Homeless people were cast of their dwellings by tragedy, job loss, divorce or catastrophes like Katrina. I learned that doing the day they gather old relics, throw aways, trash can scrapes, aluminum cans and items to use, share, or as a sale of goods. Some are modern day panhandlers who have devised a script to gain a meager amount of money. Their place of employment is a street corner, storefront ,parking lot or sidewalk. I learned by their tactical awareness of presenting an opportunity to aide in survival by earning a dismal wage,they are entrepreneurs of a lesser kind. This type of employment can't be deemed a shameful display considering the rumors I've heard of the well to do occupying their territory, thereby, reaping the rewards from needed souls.
I've observed the development of a tough exterior, one brought forth due to cruelty, name calling, nasty looks, mistreatment and lack of respect. Many people no longer see them as worthy of kindness, care and concern, a person fit to be in society. The bible says the poor will always be with us and thus it is true to this day and shall be to the end of our time. Homelessness is a part of society and is on the rise while society struggles to prevail in the throes of a declining economy, they will suffer the most. Will there be grief or compassion for the homeless being included in the health care bill? Shall anarchy be screamed from the rooftops against them?
I learned that they are resilient and may out last us all because they know how to survive during hard times. It would be ironic if we found ourselves at their feet begging for a crumb, a box, a space in the alley, a doorway, a spot on a bench,humbling ourselves to ask to be taught the techniques for living day by day beneath an unsheltered roof without a door to lock? Then and only then will the homeless arise as people with intelligence, education, value, leadership and ability. We'll need the great wisdom of the homeless man's book of knowledge, code of ethnics, regulation of law and order in the government of their world.
Homeless people are a poor and disenfranchised culture living in a third world beside a democracy created for all people being equal. They fight a war against poverty, disgrace and empty sentiments riding on deflated words offering hope and promises. Their lives are judged carelessly, flimsily, humorously, heartlessly, and they're dehumanized in the worst way possible. I learned that they have rights of protection from these slanders by self authority evoking a standard of dignity which no man has a right to strip from another no matter how poor or rich. I have yet to see the scales of balance teeter in the center and steady itself for an even measure.
They are strong where we are weak, they weather the storm while we're comfortable at home. They plunder and pillage through trash and wait in long lines for a meal, we have home cooked dinners, order in or dine at a restaurants. Their clothes are somewhat ragged and worn, we shop for bargains and give away our hand me downs. The scenarios are endless as to how homeless people have a plight more destitute than ours .However, in their eyes it's not viewed as scrapbook content as I have described because they are living a life, one that is honored and cherish, which renders them noble and worthy adversaries in a world where they are constantly under scrutiny and attack.
I learned that homeless people are our neighbors, the Bible says to love your neighbors as you love yourself. It also said to take care of the poor and not to mistreat them. I also learned of people holding firmly unto their faith in God , believing in deliverance from their present state, a people who blesses those who help them. I have heard stories of professionals from all walks of life confessing of demeaning behavior, closed doors, and one look judgements because their outer attributes spoke not of the years of experience within.Yet they go on and persevere, praying to see another day and to be kept from harm.