So much Homeless Controversy!

There is an alarming amount of controversy in today's world when it comes to helping the homeless! It is absolutely mind boggling, not to mention frustrating.  There are those that want to sincerely help the homeless in ways that will truly help them . . .  there are those that want to appear to help the homeless simply because it makes themselves look good (pathetic), . . . .  there are those that wrongfully think that ALL homeless are bums, drunks and druggies and not only refuse to help them, but argue that others should not either . . . . . . then the worst ones of all, are those that not only feel that the homeless should NOT be helped, but are doing everything possible to make it illegal to be homeless and/or illegal to help the homeless. There is a 'special place' for the latter, and it isn't a good one!

I am writing this blog to HELP people HELP the homeless. Not just to help the homeless, but to help the homeless help themselves. When someone is down, sure it is a good thing to hand them something to help in that moment, but if we continually give them their most basic of needs and nothing else, are we really helping them? NO!! We are firmly locking them into the position they are currently in.

SO, what is the answer? We need to help them, help themselves. Not only will this method help them to rise up from where they have fallen to, but this level of assistance will help to give the homeless some pride, dignity, and self worth back.

There are mountains of ways we can help the homeless help themselves. Why aren't most people doing this? Because it is much easier to just hand something to someone that is down, rather than teach them something, help them find work, create their own income, and so on. Also, sadly, so many people help the homeless for the wrong reasons ....so they themselves will look good. ... the 'brag factor.' "Hey, Fred, look! That group of homeless people is eating today because *I* took food to them!" Pathetic! Yes, it is great to fill up a hungry tummy in an instant, and that is a true need, but too many are doing it for self gratification. Wouldn't it be better to carry that further? After they have a full tummy, help them to plant a garden, provide them with seeds/plants, so they can continue to feed themselves down the road? I mean, for what some people spend on food to hand to the homeless, a small parcel of property could be purchased, cheap, on a back tax sale and a garden put in for the homeless to maintain.

Well, I am getting carried away and beginning to rant. Can you tell I have strong feelings on this subject?
Stay tuned . . . . much more to come . . . .