Finding Zen

A-Z=Z-Zen
Ok, today's the last day of the A-Z challenge and Z is not an easy letter to come up with anything associated with homelessness and what we do here on Bridge and Beyond.  My goal, my dream would be to hear there is Zero Homeless Population, but I know that won't happen, certainly not in my lifetime.  And how would I show Zero Homeless in a blog post.  This being the last day, maybe a little levity is in order...some of the posts here have been pretty sad, because frankly the situation is sad and there's little good to post about.  However, even in bad circumstances there are people who make the most of the situation, people with a upbeat personality, people who don't let "it" get to them.  This man strikes me as someone like that.

If there's such a thing as Zen, finding Zen in a homeless situation, this picture might represent it.  Look how creative this man is with his drawing on the underpass wall.  Got a birdcage, a dresser and tv and a window with a blind.  Now, I don't call this living life in the lap of luxury by any means, but clearly he has he things organized, and he looks cleaner then most as do his belongings.  Sleeping on an old mattress in an underpass is not a life I would want, but this man......Gotta hand it to him.  Makes me wonder if he has a job, you know homeless do.

I hope those who've visited through A-Z have learned alot about homelessness, and that you'll continue to visit the blog.  I hope some of you have figured out a way you might help, if not here with Bridge and Beyond, locally in some capacity.  Visiting, commenting, those help the blog reach others, so do come back and cheer on all the helping hands.

Tomorrow then is May, but the work here on Bridge and Beyond continues.  We knit and crochet and donate all year long, not just in the winter months.

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.

Living Under the Underpasses

 A-Z Challenge = U=Underpass, Uncomfortable and Unwanted, Urban
These homeless leaving between and under underpasses and bridges may be some of the luckier ones. They have some supplies, some shelter, and a small community.  At least they did when the photo was taken.  These areas are often very temporary, until someone complains, the police forcibly move them or until they feel unsafe and move to another area.

 Some have less, not much more then the clothes on their back; but still shelter from both cold rain and snow, and summers hot sun.

 Some leave their supplies covered (click to enlarge to see the supplies up in highest part of the underpass) during the day while they forage or find space inside for a few hours of relief, coming back to the cold dark and very noisy underpass areas for the night.  Can you imagine the noise and smell of the cars going by all day and all night?

 Speaking of noise, see the young man on right covering his ears.  I don't supplies in this picture.  Perhaps they have found a spot for a temporary nap.  Sleeping is something very difficult for the homeless, as they are rousted typically multiple times a night.  It's thought to be sometimes the source of why they act irrationally, they are sleep deprived.

 Some have found what appears to be more permanent shelter and companionship under the underpasses and bridges.

Obviously some actually had structures, shelters they built under bridges and underpasses; until the city crews dismantled them.

Cities and their Police force are constantly working in tandem to move homeless, to discourage homeless from collecting.  Some say it's a health issue, trash and human waste; others say it's a crime issue, others say it's just inhuman and wrong.

Some are taking preventive measures.  Homeless certainly can't sleep or sit, or even stand where businesses have installed these and other similar "You're Unwelcome Here" measures.

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.