Last night instead of sleeping, my mind reflected on the events of the day. There were a couple of things that stood out as rare glimpses of insight. I received an email from an unknown individual thanking me for writing the Observer article. This was definitely appreciated given the somewhat negative reaction the article received from others. In fact, earlier in the week I was asked to just stick with feeding the homeless because it was "safe." I'm just not a play it safe kind of gal. I am fortunate to have friends in the local media industry who have my back, however, I really don't take the criticism personally. After all, this mission isn't about me-it's about the homeless and it always has been :) Once again though, stereotypes are a factor in this equation...Of course total strangers found it necessary to advise me to take 6 homeless individuals back to my "Myers Park Mcmansion"-as if I am some rich snob preaching without the initiative to follow through. Again, I find these preset stereotypes interesting and if anything, it just strengthens my resolve. People's jaws often drop to the floor when I tell them that I do not generate a salary from Steele Creek Outreach. The reasoning behind this is that I don't need the money-and when you mix money with charity, you get corruption. Make no mistake about it, there are some CEO's becoming very wealthy over other people's misfortune. Additionally, I put my own money into the operation of our non-profit, that way, 100% of our donations go towards buying supplies for people in need. I think that the most important thing in life and in any endeavor is to remain real-without pretense. And since I am being real, I can say that I live in Steele Creek-not Myers Park, lol!
Later on in the afternoon yesterday, I had two different conversations about the perceptions and stereotypes of homelessness. These were actually pretty one sided conversations, mainly because I wasn't the one talking...I was listening to their point of view. Sweet, I didn't even speak my mind about the issue and they already had the same realization I have had for years. It just further solidifies that we can spread awareness and hopefully have an effect on people, one person at a time.
"When you finally begin to feel the pain of the world around you, you're not dying...you're finally starting to live." -Nichole
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
First article for the Charlotte Examiner:
This will be published with the Examiner next week. Here is a sneak peek:
Stereotypical society oppresses homeless
The reasons for homelessness far exceed just addiction alone. Eviction, job loss, illness, and mental instability are all contributing factors of displacement. Many homeless individuals turn to drugs and alcohol as a coping mechanism, in an effort to deal with their unfortunate plight. Contrary to popular belief, they do not become homeless because they are addicts-they turn to addiction because they are homeless. Society perceives homeless individuals as worthless and lazy-that they either desire or deserve to be homeless. In addition, society tends to oppress those who do not live by our standards. In essence, we are equally to blame for habitual homelessness. If we are ever to combat homelessness, we must first start at the root and dissolve these misconceived stereotypes.
Nichole Jaworski
Stereotypical society oppresses homeless
The reasons for homelessness far exceed just addiction alone. Eviction, job loss, illness, and mental instability are all contributing factors of displacement. Many homeless individuals turn to drugs and alcohol as a coping mechanism, in an effort to deal with their unfortunate plight. Contrary to popular belief, they do not become homeless because they are addicts-they turn to addiction because they are homeless. Society perceives homeless individuals as worthless and lazy-that they either desire or deserve to be homeless. In addition, society tends to oppress those who do not live by our standards. In essence, we are equally to blame for habitual homelessness. If we are ever to combat homelessness, we must first start at the root and dissolve these misconceived stereotypes.
Nichole Jaworski
Charlotte Observer...
Here is the article that I wrote for the Charlotte Observer this past Monday:
Use the money to help homeless, not count them
The writer is CEO of Steele Creek Outreach.
In the Queen City, close to 7,000 people have been labeled as "homeless." That number is almost certainly inaccurate.
Meticulous statistics are impossible to obtain when tallying the ambiguous hidden, erratic nature of homelessness.
Potentially, in any corner of our city and suburbs, an individual has succumbed to a life on the street.
We're entering a new era - that of the unsuspecting homeless individual, the one who fell victim to this pulverizing economy.
Trying to determine a number is a true waste of time and resources. Instead of spending money on useless government assessments, why not redirect these funds towards programs that assist the homeless, programs that will help these individuals transition back into a contributing part of society?
Nichole Jaworski
Use the money to help homeless, not count them
The writer is CEO of Steele Creek Outreach.
In the Queen City, close to 7,000 people have been labeled as "homeless." That number is almost certainly inaccurate.
Meticulous statistics are impossible to obtain when tallying the ambiguous hidden, erratic nature of homelessness.
Potentially, in any corner of our city and suburbs, an individual has succumbed to a life on the street.
We're entering a new era - that of the unsuspecting homeless individual, the one who fell victim to this pulverizing economy.
Trying to determine a number is a true waste of time and resources. Instead of spending money on useless government assessments, why not redirect these funds towards programs that assist the homeless, programs that will help these individuals transition back into a contributing part of society?
Nichole Jaworski
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