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Many people nowadays have the luxury of a beautiful house, a cottage to escape to in the summer, a new car, and all of the new gizmos and gadgets such as cell phones, computers, MP3 players etc. that many times we are so caught up in the success and happiness in our own lives that we forget to look at those less fortunate. Unfortunately however, when we do decide to look at the well-being of those less fortunate we are often looking through clouded glass.

Homelessness is an issue that has been around for as long as we, as people, can remember. Our status of rich and poor, always here as well. And thus, as we can observe through history, the views of these two greatly opposing sides are different to a level that no middle man could understand, and yet we try daily. What do I mean by this?

Reading through many articles previously written in support of homeless shelters as a solution to homelessness, it is obvious that we are not looking at the situation in an objective manner. Many have suggested that homeless shelters are a starting point for the homeless and that it provides them with a base in order to build themselves up again. We create homeless shelters, soup kitchens, etc. as temporary solutions for the homeless but what happens afterward, or for how long are these services available?

Personally, looking as objectively as my mind possibly can, being someone that truly cares about the well-being of others in the world, do not fully support the concept of homeless shelters. In my opinion a homeless shelter is no more than a crutch to the homeless. It is as if their homelessness is a broken leg in their life, preventing them from moving forward, and so we hand them a homeless shelter, dare I repeat myself, a crutch. With this crutch they are offered a shelter and protection from many of the things that await them on the streets. Sure, this is a wondrous thing, but then what? Many that have found themselves on the streets do not trust other people, do not want to start out again in fear that they will end up again on the streets. Especially today in the current economic state of the world. I honestly can't say that I blame them either, I would also be fearful for all of the reasons that had landed me on the streets in the first place. I would take the crutch, after first being cautious, but I would not want to let go of my crutch.

And how can we guarantee that the homeless will feel any different? And are we willing to be a constant crutch? Afterall, wasn't

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