It's a sad sign of the times that every day, average, hardworking people are facing foreclosure and becoming homeless. The face of the new class of the homeless no longer fits the stereotypical lazy, in-the-gutter drunk bum who just doesn't want to work!
Daily we are bombarded in the papers, TV and internet with horror stories of respectable people losing their homes because some slick talking mortgage banker manipulated them into refinancing their fully-paid-for home with an adjustable rate mortgage or they unexpectedly lost their job. It really saddened me the other night when I saw a senior citizen interviewed on the news. This was a family man, in his 60s, crying on national news because he could not believe the 'system' had failed him. He had worked hard all his life and was looking forward to retirement. Instead of getting that monthly pension check, he's now out of work and homeless.
So, what can you do about it short of taking in someone?
- If someone you know is a victim of this economic crisis, don't abandon them. Be a true friend and do whatever you can to help them get through it. Something as simple as listening to their problems or inviting them to dinner once a week can truly lift their spirits.
- Retired, with more spare time than money, then volunteer at one of the homeless shelters in your area.
- Organize a food or toiletries drive for the homeless in your community.
Want to help, but don't know where to start?
Go to http://4homeless.hypermart.net/soup_kitchens.html Scroll down to the map and click on your State. You can find several organizations there that need your help!
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