Homeless

As I was doing my usual morning news check, I watched a news video about a homeless man that returned $3300 that he had found in a backpack.  While it was encouraging to have some good news, the story also bothered me a bit.   Why are these types of stories worthy of national news coverage?  Has doing the right thing become such a novelty in our society?? In the newsreel, the point was made (more than once) that the homeless can have integrity. Did that mean that the story wouldn't have garnered national attention if the finder of monies lost HAD a home?

I will readily admit (with shame) that I have a lot of pre-conceived ideas about people.  However, assuming that almost all homeless people are thieves is not one of them.  Thinking that homeless people are trying to prove they don't need to conform to society's standards and therefore choose to be homeless is also not one of them.  Recently, our family has had the privilege of interacting with Dave, a man who is homeless.  Dave is an interesting guy who survives on limited disability payments.  He has chosen living alone, outside, so that he can remain financially independent.  He has told us that he some friends that he can always crash on their couch if it gets TOO cold outside, but he wishes to remain independent as much as possible.  He resides in a small, solitary camp in the middle of the city.  When we take him 'home', we merely stop the car along the side of the road, and he gets out and disappears into the brush and trees.  Somewhere back in that brush is the place that he currently calls home.  He has his routine.  He goes to the Y daily to work-out and shower.  He keeps his limited possessions in a 5x5 storage locker located near his 'home'.  He attends a men's Bible study once a week as well as a small worship gathering, which is where we have had the privilege to worship along with him.  He is polite, well read, and an encourager.  Heis one of the many in our country who find themselves homeless.

According to the National Coalition for the Homeless, the main causes for homelessness are:  foreclosure, poverty, lack of work, decline in public assistance, lack of affordable housing options, and lack of affordable health care.  The statistics also cite that 63% of homeless women have been victims of domestic violence.  Another 26% of homeless single adults suffer from severe mental illness, with 5-7% of those requiring institutionalization.  The statitics also show that homelessness is on the increase, even for families.  In conclusion, the National Coaliation for the Homeless summarizes that:  Homelessness results from a complex set of circumstances that require people to choose between food, shelter, and other basic needs. Only a concerted effort to ensure jobs that pay a living wage, adequate support for those who cannot work, affordable housing, and access to health care will bring an end to homelessness.

This morning as I type this, I am looking out my window at a small dusting of snow.  I hear the wind howling.  I made myself a latte' and am padding around in my warm socks and cozy yoga pants and sweatshirt.  I am snug inside the walls of my home that separate me from the biting cold.  As I sit here, I can't help but think about where Dave is and if he was able to stay warm last night.  I can't help but think about the many more that are in his same situation.  Most of all, I feel an enormous sense of gratitude for all that I have.