Who are the most vulnerable to becoming homeless?

Virtually any one of us could become homeless. Some people labor under the idea that homeless people are in that situation because they are lazy or like to live on the street. Nothing could be further from the truth.

The mass of homeless people living in the world right now somehow loose their humanity to the rest of society. There are lumped together and thought of as bums or too lazy to get a job. We need to look at these people as people, as individuals,people that are struggling to survive. They all have a story and they are or once where someone's daughter, son, brother, mother, ect. We all start out the same way. Naked and totally dependant on other people.

Things happen in people's lives that are not planned. Statistics tell us that almost half of homeless people are children under 18 years old. Their parents loose jobs with no family that will help them and take them in. Once in this rut, it is very hard to pull out of it. To rent a shabby apartment in a bad neighborhood takes money. Security deposits and first and last months rent are beyond what many people's budgets can endure.

Many of the homeless that you see sleeping in doorways and park benches are suffering from mental illnesses. Because of budget cuts in government spending they are released out of hospitals before they are able to take care of themselves. Once on the street it is nearly impossible for them to obtain their medications to keep them functional. They are sick, cold, hungry and are preyed upon by stronger homeless

people or criminals.

Some people ask 'Why would God let this happen to these people" but we need to ask 'How can we let this happen.' We truly are 'our brother's keeper'. We all can do something to help our brothers and sisters in need. Although not rich, I donate what little I can to my community food pantry. Not being able to feed your children has to be one of the worst things any parent has to face. If you are talented in carpentry, the Habitat For Humanity is a wonderful way to contribute. There are many ways we can as individuals help the hungry and homeless right in our own communities.

The next time you see someone that looks down and out and is struggling, step up. You be the one to say, what can I do. I'm not saying take them into your home, but don't look at them as lazy bums either. If you feel the urge to send money to your local food bank, don't ignore it, it's your better half telling you to act on the impulse. And remember that the next time you see that dirty person surrounded by their meager belongings and a bag of recyclables, that could easily be you.