A person would think hunger and the inconvenience of living in a car, seeking shelter in a cardboard box or sleeping on a sidewalk is the worst part of being homeless. It isn’t. Yes, going for two or three days with little food, unable to shower or practice proper hygiene plus the indignities, embarrassment and humiliation of being both broke and homeless are pretty tough things to deal with. But the topper, the worst part of being homeless . . . is being degraded by those in charge of affording some type of temporary assistance.
I say this with certainty because there was a time in my life I experienced the feelings of homelessness. Not because I was lazy, shiftless or looking for a handout. The economy went in the dumper, and the company where I worked as a journeyman making an excellent wage closed its doors. When savings ran dry, and unemployment checks didn’t even cover rent much less other necessities, I was forced into the street. And when unemployment checks stopped, so did the ability to eat on a regular basis. And, at that period of time there were no jobs to be had anywhere, not even burger flipping.
So, I say to those in charge or elected as a savior to the those in need but instead choose to look down on them, demean them, call them names, or scream at them because they are confused and aren’t acquainted with a long list of rules, to chill out, gain some respect yourself and begin treating the less fortunate with some dignity. And, be extremely happy you aren’t on the other side of the fence.
Bill Keller
Chloride
