There are many faces of homelessness. Some are women, some are men, some are children, and some are Veterans. They're in my city, and yours and the country sides too. The numbers may vary from local to local; but the problem exists everywhere across our great land. We don't know there faces, we don't know their names. We see them and want to avert our eyes. In some cases we may be afraid. Perhaps they are too. Afraid of another cold lonely night without a roof over their heads, afraid of another cold lonely night without food, afraid of another cold lonely night when they might have to be on the run or hide or try and protect what little they do have. Yes, I think they too have fear.According to statastics, there are some 12,000 homeless on any given night in my state of Ohio alone. Of that 12,000 about 1,500 of them go un-sheltered. Like this man in the above picture finding rest in the middle of what appears to be a sidewalk or parking lots. No doubt some heat might exists in the concrete to help warm him.
In Ohio, The FMR (fair market rent) for a 2 bedroom apartment is $683.00. Rule of thumb is one shouldn't spend more than 30% of ones income on housing. To afford an apartment that cost $683.00 (FMR) using the 30% rule a person would need an income of $27,326.00 annually. That annual figure breaks out to $13.14 an hour given a 40 hour work week. The minimum hourly rate in Ohio is $7.30. Given the state's current minimum that worker would need to work 72 hours a week to afford the 2 bedroom apartment. You can quickly see from those stats compiled by localities and the federal government; why so many are homeless. Think of the people you know, how many make the $13.14 an hour and work a steady 40 hour work week. AND, how many do you know who's rent is well above the $683.00 (FMR)?
Please help where you can. We have many ways to help. Our primary goal has always been hats, mittens, and scarves. Those items can be knitted or crocheted and we do collect them all year long. Yes even in the hot months of July and August. We want to be prepared with a ready supply as soon as the first frost hits. In addition we always need store bought socks. Socks are needed during all 4 season. Can you buy a bag? I've added a badge here for Pine Street (click on side panel to read more about it), they are in need of 9 inch squares. Those squares can be knitted or crocheted. Please measure your squares twice. You can forward directly or send along to me with your other donations and I'll mail in bulk.
I wonder who's son, brother, uncle, husband or father the man is the picture is. The face of homelessness is sad.
**Please see suggestion made in comment by Sandie, I think it's a good one. I can buy socks in bulk and if folks want to send along a little something with their regular donations it wouldn't add to the cost of mailing.
2010
Scarves 143+2=145
Hats 188
Mittens 13 pairs
Socks 28 pairs
2008-2009
Hats 368
Mittens 66
Scarves 147
Socks 79 pair
*counts from day 1, Dec 2 2008
There, but for the grace of God, go I.
ReplyDeleteSandy, I am so very grateful for the work that you do. Thank you.
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It is a wonderful endeavor that you have undertaken. I know that there are some who are on the streets that do not seek help or even what it. Then there are those that are there because they have no other choice. Yes, most of these folks have relatives and shame on them for not being there for them in this time of need. We have the homeless in my city too and we are blessed to have shelters to home most of them, especially during the frigid months of the year. You and your organization is doing a fine work. Keep it up!
ReplyDeleteFriends 4 Life!
Perhaps those who send in a scarf or hat or whatever might like to add a few dollars towards purchase of socks? I know I wouldn't mind doing that. Socks are not that expensive to buy but adding mailing costs would bring it up. That is, if you wouldn't mind purchasing socks occasionally.
ReplyDeleteSandie, that's a great idea. I had someone from Scotland do that about this time last year. Thanks for suggesting it. You're right would be cheaper in terms of mailing costs.
ReplyDeleteSandy
Sandy, as soon as I finish my best friend's birthday present, I am starting on scarves and hats for your cause. This picture reminds me that we are our brother's keeper.
ReplyDeleteYour creativity in serving the homeless community of Ohio is inspirational!
ReplyDeleteI am new to knitting and the only project I've completed thus far is a set of potholders. My mother-in-law gave me a TON of yarn, and I'm thinking of trying my hand at scarves. Do you have any EASY patterns for knitting newbies?? :)
Also, how would one go about sending scarves and other items to you to give to the homeless??
Best thing Denise is to cast on about 22 stitches (if you're using regular knitted worsted) and do straight knitting. If you want it to go faster use 2 strands of yarn (2 different colors is fun) and cast about 16 stitches. For double yarn, I would suggest size 11 or 13 needles, for 1 strand I find 7 or 8's work well. Love to have you join us. Zipped over hoping to leave you a note on your blog; but you didn't have one and I didn't see an email ady.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks for your offer to help.
Sandy
Hi, again. Thanks for the tips on an easy scarf pattern! Hoping to start one soon.
ReplyDeleteAlso, if you want to check out my blog, you can find it at http://denisedilley.blogspot.com. For some reason it wasn't on my profile, but it is now!
Thanks again! :)