Heart-wrenching isn't it? I often come across images like this one that remind me just how fortunate I really am and how much more I could be doing to help others that aren't so lucky.
It's hard for many people to lend a hand to those in need knowing that there are so many people out there that are deceptively milking the system. The harsh reality is that the people begging are just the ones you see, there are far more out there that you don't see. There are people too embarrassed or ashamed to ask for help. They hide from the world and pray for a second chance. Those are the people that need the most help.
I've had numerous debates concerning our welfare system and others like it. Everyone seems to have their own perspective of how well (or not well) they work. I consider myself to be of the mindset that the system is very necessary, but is unfortunately under-monitored and over-used. Anyone can fall on hard times and I firmly believe that there needs to be something there to catch us when we fall. However, it is extremely important that there are more regulations and more monitoring to prevent people from taking advantage of it. Something should be put in place to drive people to get back on their feet - welfare should be a short journey, not a destination.
I inevitably think of my friend (who I will call "B"), whenever I discuss issues of homelessness. My eyes tear up when I think about him wandering the streets with nothing but his delusions to keep him company. He's not on welfare and he's not staying in shelters. He isn't taking advantage of any of the state-sponsored resources, so he's not milking the system. He's just homeless - just lost. I've tried everything I can think of to help him. I have spoken to countless mental health professionals, lawyers, police officers, and shelter staff members about his circumstances. They've all agreed that there is nothing I can do for him - he has to be the one to ask for help. How can he ask for help that he doesn't even know he needs? He has cycled between various jails, hospitals, and mental health centers over the past 5 years and he always ends up back on the street where he started. I've been told that the only way he could get help without asking for it would be if he hurts himself or someone else. It's absolutely devastating to think about that and I worry about getting "that phone call" all the time. Wherever he is, I hope he is okay. I haven't heard from him in over 6 months and that's the longest I've ever gone without hearing from him. It's a daily battle to make peace with the fact that I can't do anything for him except be there for him and encourage him to get help. I really wish there was more I could do.
So today I decided that while I may be powerless to help "B", that doesn't make me powerless to help others like him. I contacted a local shelter and asked them if I can be of service. I'm anxiously awaiting their reply...
K8
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