Before working at Urban Peak, a nonprofit that provides case management (among other services) to youth who are homeless between the ages of 15 and 24 so that they can become independent, I thought people who were homeless wanted to be and just didn't care about becoming contributing members of society. I've come to realize that's not true -- at least not about everyone. There are some who view their present situation of homelessness as a way of life and don't want to leave it. However, there are a great many individuals and families who are actively trying to get out of it. They want to have a stable job and take care of their families. Not every person is the same.
Youth, in particular, are the most vulnerable population because of sex trafficking, lack of awareness/good judgment and many times they don't have a support system of any kind. Many have been kicked out of foster care the day they turned 18, which means they might not have graduated high school. Some kids in the system had "parents" who didn't really care about them, didn't teach them valuable skills such as discernment and time management. Some escaped abusive situations. All they need is someone to guide them so that they can make good decisions in life.
Looking back at all I had learned at Urban Peak, I know I've been blessed. I was raised by two loving parents (even though it didn't feel like it all the time), who wanted what was best. They punished my sister and I for talking back, but they also bought us clothes, made our favorite meal and took us out for ice cream. They helped us with homework and encouraged us in our passions for art, music, writing, sports etc. They were even supportive when I told them I wanted to be an airline pilot! I had honestly thought they were going to disapprove.
Today, when I look at a person in dirty clothes sitting on the street, I don't see them the same way as I did before. Sure, they still smell and sometimes they scare me, but they are people too. There have been times where if I didn't have a support system, I would have been homeless. I would have been struggling to find my next meal. When I have time and/or money to spare, I try to give back in little ways. While I don't suggest handing out money to those on street corners, I do hope each one of us will take a moment and buy/serve a meal to someone who needs it or write a check to a worthy organization that wants to solve the growing problem of homelessness. Simply ignoring them, won't make the world better. Can your workplace provide jobs/internships for them? Can you donate clothes? There are other ways to combat homelessness than just giving a dollar. Think about it.
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