Do you remember me?

"Do you remember me," is a question that my homeless clients ask me on a regular basis. I always reply back with, "of course I remember you," and there is a lot of truth in that statement. I don't know if I have ever forgotten a homeless person that we have come in contact with. And, most of the time, they don't forget who we are either. While walking the streets of uptown and passing out supplies is an entirely different volunteer opportunity than our weekly meal service, the homeless recognize us. In some ways, they know that we are there to help them...and we can all see the relief on their faces.

A few weeks ago, we were stopped at a crosswalk and a homeless woman looked down the street and told all of the 20 volunteers to cross the street. She said something along the lines of God having our back. It was one of those statements that I didn't question, and we all crossed the street. Afterwards, I had to think about how profound her statement was. Even though she lacked material possessions, she still felt protected by God. Housed individuals take a lot for granted; we have so much to be thankful for but the sad reality is that most of us are not thankful, at all.

We've never experienced extreme hardship, sadness, or suffering. We go through life with a complete lack of knowledge about what a homeless person's life must be like. We look at them and we blame them for their unfortunate plight, and we believe that there is a reason why they have fallen into homelessness. After all, homelessness doesn't just happen, right? Or does it? Sometimes, homelessness does happen, without warning. Everyone seems to have this misconception that they could never be homeless, but anyone who losses their job and gets behind on their bills can become homeless. No one is immune. So the next time you see a homeless person on the street, consider recognizing them for what they are: a person in need. If you see them this way, the need to pose blame dissipates. Help them, and remember them. Think about it...

Real Change?

Every once in a while, I get so fed up with the "solutions" in this city to "end homelessness," that I write about it. To read more about the latest initiative to "help the homeless," and my reaction to this initiative, please click here.