by Willow Breeze

Created on: July 22, 2009

You see them, they are in every city, town, and state. They hold up signs, "will work for food". They look unkept, in need of a bath, perhaps a glass of water would do them some good. They stand out in very well traveled areas such as strip malls, or at gas stations, airports, bus terminals, where ever there is going to be people to see them. Who are they? Do they have a name? What was their life like before they were holding signs? They are our homeless population.

They are in need of a place to lay their heads, or a place to get some food. Is creating shelters the answer to our nations homelessness issue? In my honest opinion it is not. Do I have a heart? Yes. Do I feel bad that someone is down on their luck? sure I do. My issue with continuing to build shelters is simple. The more you build the more they fill up. I don't think you could walk into any homeless shelter and find a vacancy. Why? Word spreads. Once someone finds out that there is a new shelter well then why not see if they can get a roof over there head, some food, and a good nights sleep. What happened to looking for a job?

I firmly believe that if we were to create shelters with a stipulation such as within one week of residing at the shelter you have to have proof of atleast applying for two jobs per day, it has to be a job in which the applicant is suitable for, they can not apply for a CEO position when they are only able to pump gas. I think if there is certain guidelines in which they have to follow or they will be kicked out of the shelter you would see that our homelessness problem would subside.

I do understand that economically there isn't enough jobs for those of us who are not homeless. However there are odd jobs that people can do to make money any little bit helps. You have to be determined, motivated, a self starter, you should be able to read and write English, and you should be able to show up on time for you scheduled work assignments. Those who can self direct themselves where the jobs need their most attention are going to rank high on the employers list of good workers.

Everyone gets down on their luck from time to time. I think that it would be a lot better on ones confidence and self esteem to know that they have exhausted all possibilities before just accepting a hand out. Shelters should be a temporary fix not a permanent residence.

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