by Michael Schwoerer

Created on: February 12, 2010

The first solution that comes to mind would be to revamp the shelters and how they operate. No one really wants to stay in a shelter, but sometimes things are just out of our hands. Depending on what the state or local government have in place, the shelters are not what they are cracked up to be. Instead of being a place for counseling and recouping what was lost, it is more like being in the military or jail. This doesn’t help, it hurts.

Not saying there are bars on all the windows and doors, those who need help are being treated as if they truly did something wrong. When actually they should be trying to counsel these individuals and educate them. Counseling to help them deal with the fact that they are homeless and educating them on how to get on their feet.

Yet more time is spent on giving them certain times to leave and be back. Not having anything in place to help with childcare to allow the parents to go find a job. Most places you go for a job interview isn’t going to want you to bring the kids. There should also be something in place for those who don’t have a vehicle to get around. Walking is good exercise, but when the weather is bad where are you suppose to go?

Stop and think for a few minutes, these people have lost everything. Do we really want them treated with so much disrespect? None of them had any control of the lay offs or jobs being moved overseas. They should be treated with more dignity and not made to feel like an inconvenience.

Second, focus more on referring them where they can get help or get educated on how to get back on their feet. There should be a list at the shelters and at the local Department of Social Services as to where they can receive counseling and classes on how to get on their feet. Food stamps and Medicaid are a big help for most, there is more that could be done.

Third, if you don’t have a free clinic in your area, see about getting one. There are some doctors that will volunteer to help those that need it. Whether it is for medical, dental, vision, or psychological needs: a place where no matter how much they make, they can go to receive care.

Fourth, the communities need to pull together and help too. We shouldn’t leave everything up to the government to take care of. We could hold food drives; put an ad in the paper asking for donations for the local shelters, or hold bake sales or car washes to collect money to donate. Don’t just sit back and pass judgments, get out there and make a difference.

Fifth, some of these older houses could be fixed up and made livable for those who can’t afford a place to live. This type of thing isn’t just done on television. This is another area where the community can pull together.

Sixth, funding should be set up from the donations for each person or family to get a fresh start with. These funds could be used to re-educate them for a different area of employment, classes on how to work together as a family, or even to assist with childcare. Teach them how to set up a budget and stick to it. These people do want to get back out there with a job and a home. They don’t want to be in a shelter.

Once they get back on their feet, there can be a repayment plan worked out that they can afford. Those who donate should be given a reward of some kind. We should all focus on helping those here at home, before worrying about those abroad. These things can be put into place and achieved if everyone works together.

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