Homelessness

I went to another Least of my Brothers and Sisters meeting last night. This time it was about homelessness in Lansing. I really did not know how prevalent it is in the greater Lansing area but it's something close to 4,000 people don't have homes. A lot of the men stay in shelters and families try to stay at Haven House but often can't. It really tears families apart. The reasons for homelessness vary and all kinds of people stay in the shelters. They said even people who have PhDs and multiple graduate degrees sometimes end up there. Otherwise anger, drugs, alcohol, other bad behavior, lack of a job, lack of money to keep their homes, etc. The list goes on.

There was a guy named N (I'm just going to call him that) who was in his mid 20s who came to talk to us. N was badly bullied as a child, got into drugs, alcohol, and violence at an early age and was in prison by the time he was 15. He was in and out of rehab, prison, jail, school, and often burned bridges with his family and friends. He became addicted to heroin and that became his only drive in life: to get high and get more heroin. He didn't care about the diseases associated with sharing needles (Hepatitis C, HIV/AIDS) but just needed to feel better. He has a daughter who he loves but hasn't seen since she was a baby. He was very violent and has a hard time finding a job. People tried to help him but he simply did not want help. He did not want to be alive. He was homeless sleeping on the streets for 3 years in all kinds of weather. He would sleep under some bushes near the river. One day it clicked for him that he needed to get help. He also realized he needed to find God. 7 months ago he went to the mission downtown and has been in a program to get better ever since. It's very structured on prayer, chores, and helping others. I never would have believed the things he talked about because he looks like he's doing really well. Last week, N apparently started thinking about his future, not dwelling on his past. He might want to go to college and get a job. It's amazing to see. He was very mild mannered and said everything he does goes to God.

We also talked a lot about homelessness in general. A lot of people have mental illnesses that the state really doesn't care about so they end up homeless. The people who hold cardboard signs only want money, generally to pay for their drug and alcohol addictions. People are sick, hungry, and some are out of chances to get better in life.

If you see a homeless person, here are a few things you can do:
-Say hi!
-Smile :)
-offer to get them a sandwich or burger,
-never give them money
-talk to them, everyone wants someone to talk to and acknowledge their presence
-also, volunteering anywhere is a great way to help out. Tutoring kids and giving them a dream that they can be doctors, nurses, astronauts, firemen, police officers, etc and inspiring them to get an education and not end up on the streets is huge. Every kid you can help saves a life, and all it takes is your time.

I really want to help these people.