Another sad picture of what Homelessness is...Foraging. Foraging for food? This sadly is a reality for far too many people. Again, hard to imagine what that is like, how demoralizing it probably is. How are we as a society going to help? How can we as individual's help? I can not wave a magic wand and make this problem go away, no matter how much I wish I could.
But, I do believe we can help. In an earlier post there was a discussion both in the post and in the subsequent comments that followed about whether or not to give homeless (beggars) money. Many comments were made that indicated a good number of people aren't comfortable with that, and or that they don't tend to carry cash. Some felt opposed, not knowing how the money would spent and had conflicts/concerns about whether the money would be used to buy food, or cigarettes or alcohol. I know that may not be the best use for the money, however, I understand why they spend it that way. And perhaps having that choice gives them a wee bit of freedom...to do as others in society do? I don't know the right answer and doubt the answer is or should be the same all the time; as circumstances and people are different.
Some folks indicated in their comments when possible, they've purchased a meal for the person in need. Naturally if you're right by a fast food or other food source that does work. Perhaps carrying fast food coupons or gift cards would be a method to help people, not worry about carrying cash and or not worry about how that cash might be spent. I wonder, has anyone had experiences they can share along those lines? Are the homeless you see generally near a fast food establishment? Have you seen someone foraging and offered an alternative for them?
**The counts on our progress bars are current, the percentages not quite. I'll not be figure the percentages with each update of numbers, but will be updating again next at least by the 20th. I have in fact made a reminder not on my cell phone for the 20th of each month to do percentages. If we're at a milestone, or I just have extra time I may do it more often...but certainly at that scheduled time.
**All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated. The Power of One is awesome, and when we work together The Power of One becomes The Power of Many.
