This week we celebrate a man who sacrificed his life for millions of people who had no voice. Martin Luther King, Jr. dared America to dream and challenged it to reject a status quo that oppressed and marginalized those without a voice. In an era of violence and antagonism, Doctor King chose to actively and aggressively pursue and agenda peace and equality.
He knew the true catalyst for change was not wavering while most of the country was opposed to the very changes he wanted. He proclaimed a better day was not merely a fictional hope. It would take courage and fortitude; sacrifice and inconvenience would have to become a lifestyle, but equality could be realized.
"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."
- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Wednesday, January 20, 2016
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
The Simplistic Value of Safety
Recently, I wrote about different types of homeless high school students and the challenges they face. After I posted the story I was unsettled about what I wrote; it seemed incomplete and I felt there was more to the story. When dealing with minors, it is important not to exclude the human element. Various federal agencies define homelessness differently, and a particular definition caught my attention for a very specific reason: the simplicity of a theme every child craves.
According to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), a homeless youth is "an individual who is not more than 21 years of age…for whom it is not possible to live in a safe environment with a relative...and someone who has no other safe alternative living arrangement."*
The key word in this definition is 'safe.' Safety is the theme that comforts some kids while the lack of it propels others into a world they never imagined. We use this word all the time, in many ways because it is multi-layered. Safety is a relative term because it is always defined by whatever form of danger we face at any given moment. There is no real absolute standard of safety because every person deals with different scenarios and situations that provide varying levels of danger.
For some, safety means rescue from a physically abusive situation. Others find it in a job that provides a dependable income. Safety can be an emotional environment, free from verbal or psychological terror. It could be a place where someone knows they have shelter and food. Safety depends a great deal on the individual person whatever is needed. So in the scope of the DHHS statement, safety means two specific things when it comes to contextualizing a situation that might lead to teenage homelessness.
The first designation deals with familial relations. In a perfect world, a person's family would be a place of unconditional love and support is found. Unfortunately, the exact opposite often happens and some youth are compelled to leave their home environment because it lacks the safety they need to survive. It seems a logical inference can be drawn that if more youth had safer home environments, they would not leave.
The next factor involved with prompting youth to embrace homelessness is a lack of a safe living arrangement once the decision to leave the family is made. Again, the emphasis revolves around the concept of safety. Being homeless has several implications and, chief among them, is danger. This cannot be stressed enough and I think it gets lost in the dialogue sometimes.
I've chronicled the dangers of homelessness numerous times but we often don't remember that youth make a significant portion of the homeless population. At a crucial time in their lives when they should be allowed to simply be kids, many youth have to focus on their survival because they are in unsafe family environments. How heartbreaking that thousands of kids might never experience the dangers and horrors of being homeless if they had a safe place to call home.
*Section 887(3) of the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act
According to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), a homeless youth is "an individual who is not more than 21 years of age…for whom it is not possible to live in a safe environment with a relative...and someone who has no other safe alternative living arrangement."*
The key word in this definition is 'safe.' Safety is the theme that comforts some kids while the lack of it propels others into a world they never imagined. We use this word all the time, in many ways because it is multi-layered. Safety is a relative term because it is always defined by whatever form of danger we face at any given moment. There is no real absolute standard of safety because every person deals with different scenarios and situations that provide varying levels of danger.
For some, safety means rescue from a physically abusive situation. Others find it in a job that provides a dependable income. Safety can be an emotional environment, free from verbal or psychological terror. It could be a place where someone knows they have shelter and food. Safety depends a great deal on the individual person whatever is needed. So in the scope of the DHHS statement, safety means two specific things when it comes to contextualizing a situation that might lead to teenage homelessness.
The first designation deals with familial relations. In a perfect world, a person's family would be a place of unconditional love and support is found. Unfortunately, the exact opposite often happens and some youth are compelled to leave their home environment because it lacks the safety they need to survive. It seems a logical inference can be drawn that if more youth had safer home environments, they would not leave.
The next factor involved with prompting youth to embrace homelessness is a lack of a safe living arrangement once the decision to leave the family is made. Again, the emphasis revolves around the concept of safety. Being homeless has several implications and, chief among them, is danger. This cannot be stressed enough and I think it gets lost in the dialogue sometimes.
I've chronicled the dangers of homelessness numerous times but we often don't remember that youth make a significant portion of the homeless population. At a crucial time in their lives when they should be allowed to simply be kids, many youth have to focus on their survival because they are in unsafe family environments. How heartbreaking that thousands of kids might never experience the dangers and horrors of being homeless if they had a safe place to call home.
*Section 887(3) of the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act
Monday, January 11, 2016
Behind the Numbers
The phrase 'homeless high school student' can be confusing. What does it actually mean?
*Nationally, there were 1.26 million homeless public school students during the 2013-2014 school year. Nearly 317,000 were in high school. Public schools are required under federal law to ensure homeless students have access to a free public education. But who are these kids? How can someone be homeless but still attend school?
The most important thing to remember is we are talking about real kids in real time and space. Always keep that in the back of your mind- these might be categories on a page, but they are also people and their circumstances are very real.
Our first category is unsheltered students, meaning they live in places unsuitable or unintended for human habitation. Cars, parks, tents, and abandoned buildings are just a few places some live. This is roughly 3% of the total, or just over 9,500 kids. It is a miracle any of these kids can concentrate on their school work while living in such formidable conditions. Forget about studying for exams or writing papers; living an unsheltered lifestyle forces the youth to focus on their physical survival.
Keeping clothes clean and presentable for school is a near impossibility. The physical aspects of decent health and hygiene can cause any student to fear the social caste system of school, but the insecurity is exponentially increased when a kid lives in such deplorable conditions.
The next category involves students who live in hotels/motels, which constitutes 6%, or about 19,000 kids. This is cheap, temporary housing and the family often moves from place to place. Even though the student has a roof and access to bathing, usually families must share a single room with a single bed which is given to the parents or younger children. There is no real sense of permanence or a reliable support system.
Another drawback to this lifestyle is the lack of guaranteed food and proper nutrition. If limited finances are being stretched to pay the motel bill, there is less money available for food. This might be better than living an unsheltered life, but it is still difficult to dedicate the proper amount of attention to school work while living in such a cramped room. The environment can be chaotic, making academic concentration nearly impossible.
Students living in homeless shelters compose the next demographic of 16%, totaling more than 50,000. Having worked for a number of years with Samaritan House, I've encountered many of these kids and seen their struggles and triumphs. Living in a shelter, or free housing dedicated to youth, does offer some structural parameters that provide students with a better atmosphere for studying. But there can still be a sense of longing and discontent.
An important part of fitting into high school is feeling comfortable socially. Even with shelter and food, a student living in a homeless shelter can still be embarrassed about their circumstances. It doesn't take long for news to circulate around a school as to which students are homeless. Many shelters require their occupants to adhere to strict time guidelines which eliminate the possibility for extra curricular activities, clubs, or sports. This plays a significant role in limiting the youth's ability to participate in things other students have easier access to.
Lastly, the most common group registers at 75%. More than 237,000 students live with friends or someone other than their parents/ guardians. This is described as couch surfing or 'crashing' and it usually means the student is trying to find a supportive environment because their home isn't safe. The student makes a conscious decision to leave their own home and sleep at someone else's place.
Think back to when you were in high school. I'm sure many of us had that one friend we hung out with all the time; people would have said you "lived" with them. But you didn't. There is a difference between spending a night or two with someone and moving in. This is usually temporary and the student merges in and out of multiple environments, never finding permanence. The usual length is about 2 weeks and then the youth moves on to another place. When options run out, the student is forced to either become homeless or move back in with their family. We will talk more about this later in the week because its often not as simple as it sounds.
So there you have it. When you read or hear about homeless high school students, they generally (but not always) fall into one of these categories. They all face unique challenges and should be lauded for their commitment to education.
* Information courtesy of invisiblehomelesskids.com and National Center for Homeless Education.
*Nationally, there were 1.26 million homeless public school students during the 2013-2014 school year. Nearly 317,000 were in high school. Public schools are required under federal law to ensure homeless students have access to a free public education. But who are these kids? How can someone be homeless but still attend school?
The most important thing to remember is we are talking about real kids in real time and space. Always keep that in the back of your mind- these might be categories on a page, but they are also people and their circumstances are very real.
Our first category is unsheltered students, meaning they live in places unsuitable or unintended for human habitation. Cars, parks, tents, and abandoned buildings are just a few places some live. This is roughly 3% of the total, or just over 9,500 kids. It is a miracle any of these kids can concentrate on their school work while living in such formidable conditions. Forget about studying for exams or writing papers; living an unsheltered lifestyle forces the youth to focus on their physical survival.
Keeping clothes clean and presentable for school is a near impossibility. The physical aspects of decent health and hygiene can cause any student to fear the social caste system of school, but the insecurity is exponentially increased when a kid lives in such deplorable conditions.
The next category involves students who live in hotels/motels, which constitutes 6%, or about 19,000 kids. This is cheap, temporary housing and the family often moves from place to place. Even though the student has a roof and access to bathing, usually families must share a single room with a single bed which is given to the parents or younger children. There is no real sense of permanence or a reliable support system.
Another drawback to this lifestyle is the lack of guaranteed food and proper nutrition. If limited finances are being stretched to pay the motel bill, there is less money available for food. This might be better than living an unsheltered life, but it is still difficult to dedicate the proper amount of attention to school work while living in such a cramped room. The environment can be chaotic, making academic concentration nearly impossible.
Students living in homeless shelters compose the next demographic of 16%, totaling more than 50,000. Having worked for a number of years with Samaritan House, I've encountered many of these kids and seen their struggles and triumphs. Living in a shelter, or free housing dedicated to youth, does offer some structural parameters that provide students with a better atmosphere for studying. But there can still be a sense of longing and discontent.
An important part of fitting into high school is feeling comfortable socially. Even with shelter and food, a student living in a homeless shelter can still be embarrassed about their circumstances. It doesn't take long for news to circulate around a school as to which students are homeless. Many shelters require their occupants to adhere to strict time guidelines which eliminate the possibility for extra curricular activities, clubs, or sports. This plays a significant role in limiting the youth's ability to participate in things other students have easier access to.
Lastly, the most common group registers at 75%. More than 237,000 students live with friends or someone other than their parents/ guardians. This is described as couch surfing or 'crashing' and it usually means the student is trying to find a supportive environment because their home isn't safe. The student makes a conscious decision to leave their own home and sleep at someone else's place.
Think back to when you were in high school. I'm sure many of us had that one friend we hung out with all the time; people would have said you "lived" with them. But you didn't. There is a difference between spending a night or two with someone and moving in. This is usually temporary and the student merges in and out of multiple environments, never finding permanence. The usual length is about 2 weeks and then the youth moves on to another place. When options run out, the student is forced to either become homeless or move back in with their family. We will talk more about this later in the week because its often not as simple as it sounds.
So there you have it. When you read or hear about homeless high school students, they generally (but not always) fall into one of these categories. They all face unique challenges and should be lauded for their commitment to education.
* Information courtesy of invisiblehomelesskids.com and National Center for Homeless Education.
Wednesday, January 6, 2016
Freebird Ruins it for Everyone
Throughout American history, there has been a romantic fixation with freedom. Whether its the cowboys of the open range or depression-era hobos riding the rails, or the fictional Jack Kerouac crisscrossing the nation, there is a sense of freedom associated with traveling unencumbered. Have we learned absolutely nothing from Lynyrd Skynyrd (well...maybe that's a good thing)?
No obligations or rules; nothing to hamper a person's independence. It sounds adventurous, exotic, and even a bit thrilling. To live on one’s own, outside, and disconnected from monthly rent, job responsibilities, utilities, banking, credit cards, and car payments. Some people – perhaps loaded down with debt or with debt or with too much of life’s responsibilities – dream of living “off-the-grid”. Others just want to travel for a year or so to exotic lands, with only a limited amount of possessions on their backs. Basically, your world resembles Shaggy living the good life in the Mystery Machine without having to deal with Fred and the rest of the gang.
These are people who are are living on our streets because they like the off-the-grid life. They live in beat-up old vans or in tents tucked away from society. They eat at soup kitchens, bathe in public restrooms, and panhandle at freeway off-ramps. At night, they tuck themselves into their bedding, away from electricity, television, and anything linked to responsible living. These people are not homeless, they are "home-free," and there needs to be a clear distinction between these two ideas.
Unfortunately, these modern-day “hobos” reinforce a negative stereotype of people who are actually homeless. People confuse homeless and home-free people, and characterize the former as lazy, irresponsible, and a nuisance because they cannot draw a distinction between the two. Those who continuously and intentionally live this lifestyle give homelessness a bad rap.
Imagine having a chronic illness with no one to help you. You can’t work or pay rent; eventually, you end up on the streets. It would be disempowering to be called lazy or irresponsible just because you are homeless. Those who are truly homeless do not embrace such a lifestyle willingly and for the sake of living free and not because they are irresponsible.
Isn't it really society who is the irresponsible party? We let men and women who fight in our wars end up on the streets. We let kids who endure years and years of foster care with loveless families live in alleys or abandoned buildings. So is the case with women encountering domestic violence and seniors struggling with mental health issues.
We live in an irresponsible society.
Clearly, we should not confuse those who embrace a home-free life with those who are homeless. If they want to spend the next few years of their lives traveling through the developing world with a backpack and hiking boots, let them. Perhaps they will find themselves and return home to responsible living. But is does an in incredible amount of damage when those who are homeless are lumped into the same category. There is a marked difference between lounging on the coast in a VW van and huddling in a sleeping bag in an alley because there is no housing available.
Those who are home-free should not be camping out in front of residences or harassing customers patronizing businesses. We should not be wasting the resources of law enforcement, first responders, and frankly, homeless services for people who simply choose to live off-the-grid.
But for those who are truly homeless — whether they want help or have such difficult barriers that they do not know they need help — we, as a society, should do everything we can to get them housed. When you support Samaritan House, you play a significant role in affecting change in the lives of those who are homeless and have no place left to go. You help us keep out lights and heat on. You allow us to feed and clothe people who are doing everything possible to escape the cycle of homelessness.
Most importantly, assisting the homeless means providing enough affordable housing, and for those who struggle with personal barriers – supportive housing, for every person who is homeless.
Because, to me, home-free means providing affordable housing for all.
No obligations or rules; nothing to hamper a person's independence. It sounds adventurous, exotic, and even a bit thrilling. To live on one’s own, outside, and disconnected from monthly rent, job responsibilities, utilities, banking, credit cards, and car payments. Some people – perhaps loaded down with debt or with debt or with too much of life’s responsibilities – dream of living “off-the-grid”. Others just want to travel for a year or so to exotic lands, with only a limited amount of possessions on their backs. Basically, your world resembles Shaggy living the good life in the Mystery Machine without having to deal with Fred and the rest of the gang.
These are people who are are living on our streets because they like the off-the-grid life. They live in beat-up old vans or in tents tucked away from society. They eat at soup kitchens, bathe in public restrooms, and panhandle at freeway off-ramps. At night, they tuck themselves into their bedding, away from electricity, television, and anything linked to responsible living. These people are not homeless, they are "home-free," and there needs to be a clear distinction between these two ideas.
Unfortunately, these modern-day “hobos” reinforce a negative stereotype of people who are actually homeless. People confuse homeless and home-free people, and characterize the former as lazy, irresponsible, and a nuisance because they cannot draw a distinction between the two. Those who continuously and intentionally live this lifestyle give homelessness a bad rap.
Imagine having a chronic illness with no one to help you. You can’t work or pay rent; eventually, you end up on the streets. It would be disempowering to be called lazy or irresponsible just because you are homeless. Those who are truly homeless do not embrace such a lifestyle willingly and for the sake of living free and not because they are irresponsible.
Isn't it really society who is the irresponsible party? We let men and women who fight in our wars end up on the streets. We let kids who endure years and years of foster care with loveless families live in alleys or abandoned buildings. So is the case with women encountering domestic violence and seniors struggling with mental health issues.
We live in an irresponsible society.
Clearly, we should not confuse those who embrace a home-free life with those who are homeless. If they want to spend the next few years of their lives traveling through the developing world with a backpack and hiking boots, let them. Perhaps they will find themselves and return home to responsible living. But is does an in incredible amount of damage when those who are homeless are lumped into the same category. There is a marked difference between lounging on the coast in a VW van and huddling in a sleeping bag in an alley because there is no housing available.
Those who are home-free should not be camping out in front of residences or harassing customers patronizing businesses. We should not be wasting the resources of law enforcement, first responders, and frankly, homeless services for people who simply choose to live off-the-grid.
But for those who are truly homeless — whether they want help or have such difficult barriers that they do not know they need help — we, as a society, should do everything we can to get them housed. When you support Samaritan House, you play a significant role in affecting change in the lives of those who are homeless and have no place left to go. You help us keep out lights and heat on. You allow us to feed and clothe people who are doing everything possible to escape the cycle of homelessness.
Most importantly, assisting the homeless means providing enough affordable housing, and for those who struggle with personal barriers – supportive housing, for every person who is homeless.
Because, to me, home-free means providing affordable housing for all.
Monday, January 4, 2016
America is not a Song
Sometimes we become so accustomed to certain things that we stop paying attention to what they mean. I really like the song "America The Beautiful," but wanted to look at it through fresh eyes. Here is what it could mean if we examine it through the eyes of others.
O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain...
As I lie on my back, I can see through the gaping holes in my tent's roof. The sky is dark and ominous and the the fields surrounding me radiate a searing heat thick with insects.
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain...
The Missions engulf the valley and sandwich the cherry orchards between themselves and the lake. I've picked fruit all day and my back aches and joints ask for relief.
America! America! God shed His grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea...
This is my country, too. My grace and redemption intermixes with poverty and transience. I've experienced both brotherhood and bothersome behavior directed towards me.
O beautiful for pilgrim feet,
Whose stern impassion’d stress...
My shoes are tattered and worn and I haven't considered anyplace my home for years. Some days the weight of the world crushes me and other moments I experience joy over the smallest accommodations.
A thoroughfare for freedom beat
Across the wilderness...
Freedom is the ability to direct one's actions in an unencumbered manner. I've lived moment-by-moment for so long that planning ahead makes my head ache. Every nook and cranny of this Valley has both accosted and welcomed me.
America! America! God mend thine ev’ry flaw,
Confirm thy soul in self-control,
Thy liberty in law...
I can be content with little and this is the secret to life. I cannot control how others treat me; only my response. There are signs telling me where I can and cannot go and my résumé has more holes than a fishing net.
O beautiful for heroes proved In liberating strife,
Who more than self their country loved,
And mercy more than life...
I gave my heart and soul for this country. I've visited foreign shores in the name of America and sacrificed the best years of my life. The toll taken on my life has produced scars you will never see and I cannot recover with inadequate treatment. So many of my returning brothers are homeless.
America! America! May God thy gold refine
Till all success be nobleness,
And ev’ry gain divine...
I have nobility but it doesn't pay rent or hospital bills. My character allows me to sleep peacefully but does not satisfy the rumblings in my stomach. Success for me is a clean shower or donated clothes. I have gained much but divinity does not keep me warm at night when chills erupt throughout my body.
I do love America. It just seems to love me less in return.
O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain...
As I lie on my back, I can see through the gaping holes in my tent's roof. The sky is dark and ominous and the the fields surrounding me radiate a searing heat thick with insects.
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain...
The Missions engulf the valley and sandwich the cherry orchards between themselves and the lake. I've picked fruit all day and my back aches and joints ask for relief.
America! America! God shed His grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea...
This is my country, too. My grace and redemption intermixes with poverty and transience. I've experienced both brotherhood and bothersome behavior directed towards me.
O beautiful for pilgrim feet,
Whose stern impassion’d stress...
My shoes are tattered and worn and I haven't considered anyplace my home for years. Some days the weight of the world crushes me and other moments I experience joy over the smallest accommodations.
A thoroughfare for freedom beat
Across the wilderness...
Freedom is the ability to direct one's actions in an unencumbered manner. I've lived moment-by-moment for so long that planning ahead makes my head ache. Every nook and cranny of this Valley has both accosted and welcomed me.
America! America! God mend thine ev’ry flaw,
Confirm thy soul in self-control,
Thy liberty in law...
I can be content with little and this is the secret to life. I cannot control how others treat me; only my response. There are signs telling me where I can and cannot go and my résumé has more holes than a fishing net.
O beautiful for heroes proved In liberating strife,
Who more than self their country loved,
And mercy more than life...
I gave my heart and soul for this country. I've visited foreign shores in the name of America and sacrificed the best years of my life. The toll taken on my life has produced scars you will never see and I cannot recover with inadequate treatment. So many of my returning brothers are homeless.
America! America! May God thy gold refine
Till all success be nobleness,
And ev’ry gain divine...
I have nobility but it doesn't pay rent or hospital bills. My character allows me to sleep peacefully but does not satisfy the rumblings in my stomach. Success for me is a clean shower or donated clothes. I have gained much but divinity does not keep me warm at night when chills erupt throughout my body.
I do love America. It just seems to love me less in return.
Wednesday, December 30, 2015
A Fool-Proof Resolution (Seriously)
Ah, the new year is freshly upon us! A time to reflect upon the past 365 days and then pledge our allegiance and dedication to what is important and how we we will resolve to accomplish these amazing feats and challenges. How will we better our lives in the upcoming year? Here are a few suggestions...
Loose weight? This is a popular goal and usually lasts until the spring when the other, non-human bears come out of hibernation. Then we slowly and methodically make our way from shopping at the healthy, organic grocery store to parking in the furthest recesses of the Golden Corral parking lot so no one recognizes our car.
Exercise? This is so excellent in theory... Waking up at 5:30 am. Lifting heavy things. Stretching in uncomfortable places. Sweating. Pass.
Being kinder? Of all the goals we set forth for ourselves, this seems the most attainable and the most benevolent. Well, until we have to forage our way through the various return lines and checkout counters and parking lots sprinkled throughout Kalispell. Perhaps it is a good thing no one can hear us at traffic lights.
So there you have it; sometimes even our best intentioned plans can start strongly only to fade as time progresses. In order to help you set realistic goals for the new year that will make this city a better place, please allow me to offer two resolutions that will help several people at once: Time or money.
In terms of how to help the homeless, there is really no wrong way to assist. Any help is beneficial for the community in general. If you are wondering on whether your money or your time would be a better donation; either contribution is vital as both are crucial to the daily operations of Samaritan House.
Time is a precious commodity and for many people there are simply not enough hours in the day to accomplish their own tasks, let alone tend to the needs of others. Volunteering time is not an option for some people. Giving money will provide clothing, education, food, and shelter. It will help the homeless in more ways than you may realize and the more money that is given, the more services and help can be provided.
But giving money is far from the only way to help. You can also give your time to the homeless. We depend heavily upon volunteers, especially in regards to our meal services. We understand not everyone is able to donate finances because times are increasingly tough for many of us and our money is hard-earned and well-deserved. Donating time is just as valuable as giving money. You can spend your time volunteering to serve or prepare meals, or working on numerous projects that will benefit the homeless. Samaritan House never has a shortage of projects needing to be finished... Everything from sorting food and clothes, to deep cleaning.
While many look past the homeless, caught up in their own busy world, you have the opportunity to do something. If you have a desire to help, then give to the homeless, be it money or your time. Your contribution helps provide hope to some of those who need it most. Thank you so much for taking the time to read this blog and if you have any questions about how you can help, please don't hesitate to call our office at 257-5801.
And, have a happy new year!
Loose weight? This is a popular goal and usually lasts until the spring when the other, non-human bears come out of hibernation. Then we slowly and methodically make our way from shopping at the healthy, organic grocery store to parking in the furthest recesses of the Golden Corral parking lot so no one recognizes our car.
Exercise? This is so excellent in theory... Waking up at 5:30 am. Lifting heavy things. Stretching in uncomfortable places. Sweating. Pass.
Being kinder? Of all the goals we set forth for ourselves, this seems the most attainable and the most benevolent. Well, until we have to forage our way through the various return lines and checkout counters and parking lots sprinkled throughout Kalispell. Perhaps it is a good thing no one can hear us at traffic lights.
So there you have it; sometimes even our best intentioned plans can start strongly only to fade as time progresses. In order to help you set realistic goals for the new year that will make this city a better place, please allow me to offer two resolutions that will help several people at once: Time or money.
In terms of how to help the homeless, there is really no wrong way to assist. Any help is beneficial for the community in general. If you are wondering on whether your money or your time would be a better donation; either contribution is vital as both are crucial to the daily operations of Samaritan House.
Time is a precious commodity and for many people there are simply not enough hours in the day to accomplish their own tasks, let alone tend to the needs of others. Volunteering time is not an option for some people. Giving money will provide clothing, education, food, and shelter. It will help the homeless in more ways than you may realize and the more money that is given, the more services and help can be provided.
But giving money is far from the only way to help. You can also give your time to the homeless. We depend heavily upon volunteers, especially in regards to our meal services. We understand not everyone is able to donate finances because times are increasingly tough for many of us and our money is hard-earned and well-deserved. Donating time is just as valuable as giving money. You can spend your time volunteering to serve or prepare meals, or working on numerous projects that will benefit the homeless. Samaritan House never has a shortage of projects needing to be finished... Everything from sorting food and clothes, to deep cleaning.
While many look past the homeless, caught up in their own busy world, you have the opportunity to do something. If you have a desire to help, then give to the homeless, be it money or your time. Your contribution helps provide hope to some of those who need it most. Thank you so much for taking the time to read this blog and if you have any questions about how you can help, please don't hesitate to call our office at 257-5801.
And, have a happy new year!
Monday, December 28, 2015
The (Homeless) Brady Bunch
In an attempt to make us reexamine how a family can end up either homeless or at least a step or two away from becoming homeless, here is a classic tale retold. What if one of our favorite television families were transported from the 1960s to today? And what if they endured a few bumps in the road along the way. Here is a modern rendition of the Brady Bunch.
The first thing we need to do is update the cost of living for the Bradys. Their living situation needs to be adjusted to the current market in California, where they lived. A mere apartment in Los Angeles can demand the renter makes nearly $60,000 a year just to cover the basic cost of rent, insurance, and utilities. Have you seen the size of the house they lived in? The price would be astronomical.
Another variable to consider is the size of the Bunch. The Brady family consisted of 2 parents, 6 kids, a housekeeper, and a dog. I suppose we could also throw in cousin Oliver even though he was the most contrived and annoying story line ever. There is no feasible way that a family of 10 could live in that San Bernardino neighborhood on Mike's single salary as an architect. It makes fine television, but it is simply not realistic.
Say goodbye to Alice, the housekeeper. Her salary would be absolutely unattainable on a single-income budget when combined with the rest of the family expenses. Hopefully, Sam the butcher would be willing to either make an honest woman out of her or at least give her a job at his shop. If not, a life on the streets becomes a very real possibility for our favorite quirky maid.
The next change would most likely be Carol getting a job to help out. To support their lifestyle, the Brady family would have to have a dual income with each wage-earner pulling in a nice amount. But the problem is Carol's options are limited because she has only a high school diploma and no real working experience, so all she can find is something that pays minimum wage. Being a trophy wife on TV is fine... not so much in the real world. Another conundrum is that she is forced to be away from home while she's working, so what about the children? They cannot be left unattended or every lamp in the house will be broken due to errant footballs being tossed to and fro.
This is where the revisionist narrative really takes a U-turn. Because the mom is gone for long stretches while working, the oldest children, Marcia and Greg, take over childcare duties. Affording child care is out of the question, so this means Greg never gets to form his rock and roll alter ego, Johnny Bravo, and Marcia never has a chance to meet Davy Jones and secure that perfect kiss. Lives are changed forever on several fronts.
Unfortunately, family trauma and stress can lead to the worst possible scenarios. Mike, the father, begins to feel the weight of the situation and starts to drink and become abusive. Money is stretched thin and nerves begin to fray. Carol gives him an ultimatum to either clean himself up or move out, groovy polyester suits and all... so he bolts.
Ugh. Now Carol is a single mom trying to raise an entire family on a minimum wage job while maintaining her current standard of living. Not happening. With Mike, the primary wage earner, gone, the Bunch now has no choice but to move out of their swanky neighborhood and into a smaller two-bedroom apartment in Reseda. Carol decides she needs to go to community college but that further complicates the issue because her work schedule demands she must take classes at night.
Marcia and Greg now must enter the workforce and they both get jobs slinging burgers while the next oldest kids, Jan and Peter assume watching the youngest three siblings (Remember, cousin Oliver is with them). Life has grown more somber because they had to get rid of Tiger, their beloved dog because the apartment complex does not allow pets. This takes an emotional toll on everyone.
Life has changed. Cindy and Bobby, the youngest Bradys, decide they have become too great a burden on the family and they run away, never to be heard from again. Cousin Oliver begins hanging around the wrong crowd and gets sent to jail for grand larceny and aggravated assault. This is definitely not the show Sherwood Shwartz had envisioned. The Brady Bunch has fallen apart and now resembles a more modern story that is closer to reality for many families.
I understand I have created several characterizations and engaged in some sweeping stereotypes. But I hope you can see the greater picture of what I'm trying to convey, which is life is not a romantic or family-based comedy. Not all of our problems are solved in nice and tidy 30 minute increments. There are real families who go through things like this every day and they don't have the luxury of turning the TV off and restarting the next day.
As we approach this new year, let us remember there are others who are constantly living paycheck to paycheck, just one catastrophe away from becoming homeless.
...at least do it for Alice!
The first thing we need to do is update the cost of living for the Bradys. Their living situation needs to be adjusted to the current market in California, where they lived. A mere apartment in Los Angeles can demand the renter makes nearly $60,000 a year just to cover the basic cost of rent, insurance, and utilities. Have you seen the size of the house they lived in? The price would be astronomical.
Another variable to consider is the size of the Bunch. The Brady family consisted of 2 parents, 6 kids, a housekeeper, and a dog. I suppose we could also throw in cousin Oliver even though he was the most contrived and annoying story line ever. There is no feasible way that a family of 10 could live in that San Bernardino neighborhood on Mike's single salary as an architect. It makes fine television, but it is simply not realistic.
Say goodbye to Alice, the housekeeper. Her salary would be absolutely unattainable on a single-income budget when combined with the rest of the family expenses. Hopefully, Sam the butcher would be willing to either make an honest woman out of her or at least give her a job at his shop. If not, a life on the streets becomes a very real possibility for our favorite quirky maid.
The next change would most likely be Carol getting a job to help out. To support their lifestyle, the Brady family would have to have a dual income with each wage-earner pulling in a nice amount. But the problem is Carol's options are limited because she has only a high school diploma and no real working experience, so all she can find is something that pays minimum wage. Being a trophy wife on TV is fine... not so much in the real world. Another conundrum is that she is forced to be away from home while she's working, so what about the children? They cannot be left unattended or every lamp in the house will be broken due to errant footballs being tossed to and fro.
This is where the revisionist narrative really takes a U-turn. Because the mom is gone for long stretches while working, the oldest children, Marcia and Greg, take over childcare duties. Affording child care is out of the question, so this means Greg never gets to form his rock and roll alter ego, Johnny Bravo, and Marcia never has a chance to meet Davy Jones and secure that perfect kiss. Lives are changed forever on several fronts.
Unfortunately, family trauma and stress can lead to the worst possible scenarios. Mike, the father, begins to feel the weight of the situation and starts to drink and become abusive. Money is stretched thin and nerves begin to fray. Carol gives him an ultimatum to either clean himself up or move out, groovy polyester suits and all... so he bolts.
Ugh. Now Carol is a single mom trying to raise an entire family on a minimum wage job while maintaining her current standard of living. Not happening. With Mike, the primary wage earner, gone, the Bunch now has no choice but to move out of their swanky neighborhood and into a smaller two-bedroom apartment in Reseda. Carol decides she needs to go to community college but that further complicates the issue because her work schedule demands she must take classes at night.
Marcia and Greg now must enter the workforce and they both get jobs slinging burgers while the next oldest kids, Jan and Peter assume watching the youngest three siblings (Remember, cousin Oliver is with them). Life has grown more somber because they had to get rid of Tiger, their beloved dog because the apartment complex does not allow pets. This takes an emotional toll on everyone.
Life has changed. Cindy and Bobby, the youngest Bradys, decide they have become too great a burden on the family and they run away, never to be heard from again. Cousin Oliver begins hanging around the wrong crowd and gets sent to jail for grand larceny and aggravated assault. This is definitely not the show Sherwood Shwartz had envisioned. The Brady Bunch has fallen apart and now resembles a more modern story that is closer to reality for many families.
I understand I have created several characterizations and engaged in some sweeping stereotypes. But I hope you can see the greater picture of what I'm trying to convey, which is life is not a romantic or family-based comedy. Not all of our problems are solved in nice and tidy 30 minute increments. There are real families who go through things like this every day and they don't have the luxury of turning the TV off and restarting the next day.
As we approach this new year, let us remember there are others who are constantly living paycheck to paycheck, just one catastrophe away from becoming homeless.
...at least do it for Alice!
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