I don't think that I could possibly every get used to the cold! Funny, because I would love to be a New Yorker, but I simply do not have the hardiness to handle the weather. I started thinking that these sometimes unbearable elements really make you appreciate what you have!! On my drive home in my warm car, I pass multitudes of homeless people carrying their life's treasures in a bag as they head towards the shelter in hopes that there is room. It's easy to have on a sweater and a warm coat, and judge them for their "addictions" that have put them in their position. In actuality, the two trends that are largely responsible for homelessness in America, are the shortage of affordable housing, and poverty. There was a 32% jump in home foreclosures between April 2008 and April 2009. Wow!!! Right?? Did you know that since the start of the recession, there have been 6 million, I repeat 6 million jobs that have been lost? Of course, there are many factors in the rising epidemic of homelessness. For example, lack of affordable health care, domestic violence, and mental illness. Yes, addiction to drugs and alcohol is a cause, but in the big scheme of things, think of how many people are addicted to drugs and alcohol who are not homeless. However, if you are poor and you have an addiction, your likelihood of experiencing homelessness is higher. Stop for a minute, and think of the children out there. At least 1.35 million children are homeless during the year, and 200,000 on any given day Do we choose to whom we are born to? Do we get a say? As I write in the comfort of my home, I think of what I am grateful for. I try to think of ways to help, I think of those people out there shivering in the cold, and I think of how ridiculous it is for me to say that my dog has a Snuggie! Now that I have your attention, remember that any little thing you do helps! If you help ONE person, you have made a difference! Giving a blanket is a temporary fix, but I am sure it would be appreciated!
~There is hunger for ordinary bread, and there is hunger for love, for kindness, for thoughtfulness, and this is the great poverty that makes people suffer so much.
Mother Teresa
Be safe in the upcoming days!
Much Love,
D
**facts gathered from the National Coalition for the Homeless website.
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