Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Humbled by Homeless

Tonight I had the opportunity to help at at Canvas Community downtown. A warming shelter has been set up this week as the temperatures drop in the teens overnight. It was great to sit down with the people and hear their stories. There were many sad stories and some stories of hope.

I met a 19 year old girl that lost her job, was beaten by her boyfriend and was brought to the shelter. She has no family to live with and has sickle cell anemia. Her sister has been trying to donate plasma so they can afford to pay a deposit for an apartment. She has been looking for a job, but has not had any luck.

I also met an elderly man who recently moved to NLR, and his SSI check was not sent to his new address. He is not able to pay his rent and utilities for this month and will probably be evicted. It was so sad as he assured me that he didn't want to be homeless and was doing everything he could to get the needed money. There was nothing I could do for him, but apply him for food stamps.

On a positive note, I did help a guy pick out an outfit for his interview tomorrow with McDonalds. He seemed like a nice guy, and I hope he gets hired. I also referred several people to the MAP Program at UAMS to help with low cost prescription drugs and doctor's copays.

It's so easy to see these people on the street, pass them by and go on with our lives. But when you get to talk to them, you see they have feelings, dreams and wants too. They have stories that will break your heart and make you realize how lucky you are to just have a bed to sleep in.

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