Giving A Voice To The Silent
Marisa Schaldach
Causes of Homelessness
- Loss of Jobs
- Loss of money from drugs
- Loss of money from alcohol
- Loss of a family member
- Family issues
- Escaping from abuse
Examples of Homelessness in the Real World
On the Invisible People website, I read about Brion. A teenager who decided to join the army after being bounced around from foster home to foster home since the age of 9. After suffering an injury, he was discharged and sent home. His mother kicked him out for not giving her money for her drug habits and he was kicked out. He spends the nights on the streets of Pittsburgh, and plans to do something with his life by attending college and getting into criminal justice.
In every story you witness optimism and smiles from people living in terrible conditions. When watching the videos and reading the stories, you cant help but want to open up your heart to help these people. It is amazing how hopeful these people are, and see their wants to build themselves a better future. These people live a worse life than most of us, and yet they are more grateful than us. These people should make us stop and think about the lives that we have been given. They are a great inspiration.
What has been done?
http://www.nationalhomeless.org/projects/vote/court.html
What Can be Done?
What can the government do?
The government can use the power that they have to pass laws to give people that are homeless another chance to get on their feet, give them shelter and a chance at a job so that they can become something. The government can prevent businesses from denying these suffering people from jobs. These homeless people are not worthless, they want jobs, they need jobs, and I'm sure they would be willing to work harder and longer than any other people that have a home and take things for granted.
What can you or the community do?
The community can create shelters to give these people a roof over their heads. Businesses can open their arms and give these people the jobs that they need to get back on their feet. The community can open their hearts and give these people another chance. You can be grateful for the opportunities you have been given and be sympathetic for those who are not as fortunate, a little consideration can go a long ways.
You have seen these people on the streets, you have read their signs, but have you opened you heart to help?