Anytime we discuss problems related to youth homelessness, there is potential to oversimplify things. I realize this issue is multilayered and can't be corralled into neat, explainable packages. There are always mitigating factors that need to be taken into account, so we need to keep that in the back of our minds. However, to address youth homelessness topically, here are three inter-related categories.
Family problems. This might be the most obvious, but it still needs to be mentioned. When a child feels unsafe in their living environment, everything breaks down and that child can find him or herself considering options no kid should have to consider. Disruptive family conditions are the principal reason that young people leave home and many homeless youth leave home after years of physical and sexual abuse, strained relationships, addiction of a family member, and potential parental neglect.
According to interviews conducted by the Street Outreach Program through the US Department of Health & Human Services, youth attributed homelessness to the following causes:
51.2% were asked to leave home by a parent or guardian
24.7% were unable to find a job
23.8% were physically abused, beaten, or left due to caretaker's drug or alcohol abuse
17% were forced into unwanted sexual activity by a family or household member
Economic problems. Some youth may become homeless when their families suffer financial crises resulting from lack of affordable housing, limited employment opportunities, insufficient wages, no medical insurance, or inadequate welfare benefits. In these instances, the kids suffer for happenings out of their control. Youth may become homeless while still with their families, but may be separated from their families by the shelter, transitional housing, or child welfare policies.
I've spoken to enough of our residents over the year to know that there are few things more heartbreaking than a parent who feels responsible for the homeless condition of their family. Children suffer greatly when they are forced out of the comfort and stability of their homes and forced to readjust to life in a shelter.
Residential instability. Some youth living in residential or institutional placements such as foster care, become homeless because they are discharged or emancipated with no housing or income support. One national study reported that more than one-in-five youth who arrived at shelters came directly from foster care, and that more than one-in-four had been in foster care in the previous year.
So there you have it, a brief summary of just a few reasons youth homelessness is an important issue in America. And the most important thing to remember is that these kids are really out there, right now, living their lives as you are reading these words. They are not merely demographics or statistics and this issue will not solve itself.
Information courtesy of nationalcoalitionforthehomeless.com
Thursday, September 17, 2015
Monday, September 14, 2015
When I Grow Up...
I remember when I was a kid and adults would ask what I wanted to be when I grew up? The reply was almost always something bigger than life. In no particular order, I would rifle off a list including (but not limited to): astronaut, archeologist, fighter pilot, soccer star, president, and a few other jobs I imagined were simply up for the taking. Over the years it became apparent what was within my grasp and I am happy with my current station in life even if I never married Alyssa Milano or became a professional jet pack tester.
One thing I never would have thought about was the possibility that I might grow up to be homeless. Most kids don't consider this because it's not a topic children think about.
Homelessness is a major social concern in the United States, and youth may be the age group most at risk of becoming homeless.
The number of youth who have experienced homelessness varies depending on the age range, timeframe, and definition used, but sources estimate that between 500,000 and 2.8 million youth are homeless within the United States each year. This is a far cry from dreams of being a doctor or lawyer. And it is not a simple case of kids deciding to abandon their homes because they have their phone taken away and are mad.
Youth run away for a whole host of reasons, including involvement in the juvenile justice or child welfare systems, abuse, neglect, abandonment, and severe family conflict. These youth are vulnerable to a range of negative experiences including exploitation and victimization. Runaway and homeless youth have high rates of involvement in the juvenile justice system, are more likely to engage in substance use and delinquent behavior, be teenage parents, drop out of school, suffer from sexually transmitted diseases, and meet the criteria for mental illness.
Experiences of unaccompanied homeless youth are different from those who experience homelessness with their families. While negative experiences persist for youth who are homeless with their families, their experiences may not vary drastically from youth living in poverty. Studies have also found distinct variability in outcomes experienced by homeless youth, suggesting that youth experience homelessness differently.
Providing timely and direct interventions to homeless and runaway youth is important to protect them from the risks of living on the streets and to support positive youth development, yet despite the risks and needs of these youth, few appear to know of, and access, support services. Even more critical is addressing the family or parental needs to prevent youth and their families from becoming homeless and addressing their behavioral health needs through comprehensive methods that involve both youth and their families.
No one wants to grow up to be homeless. I'll have more about this topic later in the week because if we truly believe that the youth represent the future of our country, there needs to be recognition that this is, indeed, a problem that is not going to go away on its own.
One thing I never would have thought about was the possibility that I might grow up to be homeless. Most kids don't consider this because it's not a topic children think about.
Homelessness is a major social concern in the United States, and youth may be the age group most at risk of becoming homeless.
The number of youth who have experienced homelessness varies depending on the age range, timeframe, and definition used, but sources estimate that between 500,000 and 2.8 million youth are homeless within the United States each year. This is a far cry from dreams of being a doctor or lawyer. And it is not a simple case of kids deciding to abandon their homes because they have their phone taken away and are mad.
Youth run away for a whole host of reasons, including involvement in the juvenile justice or child welfare systems, abuse, neglect, abandonment, and severe family conflict. These youth are vulnerable to a range of negative experiences including exploitation and victimization. Runaway and homeless youth have high rates of involvement in the juvenile justice system, are more likely to engage in substance use and delinquent behavior, be teenage parents, drop out of school, suffer from sexually transmitted diseases, and meet the criteria for mental illness.
Experiences of unaccompanied homeless youth are different from those who experience homelessness with their families. While negative experiences persist for youth who are homeless with their families, their experiences may not vary drastically from youth living in poverty. Studies have also found distinct variability in outcomes experienced by homeless youth, suggesting that youth experience homelessness differently.
Providing timely and direct interventions to homeless and runaway youth is important to protect them from the risks of living on the streets and to support positive youth development, yet despite the risks and needs of these youth, few appear to know of, and access, support services. Even more critical is addressing the family or parental needs to prevent youth and their families from becoming homeless and addressing their behavioral health needs through comprehensive methods that involve both youth and their families.
No one wants to grow up to be homeless. I'll have more about this topic later in the week because if we truly believe that the youth represent the future of our country, there needs to be recognition that this is, indeed, a problem that is not going to go away on its own.
Wednesday, September 9, 2015
Life Without College!?!
Education is an excellent tool for a person to increase their chances for success in life. I will argue that a college degree can make an important difference in someone's life. However, the reality is that more and more people are not going to college and are still able to make an excellent life. Here are some six-figure income jobs that don’t require a four-year college degree:
1. Real Estate Broker
Although being a real estate agent requires a license, interested applicants only need a high school diploma to apply. Brokers are always on call, often work nights, weekends, and holidays, and may experience long stretches of time without generating income.
Real estate brokers have an estimated annual salary range of $30,144 to $180,434. During the real estate and house flipping boom, many people became licensed real estate agents, making this a very competitive field. If you have dedication, and continually seek out new clients, however, you can make a good living selling real estate.
2. Air Traffic Controller
Air traffic controllers have to take multiple tests, participate in pre-employment medical screenings, submit to background examinations, and take classes.
Air traffic controllers command large salaries, up to $158,966 on average. The job is stressful, however, as air traffic controllers are responsible for maintaining the safety of thousands of people every day.
3. Small Business Owner
You can set your own hours, create your own dress code, and write off some of your expenses (i.e. tax deductions for small business owners) when you own your own business.
However, it can take a long time for your new small business to pay off. If you have time, effort, and energy, and if you offer a viable product or service, your risks can pay off with a nice-sized salary for you and your family. We don’t have a salary range for small business owners, but profitable small businesses can expect a six-figure salary if
4. Fire Chief
Most firefighters have at least a high school diploma, and if they stay with a division or battalion long enough, working through the ranks, they can step into a leadership role with the department.
Fire chiefs have rewarding careers that also include a lot of risk, and a lot of time away from home. Salaries for fire chiefs range from $42,096 to $119,250.
5. Construction Manager
If you have worked in construction for several years, you may be ready to step up to the role of construction manager. Managers must be on call most of the time in case of any emergencies or delays.
Construction companies frequently promote from within, because managers must have a strong knowledge of the company’s core values and policies. Salaries for construction managers range from $41,562 to $130,845.
6. Plumber
Many plumbers make an excellent income without having a college degree. Plumbers learn the trade through technical schools or apprenticeships. Plumbers are always in high demand, and they are paid well because of that demand.
For example, I know someone who recently paid a plumber $120 for 5 minutes worth of work, to replace a valve in the kitchen sink. Plumbers’ salaries can soar as high as $103,731 and beyond, depending on specialties and training.
7. Network/IT Manager
Someone has to keep computers and related equipment working flawlessly, and corporations pay well for experienced IT people. Interested applicants have to keep up with current technology, and have a desire to keep learning as technology changes.
Network managers and IT managers employed by companies have stable, 9 to 5 jobs with good salaries, benefits, and retirement accounts. Salaries for IT managers range between $53,477 and $125,101.
8. Hotel Executive Chef
Sought-after executive chefs can easily make over $100,000 per year. Executive chefs work long hours, spend a lot of time away from home, and may have high stress levels. However, for someone who loves to cook, working in a hotel kitchen every day can be rewarding.
9. Radiation Therapist
Radiation therapists must have a two-year associate’s degree, or a certificate in radiation therapy, but they don’t need a four-year college degree. These therapists use radiation to target cancer cells in patients, and are paid in accordance with the importance and detail-oriented nature of their work. Radiation therapists can earn as much as $116,000 a year.
10. Court Reporter
It may not be glamorous or exciting, but if you can transcribe 250 words per minute, and have impeccable attention to detail, there may be a courtroom willing to pay you well for your services.
You may need to take classes in transcription, and pass a background check in order to qualify for a job as a court reporter. Depending upon the city of residence, court reporters can earn between $29,995 and $104,000.
Income estimates courtesy of www.moneycrashers.com
1. Real Estate Broker
Although being a real estate agent requires a license, interested applicants only need a high school diploma to apply. Brokers are always on call, often work nights, weekends, and holidays, and may experience long stretches of time without generating income.
Real estate brokers have an estimated annual salary range of $30,144 to $180,434. During the real estate and house flipping boom, many people became licensed real estate agents, making this a very competitive field. If you have dedication, and continually seek out new clients, however, you can make a good living selling real estate.
2. Air Traffic Controller
Air traffic controllers have to take multiple tests, participate in pre-employment medical screenings, submit to background examinations, and take classes.
Air traffic controllers command large salaries, up to $158,966 on average. The job is stressful, however, as air traffic controllers are responsible for maintaining the safety of thousands of people every day.
3. Small Business Owner
You can set your own hours, create your own dress code, and write off some of your expenses (i.e. tax deductions for small business owners) when you own your own business.
However, it can take a long time for your new small business to pay off. If you have time, effort, and energy, and if you offer a viable product or service, your risks can pay off with a nice-sized salary for you and your family. We don’t have a salary range for small business owners, but profitable small businesses can expect a six-figure salary if
4. Fire Chief
Most firefighters have at least a high school diploma, and if they stay with a division or battalion long enough, working through the ranks, they can step into a leadership role with the department.
Fire chiefs have rewarding careers that also include a lot of risk, and a lot of time away from home. Salaries for fire chiefs range from $42,096 to $119,250.
5. Construction Manager
If you have worked in construction for several years, you may be ready to step up to the role of construction manager. Managers must be on call most of the time in case of any emergencies or delays.
Construction companies frequently promote from within, because managers must have a strong knowledge of the company’s core values and policies. Salaries for construction managers range from $41,562 to $130,845.
6. Plumber
Many plumbers make an excellent income without having a college degree. Plumbers learn the trade through technical schools or apprenticeships. Plumbers are always in high demand, and they are paid well because of that demand.
For example, I know someone who recently paid a plumber $120 for 5 minutes worth of work, to replace a valve in the kitchen sink. Plumbers’ salaries can soar as high as $103,731 and beyond, depending on specialties and training.
7. Network/IT Manager
Someone has to keep computers and related equipment working flawlessly, and corporations pay well for experienced IT people. Interested applicants have to keep up with current technology, and have a desire to keep learning as technology changes.
Network managers and IT managers employed by companies have stable, 9 to 5 jobs with good salaries, benefits, and retirement accounts. Salaries for IT managers range between $53,477 and $125,101.
8. Hotel Executive Chef
Sought-after executive chefs can easily make over $100,000 per year. Executive chefs work long hours, spend a lot of time away from home, and may have high stress levels. However, for someone who loves to cook, working in a hotel kitchen every day can be rewarding.
9. Radiation Therapist
Radiation therapists must have a two-year associate’s degree, or a certificate in radiation therapy, but they don’t need a four-year college degree. These therapists use radiation to target cancer cells in patients, and are paid in accordance with the importance and detail-oriented nature of their work. Radiation therapists can earn as much as $116,000 a year.
10. Court Reporter
It may not be glamorous or exciting, but if you can transcribe 250 words per minute, and have impeccable attention to detail, there may be a courtroom willing to pay you well for your services.
You may need to take classes in transcription, and pass a background check in order to qualify for a job as a court reporter. Depending upon the city of residence, court reporters can earn between $29,995 and $104,000.
Income estimates courtesy of www.moneycrashers.com
Monday, September 7, 2015
Happy (What are the Fruits of Your) Labor Day?
I've written about the history of Labor Day before, so I didn't figure it was necessary to repost that information. I don't think the past has changed, so perhaps it might be beneficial to connect this wonderful day to the broader topic of homelessness and present a narrative for discussion.
The more I thought about this, the more it seemed logical to cast Labor Day and labor issues to the challenge of poverty and homelessness in America. For many people, poverty and homelessness has roots that derive from their place of employment. In other words: there are a whole lot of people who cannot afford to live on the wages they receive. How maddening it must be to work hard but still feel captive to the looming and constant threat of homelessness because the wages earned are not sufficient to exist on.
If you earn $8.05 per hour (which is minimum wage in Montana), this is your budget if you work 8 hours a day, 5 days a week, 40 hours per week, 52 weeks a year. This does not allow for any vacation, sick days, maternity leave, or any other unexpected time off:
$64.40 per day
$322 per week
$1.288 per month
$16,744 per year
According to bestplaces.net/housing/county/montana/flathead, here is the average cost of rent for Flathead County. Keep in mind, this does not include utilities, health care, transportation, groceries, clothing, or anything other than rent.
Single Studio Apartment $508
1 Bedroom Home or Apartment $595
2 Bedroom Home or Apartment $736
3 Bedroom Home or Apartment $1,085
4 Bedroom Home or Apartment $1,304
Living on minimum wage is not a realistic life. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr once stated, "there is nothing except shortsightedness to prevent us from guaranteeing an annual minimum and livable income for every American family."
But can today's reality truly be a product of simple 'shortsidedness?' Many in the business sector resist paying livable wages and benefits to workers because of the cost and potential loss of jobs. Yet, few businesses and government policy-makers dare to honestly factor the high economic and human cost of unlivable wages and denial of basic benefits for millions of Americans.
I understand this is a complex issue with many mitigating circumstances and factors that need examining. But I am calling for an examination that stems from the heart and not the bottom line. Is it too naïve to ask society to look at this issue from a humanitarian perspective and not simply from a platform of fiscal decision-making? People are in jeopardy of never rising above the fray of generational and cyclical poverty if things are not seen through more empathetic eyes. The problem is that many people never consider what life is like for others.
I hope you have a great Labor Day. Enjoy the final days of summer with friends and family and barbecues and well-deserved rest. But I also humbly ask you to remember that there are millions of people who are working just as hard to avoid homelessness. They are not lazy or unwilling to work hard; they're just underpaid.
The more I thought about this, the more it seemed logical to cast Labor Day and labor issues to the challenge of poverty and homelessness in America. For many people, poverty and homelessness has roots that derive from their place of employment. In other words: there are a whole lot of people who cannot afford to live on the wages they receive. How maddening it must be to work hard but still feel captive to the looming and constant threat of homelessness because the wages earned are not sufficient to exist on.
If you earn $8.05 per hour (which is minimum wage in Montana), this is your budget if you work 8 hours a day, 5 days a week, 40 hours per week, 52 weeks a year. This does not allow for any vacation, sick days, maternity leave, or any other unexpected time off:
$64.40 per day
$322 per week
$1.288 per month
$16,744 per year
According to bestplaces.net/housing/county/montana/flathead, here is the average cost of rent for Flathead County. Keep in mind, this does not include utilities, health care, transportation, groceries, clothing, or anything other than rent.
Single Studio Apartment $508
1 Bedroom Home or Apartment $595
2 Bedroom Home or Apartment $736
3 Bedroom Home or Apartment $1,085
4 Bedroom Home or Apartment $1,304
Living on minimum wage is not a realistic life. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr once stated, "there is nothing except shortsightedness to prevent us from guaranteeing an annual minimum and livable income for every American family."
But can today's reality truly be a product of simple 'shortsidedness?' Many in the business sector resist paying livable wages and benefits to workers because of the cost and potential loss of jobs. Yet, few businesses and government policy-makers dare to honestly factor the high economic and human cost of unlivable wages and denial of basic benefits for millions of Americans.
I understand this is a complex issue with many mitigating circumstances and factors that need examining. But I am calling for an examination that stems from the heart and not the bottom line. Is it too naïve to ask society to look at this issue from a humanitarian perspective and not simply from a platform of fiscal decision-making? People are in jeopardy of never rising above the fray of generational and cyclical poverty if things are not seen through more empathetic eyes. The problem is that many people never consider what life is like for others.
I hope you have a great Labor Day. Enjoy the final days of summer with friends and family and barbecues and well-deserved rest. But I also humbly ask you to remember that there are millions of people who are working just as hard to avoid homelessness. They are not lazy or unwilling to work hard; they're just underpaid.
Wednesday, September 2, 2015
Hunger Myths (Part II)
Hunger in America Myth 4 - The food that America wastes could feed everybody. It has been said that up to 40% of the food that America produces is not consumed but thrown away. Much of it is decomposing fruits and vegetables, which is unfit to eat or not practical to collect. Many canned foods are thrown out due to the expiration dates. Unfortunately, we cannot feed everyone hungry with these kinds of leftovers. There are initiatives around the country that have made it possible to retrieve millions of pounds of nutritional food from hotels and restaurants. These food donations have feed the hungry and also provided culinary job training for people who are not currently employed. Food banks in America have given hundreds of millions of pounds of nonperishable food items, and many food activists, also called gleaners, go to farms to get vegetables and fruits that may have just been thrown away.
Hunger in America Myth 5 - Hunger is about food. The number of Americans who struggle to put food on their tables has never decreased since the advent of the food stamp program. This is due to hunger is not just about food. It's really comes down to jobs and wages. What America needs now more than ever are jobs and decent wages. What America needs more is living-wage laws, tariffs which safeguard American jobs and affordable health care. There is certainly a need for more local food production, especially fruits and vegetables. These kinds of nutritional foods can keep Americans healthy and help end hunger in America.
So there you have it; the issue of hunger is America is not as cut and dry as we sometimes think. This is an amazing country and it is beyond criminal that people often face hunger pangs that are avoidable.
Hunger in America Myth 5 - Hunger is about food. The number of Americans who struggle to put food on their tables has never decreased since the advent of the food stamp program. This is due to hunger is not just about food. It's really comes down to jobs and wages. What America needs now more than ever are jobs and decent wages. What America needs more is living-wage laws, tariffs which safeguard American jobs and affordable health care. There is certainly a need for more local food production, especially fruits and vegetables. These kinds of nutritional foods can keep Americans healthy and help end hunger in America.
So there you have it; the issue of hunger is America is not as cut and dry as we sometimes think. This is an amazing country and it is beyond criminal that people often face hunger pangs that are avoidable.
Sunday, August 30, 2015
The Mythology of Hunger
Mythology is an important part of the human condition.
Every culture has specific stories that have been passed on from one generation to the next until those stories become embedded in he very fabric of that society. Mythology impacts philosophy as religion as much as it colors the way we look at others who do not share the same perspectives we do. The interesting thing about some myths is that they are largely believed and accepted simply because they are repeated often enough to pass as verifiable.
Other myths are dispelled with a little research, and it is some of these that I want to present. I'll skip Sasquatch, the Flathead Lake Monster, and the PopRocks/Soda phenomenon so I can stay focused on something related to a topic that affects us all, but especially those living in poverty, those who are homeless, or anyone on the verge of homelessness. I would like to address the myth of Hunger in America.
Hunger in America Myth 1 - Many people in the U.S. think hunger happens in other countries but not in their country.They think droughts or crop failures are some of the reasons why people go hungry in other countries. In fact, hunger additionally strikes a lot closer to home. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, about 15 percent of U.S. households now are considered "food insecure," a nearly 30% increase from 2006. This indicates that, in any month, these households may be out of funds, out of food, and thereby, will miss meals or seek aid to feed themselves and their children. Even for people or children who eat 3 times a day could end up being malnourished. This is because Americans often eat cheaper costing foods such as sugary foods or other lower nutritional foods. Believe it or not, obesity is often related to hunger. Because of poor food choices and also the deficiency of healthy food choices in many residential areas. Many people might be packing on the extra pounds, but those extra pounds are often life-threatening. More than 30% of adults in America are considered obese. More and more children are becoming obese too. Heart disease and diabetes are now the leading causes of death in America. People are dying because of eating the wrong kinds of foods which often means the cheaper kinds of foods.
Hunger in America Myth 2 - Stopping malnourishment is a humanitarian issue. Children who grow to be obese adults, will limit our armed forces' capability to safeguard our nation. The military just lately cautioned that greater than 9 million young adults - (ages 17 to 24) weigh too much so they would not be eligible to enlist and this shrinks the list of candidates for military service. The expenses of poor nutrition drag the United States further into debt which leaves the country more vulnerable. In other words, America simply can not afford malnourishment or hunger in America anymore.
Hunger in America Myth 3 - Children are the only ones who go hungry. In reality, the person who most likely to go hungry in America, is the single, working mother who lives below the poverty level. Since Federal programs make sure that low-income kids will get free meals at their school, their single mothers, frequently have to make difficult choices amongst food, gas, rent, health care or other things for their kids. Many American women who face these choices simple go without meals themselves, especially nutritional food. Also, a growing number of senior citizens miss meals because they have to buy medicine. Many senior will not admit to needing food assistance, a 2007 study done by Meals on Wheels established that as much as six million are going hungry nearly every week.
I will continue the last two myths later in the week... Please stay tuned!
-information courtesy of nationalcoalitiontoendhomelessness
Every culture has specific stories that have been passed on from one generation to the next until those stories become embedded in he very fabric of that society. Mythology impacts philosophy as religion as much as it colors the way we look at others who do not share the same perspectives we do. The interesting thing about some myths is that they are largely believed and accepted simply because they are repeated often enough to pass as verifiable.
Other myths are dispelled with a little research, and it is some of these that I want to present. I'll skip Sasquatch, the Flathead Lake Monster, and the PopRocks/Soda phenomenon so I can stay focused on something related to a topic that affects us all, but especially those living in poverty, those who are homeless, or anyone on the verge of homelessness. I would like to address the myth of Hunger in America.
Hunger in America Myth 1 - Many people in the U.S. think hunger happens in other countries but not in their country.They think droughts or crop failures are some of the reasons why people go hungry in other countries. In fact, hunger additionally strikes a lot closer to home. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, about 15 percent of U.S. households now are considered "food insecure," a nearly 30% increase from 2006. This indicates that, in any month, these households may be out of funds, out of food, and thereby, will miss meals or seek aid to feed themselves and their children. Even for people or children who eat 3 times a day could end up being malnourished. This is because Americans often eat cheaper costing foods such as sugary foods or other lower nutritional foods. Believe it or not, obesity is often related to hunger. Because of poor food choices and also the deficiency of healthy food choices in many residential areas. Many people might be packing on the extra pounds, but those extra pounds are often life-threatening. More than 30% of adults in America are considered obese. More and more children are becoming obese too. Heart disease and diabetes are now the leading causes of death in America. People are dying because of eating the wrong kinds of foods which often means the cheaper kinds of foods.
Hunger in America Myth 2 - Stopping malnourishment is a humanitarian issue. Children who grow to be obese adults, will limit our armed forces' capability to safeguard our nation. The military just lately cautioned that greater than 9 million young adults - (ages 17 to 24) weigh too much so they would not be eligible to enlist and this shrinks the list of candidates for military service. The expenses of poor nutrition drag the United States further into debt which leaves the country more vulnerable. In other words, America simply can not afford malnourishment or hunger in America anymore.
Hunger in America Myth 3 - Children are the only ones who go hungry. In reality, the person who most likely to go hungry in America, is the single, working mother who lives below the poverty level. Since Federal programs make sure that low-income kids will get free meals at their school, their single mothers, frequently have to make difficult choices amongst food, gas, rent, health care or other things for their kids. Many American women who face these choices simple go without meals themselves, especially nutritional food. Also, a growing number of senior citizens miss meals because they have to buy medicine. Many senior will not admit to needing food assistance, a 2007 study done by Meals on Wheels established that as much as six million are going hungry nearly every week.
I will continue the last two myths later in the week... Please stay tuned!
-information courtesy of nationalcoalitiontoendhomelessness
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
People are not Talking Points
Sometimes I need a break from the constant saturation and moment-by-moment bombardment of iLife. Now, before you think I am expressing worrisome and melancholy thoughts that warrant intervention, please relax and allow me to explain. I'm not even certain the term iLife is real and I apologize if it has already been tagged and utilized by some trendy start up company in Seattle or Portland.
By using this word, I'm simply referring to the interconnectivity of social media and conventional media that seems to be inescapable. It is getting harder and harder to unplug from the multitude of voices, opinions, experts, antagonists, and anyone else who wants to espouse their thoughts on how we all need to live our lives. And honestly, I appreciate the right we have, as Americans, to proclaim our beliefs. But, if I'm going to continue to be honest, so many of these thoughts have seemed really mean and inhumane to me, lately.
I am not going to mention anyone by name just as I refuse to endorse any particular political view. This is a forum for the advocacy of homeless issues and besides, I'm tired of turning on the news seeing people ridicule others who think differently. I am probably being very naive and simplistic, but the past few months have given me time to pause and reflect on the basic human condition and how we view each other.
No matter where a person comes from, he or she is entitled to respect and dignity as a person. Whether they are housed or homeless or new to this country or they are from a linage dating back centuries; respect and basic decency should not be doled out on the basis that we think they should or should not be here. Have we really (de)evolved to the point that we justify the sanctity of life for certain people but not others? I am growing increasingly tired of hearing people described as statistics and demographics and not people.
It is very easy to make gross generalizations and shout insults. It is very easy to entrench ourselves in ideas that offer solutions that we do not have to deal with. It is very easy to grab the pitchforks and join the rest of the mob in a cacophony of anger because we get frustrated. These are all legitimate feelings and stem from a dissatisfaction with the lack of progress see from those who are supposed to provide answers. I get that.
But what about those who have been dehumanized in this conversation? People and families that are no longer referred to as people, but labeled as catch-phrases. At the heart of this issue remains the fact that we are talking about people. They are not statistics and talking points to further an agenda. They are men and women and boys and girls and all I am asking is that we remember that.
I am not proposing a solution. That would be too easy and would absolve me from going the extra mile. What I am proposing is that we treat people with dignity even if we take issue with the circumstances surrounding their existence. And if that seems like an unreasonable request perhaps it is time to ask why.
By using this word, I'm simply referring to the interconnectivity of social media and conventional media that seems to be inescapable. It is getting harder and harder to unplug from the multitude of voices, opinions, experts, antagonists, and anyone else who wants to espouse their thoughts on how we all need to live our lives. And honestly, I appreciate the right we have, as Americans, to proclaim our beliefs. But, if I'm going to continue to be honest, so many of these thoughts have seemed really mean and inhumane to me, lately.
I am not going to mention anyone by name just as I refuse to endorse any particular political view. This is a forum for the advocacy of homeless issues and besides, I'm tired of turning on the news seeing people ridicule others who think differently. I am probably being very naive and simplistic, but the past few months have given me time to pause and reflect on the basic human condition and how we view each other.
No matter where a person comes from, he or she is entitled to respect and dignity as a person. Whether they are housed or homeless or new to this country or they are from a linage dating back centuries; respect and basic decency should not be doled out on the basis that we think they should or should not be here. Have we really (de)evolved to the point that we justify the sanctity of life for certain people but not others? I am growing increasingly tired of hearing people described as statistics and demographics and not people.
It is very easy to make gross generalizations and shout insults. It is very easy to entrench ourselves in ideas that offer solutions that we do not have to deal with. It is very easy to grab the pitchforks and join the rest of the mob in a cacophony of anger because we get frustrated. These are all legitimate feelings and stem from a dissatisfaction with the lack of progress see from those who are supposed to provide answers. I get that.
But what about those who have been dehumanized in this conversation? People and families that are no longer referred to as people, but labeled as catch-phrases. At the heart of this issue remains the fact that we are talking about people. They are not statistics and talking points to further an agenda. They are men and women and boys and girls and all I am asking is that we remember that.
I am not proposing a solution. That would be too easy and would absolve me from going the extra mile. What I am proposing is that we treat people with dignity even if we take issue with the circumstances surrounding their existence. And if that seems like an unreasonable request perhaps it is time to ask why.
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