Stephen’s Pantry would like to introduce a series of blogs for the purpose of helping to bring about conversations. To begin a long-term mind set shift about what is the root cause of homelessness. Then explore potential solutions for homelessness that is spiraling out of control across this nation. It is not something we can continue to turn a blind eye to, not with the economy taking such a strong, extended downturn as it is. We must find solutions, and solutions always start with conversations.
What is the hope behind these writings, is simple, the hope is that whoever decides to read these blogs will no longer see Joe the park bench sitter as a bum and drug user or derelict but as a human in need of help and a way to start over again. The hope is when you see a panhandler on the corner you will not so quickly assume that they want a beer or a fix, but maybe are truly hungry and need a meal.
See, there are teachers, nurses, moms and dads, kids, accountants, construction workers, chefs, truck drivers, preachers, business leaders out there trapped in the cycle of homeless and need and we don’t know their story.
The rate of Americans living below the poverty level is growing at scary rates now and that means the homeless population is getting ready to explode. This will require vastly different thinking and approaches to end homelessness. The hope behind these stories is to begin to break down the walls that are stopping the bridge building work that must begin to start to end homelessness.
Right now in this nation it can take one person up to 110 hours of work at minimum wage to pay rent, and that covers no other expenses or food. And that is if they can find a unit that is even available right now, what am I hinting at, housing shortage. Homeless is abut to be hit hard with a group of people who never thought they would be homeless. Not speaking ill or wishing harm, but life is about to get tough. We need to have these conversations and soon, the government cannot stop, slow or fix this quagmire that is spreading. Add in gas increases, food shortages and the family is stressed out right now and help is needed.
We have allowed the government to control the homeless situation for to long and the hope behind these stories is to begin to bring light that homelessness can actually be brought to an end and people set free, that is what it is all about, showing that it is humans on the streets.
We have allowed the humanity to be lost to mere numbers and problems. Without those conversations that we already spoke of and without humanity, the problem will only grow and fester and invade major ares of society without check. Which we are beginning to see already in some very major cities.
In this Simply Series our new friend Billy Bob will be introducing us to some of his friends, Howard. Relationships on the street are a two edge sword, can’t hand together and can’t 100% trust everybody, but Howard has some people he is going to introduce us to us over the next few months. In this Series we are going to look at some real issues form the streets and face some facts. Some let’s go on a journey with Billy and Howard and their friends and see what it is like out there in reality.
So, I invite you to join in and read the blogs that will following this post over the next several week and months. Join in the conversation and help us, Stephen’s Pantry find solutions through great, informative conversations and idea sharing for the benefit of humanity at large. Thank you
