In a dingy conference hall, bright from the neon lights; I sit,
learning about ways to end homelessness. The motto differs: “Ending
homelessness by 2025” “Ending family homelessness by 2020” “ending Veteran
homelessness by 2015.” Seems to be the new cool thing to do, all the kids are
doing it; trying to end homelessness! Everyone has an idea, and I have no
doubt these ideas would look good in a grant application; however, having seen
homelessness up-close, the road ahead is not as clear. It didn't stop
them, louder than the pink and green carpet covering the floors, speaker after
speaker eloquently elaborated their plan forward. I sit in the back, wondering,
why can’t I agree?
I don’t agree with the speakers because I don’t see homelessness
as an epidemic; something that needs to be destroyed. I see homelessness as a
time and place in a person’s life! A life event! I see homelessness as a stage
in life, much like adolescence, and as annoying as teenagers can be, no one is
suggesting we end them. For as long as there is mental illness, substance
abuse, and instant gratification, homelessness will exist. What we do when that
occurs will make the difference.
Homelessness, in my opinion, needs to be shortened, and I’m
lucky enough to work for a leading agency that understands that very well.
We think of our population as individuals who are exercising homelessness
and not as “the homeless.” We are working hard to make that experience as short
as possible, through assisting individuals and families in need to
navigate the social safety net, and supporting them with information and
referrals as well as advocacy. We alleviating barriers, and providing
wraparound services to assure self-sufficiency, and with our collaborative
efforts through building relationships with other non-profits, we assure a more
expedited experience for all my clients. How will you help? Please don’t say
that you will give money to someone asking for it in your nearest freeway entrance;
that really grids my gears!
