Worked for a few days getting a housing voucher squared away for one of the guys from the shelter. I think it's $340 a month, supposed to be a subsidy, most of the guys it still won't be enough to make a difference. We need to develop micro housing structures, almost like bringing back the old boarding houses. The folks would have their own small room, enough space for a bed and their things, a common room and dining hall. Problem is it's not a money maker so therefore unlikely to happen. Still working on county officials, trying to get them to donate property and trailers to house the men, not much luck yet.
Had a friend ask me why, oh all the things I could have done, why did I pick the shelter as the place to spend my energy? Good question. Never been homeless, never been close really. always had a job, so I don't connect on that level. Definitely don't think I'm better than they are, so why? What I came up with surprised me, didn't know I had such Zen thoughts. It really doesn't have a whole lot to do with them. I'm doing this because it is how I think things should be, and I can do it. I can't fix the economy, can't save the rain forest, but I could see to it that 16 men had a warm meal 3 nights a month for 7 months. I got a few things done for a few of these 16 men, not all of them. Didn't put an end to homelessness, but I tried to make things a bit better for the 16 I knew.
4 comments:
Andy, You've done a wonderful thing in trying to help these poor souls. I, too, wish we could end the homelessness in our country. Thank you for being such a great person.
Peace,
Muff
Muff - Thanks, it feels good doing something for others, makes you want to do more.
awb
Oh, yeah, man, that is what life is all about, no Zen about it, just common humanity and get-off-your-buttness!! GREAT IDEA. and a RIGHT ON! If we all just...
Diane - If I had all the answers I'd of started google, but it gives me reason to countermand my buttness, a word I will be stealing by the way!
awb
Post a Comment