Many years ago, we met our first homeless family. There were four people in the family, mom and dad and two active boys, all living in a tent at Chester Frost Park in Chattanooga TN. I recently had major surgery and had not gone back to work yet. My husband was earning just over minimum wage at Roper. We didn't have enough money to pay our own bills, much less fund another family.
I adopted the family, and spent days helping them obtain services which would provide them with food and shelter. They also needed furniture, bedding, clothing, and toys for the two boys. I managed to help this family get off the street. My husband got the man a job at Roper.
The important point is that I managed to help this family get on their feet, without giving them money. I found a way I could help them.
I don't understand why we aren't seeing more of this now. I have found an almost total lack of community in our society today.
When I donate to The United Way or The Salvation Army, I have no knowledge about how my money is used. Yes, they do a lot of important work. I just feel that when you choose to directly help another person, you have the opportunity to experience the positive impact you can make on another person's life.
There are enough churches, especially in the South, so that if each church adopted one homeless family a year, in five years, homelessness would be gone from our country.
Why isn't this happening? Even in church, there is no sence of community.
We are expected to leave home at age 18 and be self-sufficent the rest of our lives. In today's economy, that is not practical. All of us have catastrophic events in our lives that leave us needing outside support and help. Our family, our church, and our community should be there for us.
If you want to do something about this blight on our society, find a homeless family in your area, and assist them to get on their feet. Guide them through the red tape so they can receive whatever benefits are available in your area.
Please donate you time to this cause, then write about your experience here.