There is something amiss in this world when a small apartment, in terrible condition - not even safe, or sanitary - rents for over $900/month, where a blind woman depends on her 4 year old grand daughter to be her eyes, where in a homeless camp of 300, 85 are children, 5 of which are newborns. FIVE homeless newborns! There are 2 newborns living in my home right now and I cannot even imagine them homeless. It breaks my heart, and makes me want to scream. How can we being doing such a poor job of it down here that our most innocent, precious, and vulnerable are homeless? Welcome to the world you precious child of God ....
Seriously, homeless newborns?? I can't get over it. Those mothers - how are they caring for themselves as they recover from pregnancy and birth? How can this be? I know, I know - we make our own choices in life and that determines where we end up. I am a big advocate of personal responsibility. I think people should work hard, follow the rules, and be responsible. But do you know how much work it takes to afford that much rent? How much it takes to just cover the very basics? It's not as simple as all that. Sometimes life gets darn near impossible.
Thank goodness it doesn't get cold here, but a home provides so much more than warmth. A home provides safety, and shelter. It provides a place of sanctuary from the world. It's a place to belong, to feel safe and loved. How does growing up homeless shape a child?
All they are asking for is clean bedding and towels for the kids for Christmas. That's it - just a bit of comfort and the means to be clean. We are a greedy and selfish society that consumes flat screen tvs and decorator seasonal throw pillows while newborns - NEWBORNS - don't have a roof over their heads! Something is waaaaay out of wack. We need a society wide priority check. There are homes, there are empty buildings, there is plenty for all, if we would only live up to our divine birth right and love our neighbors as ourselves.
I just can't even imagine ..... but there is no need to imagine. It's reality, just down the road. Life is fragile, we must treat each other better. If don't, we are failing the test. We are failing. I must do something. Even if my efforts are one feeble stroke against the strong current, I must try. Won't you try too?
UPDATE 12/1/16:
We gathered up sheets, towels, clothes, baby items, food, etc and donated a trunk full today. It's so much better for those extra things to of use rather than taking up space in our crowded house. Why do so many of us humans have the innate desire to hoard stuff? If having a clean towel is good, then having 20 is better, right? Wrong! Having tons of stuff is a burden. Let go and be of use. Free your stuff.
