Homelessness in America

I am an avid reader of CNN.com and Foxnews.com. So when I come across an article regarding the homeless in America I couldn't resist reading it. While it had some great information from the "professionals" that deal with the homeless on a daily basis there was so much more the article left out.

Yes, organizations DO provide a great deal of tangible support such as food, blankets, clothing, a place to sleep and sometimes a place to take a shower. When it comes to support such as mentoring, motivating or providing permanent shelter that becomes a close issue with me.

June of 2008 I was forced to move out of my apartment, put mine and my kids things in storage and move in with my mom and step-dad, on their front porch. In one sense I was glad to have a place to sleep and in another I hated it. No privacy, tension between everyone and grandma interfering with parenting caused a lot of issues. I was on a list for income based housing too. However, I was told that I may be on that list for a LONG time. Luckily though, I had just transferred colleges (YES I am also a college student) and they had housing for me and my kids.

That was almost a year after I had been placed on the list for the income assisted housing. This doesn't take away the fact that because previously I had dealt with a flawed Child Support system for 18 months which greatly contributed to the homelessness. One thing I have learned is DO NOT depend on the Child Support at all whatsoever to support you or your children, period.

Homeless people most of the time have low self esteem or possibly a mental illness. Either way they do need help, whether or not they want it. For one it takes persistence in order to build a trust with them. They have to trust you, believe you in order to get out of the major rut they are in. It is going to take a great amount of motivation for them to say I CAN do something better and I AM worthy and I AM deserving.

Most importantly, the homeless need mentoring or someone to be held accountable to. There are going to be up and down days and to have a mentor that is reachable can make the world of a difference. Motivating a person can do amazing things for both individuals. Imagine motivating a person to get off the streets, apply for housing, for a job and/or even training and say, a year later you run into that person who is smiling from ear to ear enjoying life?