I read as many blogs about homelessness as I can. It helps me keep abreast of what others are thinking, and how homeless issues are perceived in other communities. Some viewpoints are almost expected, others are just discouraging, and the best ones impact my perception of homelessness and the Respite’s role in serving our community. Three of my favorites from the past couple days are below.
1) Burned to Death for Being Homeless - The title, unfortunately, gives you a good idea what this article is about. I’ve read at too many similar articles in recent weeks and months. Without being sensational, I wanted to share this one because despite the horrific nature of these incidents, they continue. The idea that a life might be extinguished for entertainment underlies the most base societal attitudes about homeless people: that they are not human, not even less than human.
2) Where’s the Messenger? - This article is a good read for nonprofits serving the homeless. It closely examines our duty to educate the public, not just fundraise. While “raising public awareness” does, I’m sure, factor into most nonprofit’s goals, we don’t always do as much as we can. Let’s face it: between serving our clients, connecting with supporters, friends, and volunteers, maintaining our grant support, valuing staff, and dealing with daily crises (broken computers, squirrels on the porch, inspections, power failures, leaking washing machines), well, maybe we don’t keep this function in mind as much as we should.
3) Why do you look away? - Some of the most powerful blog entries are those written by homeless people themselves. This one talks about the flip side of homeless people on the streets. I see tons of articles written by people who encountered a homeless person during the day. Some express remorse for not being able to help, others show guilt or pity, and a predictable portion express disgust, even rage. This article is a sobering look at the flip side of the situation.
Is there an article about homelessness that caught your attention lately? Share a link in comments.
thank you for the ping back to Homelessinla. I will try to show you more of the happiness and positive events that happen in the homeless community.I do have the chance to see many homeless mothers and fathers find jobs and apartments and end their cycle of homelessness. Also, there is the LAMP art Studio on 7th street in Los Angeles where the mentally ill and homeless paint and display their works