have been with forever and never acquired any additional skillsets, maybe they went through a divorce and lost everything to their spouse, or maybe like so many, things just added up and took its toll on them. Whether it was a little bit of everything, or they were severely depressed or had another type of mental illness and then started drinking. Does it truly matter how they arrived in the state they are in now, not really, they just need our help. No one can be sure, except that person and there are many ways to reach out and help, one important idea might be to try and talk to them and see just how you can help. Not sure what to do or say, what about donating your time at a shelter, or one day when you stop to get coffee before work, and you always see the same person standing on the road, why not get them a coffee or something to eat? You would truly make their day. Type up a list of resources, with addresses and phone numbers and give it to the person you see, better yet maybe even find the time to drive them someplace that can provide what they need.
Some people are outright afraid of those on the streets, criticize them, make fun of them, or ignore them. When in fact all these people truly need is someone to show some compassion and help them get back on their feet. These people, many children, need what we all need-the essentials, food, clothing, and shelter just like anyone else. Grant it, many of our homeless people may have some form of mental illness from schizophrenia to bipolar and depression from former trauma as a result of the reason they are living on the streets.
It’s Friday afternoon before the start of the awaited weekend. You are talking to a friend and walking down the aisle at your local store (pick your favorite) laughing and joking around. As you’re ready to check out and go on your way, you come across an older woman standing there shaking and in tears. Although you appear in a hurry, she asks if you can help, or at least that’s what you think you hear her said under the tears running down her pale and chapped cheeks. Now she says to you she is hungry, tired, and cold and you know it is supposed to be frigid tonight out in the already snowy streets. You are concerned about helping her, but you also know how excited you are because its Friday and you are ready to relax at your friend’s house. You know there is a shelter just around the corner and you ask her if she’d let you take her there. She seems somewhat hesitant but agrees to go with you after a few minutes. Before you leave the store, you get her a drink and a snack to tide her over.
This is a true story, and there are a few more heart-warming moments we have experienced. The next was a middle-aged man with jeans and a ripped t-shirt, straggly blonde hair that was in the middle of a busy main street. He was holding a sign asking for help because he was hungry. My husband and I looked at each other and agreed we were going to help out. I went back into the store and bought the homeless man a breakfast sandwich. I have never in my life seen such relief and appreciation then I did on this man’s face that morning. He was so grateful and just kept repeating the words, “Thank you”.
So many people are under the assumption that all homeless people are dangerous or trouble. The most common types of mental illness among the homeless are affective disorder, depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar and substance abuse. But only about 1/3 of this population has some form of mental illness. However, mental illness cases can be found to be significantly higher among those who are clinically homeless and can have much more detrimental in longevity. Homeless families have the smallest percentage of mental illness cases.
More advocacy, donations, research, and personal involvement are needed to address the obstacles, and close the gap among our homeless people. When we as a people join forces, they will hopefully be able to have access to more beneficial resources and the opportunity for them to work on the essential steps to put their lives back on track successfully.
Homelessness can happen to any of us at the blink of an eye. Please find it in your hearts and your home to help us help them by donating to our collection drive 2022.
Attached is the full request letter. As always, thank you all so much for your support and the best, warm wishes are being sent from Life of Pretty to you for memorable and happy holidays.
