The Homeless Problem

​The Homeless Problem
 
I am sure most of us, including those who are homeless, have heard about the homeless problem.  Frequently, what is meant by the use the term is “the problem of dealing with the homeless” as opposed to “the pain and suffering of the homeless”.    When used to imply that the homeless are a problem the concerns seem to be:
 

• They make potential customers uncomfortable (frightened, guilty, helpless, hopeless).
• They make residents or potential residents of hotels, apartments or condos uncomfortable.
• They might steal.
• They might get violent.
• They might be drunk or high and harass others.
• They remind one that financial and emotional stability is tenuous at best.
• They are lazy and unwilling to work.

 
When one is implying the pain and suffering of the homeless one may be feeling:

• Responsibility for helping to ensure more shelters.
• Sad about the fact that the homeless are someone’s father, mother, brother, sister, child, aunt, uncle, or grandparent.
• Identification knowing one could be that person of family.
• Helpless.
• Empathy for those who do not feel safe being in a confined space.
• Frustration that often the homeless are addicts or those with other mental illness who are labeled as criminals.

 
There are many reasons individuals, or a family might be homeless including loss of income, mental illness, addiction, loss of faith that one can create a meaningful life, anger at “the system”, overwhelming grief, acute PTSD from trauma such as combat, domestic violence,  or sexual battery which leaves one unable to function.
 
I certainly understand the discomfort of being confronted with the reality of facing the person blocking the entrance to one’s home or business.  I understand being so weary and overwhelmed by injustice which leaves one barely able to face the day.  I understand not wanting to constantly be made to feel as if one is failing in one’s responsibility to care for one’s neighbor; of having to face the failing of the economic and social systems.
 
We all have days or times in our lives when we just want to do our duty or job and get home to our safe, nurturing  homes.  We all have times when we want to shut out the harsher or painful parts of reality and refuel.  We all have times when we want to act as if we have what we have because of our hard work; as long as we work hard we will have what we need just for today.
 
The cost of  viewing the homeless as a problem rather than the failings of the moral imperative to care for each other can be high;  the imperative to create systems in which we set a place at the table for everyone; in which we feel safe in making sure, as did many of our ancestors, there is always enough food for the stranger.   Part of my heritage is always making sure that there is enough food to feed whoever stops by at mealtime.    It seems as if Grandma Fannie’s generation could always perform the miracle of the  fish and the loaves. Yet, the reality is we often live in our gated communities, with our security cameras and locked doors.  We often live in “stand your ground” communities with
loaded guns protecting what seems more valuable than the life of the person whose desperation for food or the relief of the next drink other drugs is as necessary as our need to relax and feel safe for an instant or an evening.
 
This blog is not intended as a multiple-choice quiz.  It is intended as an invitation to view the homeless as one’s neighbors, father, mother, brother, sister; to accept that love demands a willingness to be uncomfortable and inconvenienced; to not have easy answers or sight blocking blinds?
 
Written December 8, 2020
Jimmy F Pickett
coachpickett.org