No matter where you look, it is impossible not to see the effects of poverty
When poverty is mentioned in many circles, some people cringe.
Not so much because of how horrible it is to be poverty-stricken, but it is more about bringing out the “them and us” or even “them vs. us” mentality. Many go out of their way to avoid getting near someone hustling for a buck so they can eat.
Eat without digging through a dumpster to find something to eat.
The hunger that goes way beyond merely putting something into their bellies. There is a hunger that needs the companionship, or at least nearness, of other human beings merely to keep whatever part of the mind is left without losing even more.
And companionship that will not allow others to steal what little they may own.
THEM and US, THEM vs US
I don’t understand how some want to live this way. And “want to” some do. I know because we all have choices. We are all God’s children. What does this mean? It means that we are ALL US and there is no THEM. Just, some who could use some love.
How do you show love to others who you may not agree with or even like?
Treat them as you would like to be treated. Give them the same respect as any other human being, not something “less than.” Don’t avoid eye contact. Look them in the eye, instead of looking elsewhere. Smiling hurts no one and often earns one in return.
“Jim, what are you leading up to?”
OUR FATHER
Have you ever been in a group, say at a meeting, where The Lord’s Prayer was recited?
What are the very first words of this prayer? Right! “Our Father.” The group saying this prayer together may consist of whites, Hispanics, blacks, Asians, or combinations of all.
Saying “Our Father” together reminds us of something that is shared by all.
Everyone shares the same Father. Now, what does this make the individuals, all of whom are looking different from each other? Right! Brothers and sisters! Exactly like the human children of a human father! All together as in a family.
Back in 1979, Sisters Sledge recorded a hit song, We Are Family, which became the theme song for the Pittsburgh Pirates when they won the World Series the same year. The team and large parts of the nation came together and won it all as a family.
WHAT DOES A HOMELESS PERSON GO THROUGH?
What a homeless person goes through depends on where the homeless person is located geographically at the time.
If the homeless are fortunate there is a shelter for them at night. The downside, though, is once in a shelter, they face assault and theft of their few belongings. And, if a woman, there are added dangers.
Not all communities offer this service, though.
The City of Flint, MI, where I volunteered and worked with the homeless in a soup kitchen, was an industrial giant when General Motors and related industries filled the town with workers making it the 2nd largest city in the state at that time.
Then, General Motors and its related industries pulled out of the city.
This put thousands out of work and nowhere else was hiring. Many fled, abandoning their homes. Then, the city changed water sources to the Flint River, which was contaminated by industrial waste.
This caused major health issues, especially with the young.
Now, the city had people who were not only homeless, but their children were sick and dying. At this time, there were only a few homeless centers in the city. The displaced homeless that populate the city today are scattered around.
Image of homeless by Author James Boylan and ChatGPT
They are scattered from in the streets, to under bridges, and living in abandoned and burned-out structures.
They are also victims of human vultures treating them as prey. Gangs will go into the abandoned “homes” and beat and rob the inhabitants. Arsonists have joined the action by torching the buildings, often with occupants who may or may not make it out in time.
They have no utilities in these buildings and, of course, can not use the water.
The main water mains have been replaced using state and federal grants but the pipes between the building and the water main at the street are called the responsibility of the non-existent owner.
What does this mean? It means that the water is still running through contaminated pipes.
People can not cook, take a shower, or wash their clothing so they simply don’t. When we seek donated clothing for our patrons, we ask for men’s clothing, boots, and shoes because it is sturdier and warmer than women’s clothing.
The women wear men’s clothing and have passed on wearing skirts and dresses.
Some will come in during the snowy, frigid winter wearing flip-flops and believe they won the lottery when they leave wearing tennis shoes or boots. When the homeless, many of them also hopeless, came into the St. Andrews Soup Kitchen on Flint’s East Side, they formed groups similar to families.
We fed their bellies with warm, nutritious food and fed their souls with love.
The St. Andrews Soup Kitchen is no longer. Lack of funding has brought this life-preserving institution to a halt, joining other mental health facilities and even entire churches that no longer have the funding to survive.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
We can not realistically, actively help people in other cities or even if they are not on Flint’s East Side, so we take care of our little portion of the world wherever we are.
If five people read this and do something about their small portion of the world, this is a start. If 55 read this and do something in their corner of the world, this is 55 more areas with changing attitudes.
You can do the math and project how many could possibly be helped. Or you could do something yourself and add your neighbors to the list of those who are at least being exposed to some HOPE because of you!
Thank you, God!