Today, I want you to meet David. More importantly, I want you to meet David’s feet. I talked about David in last week’s post, and David has even been mentioned in the Enquirer.
But I don’t know if you really understand David’s feet. Frostbite sounds bad, but not horrifying. I think David’s feet are horrifying. Horrifying because they display the needless injuries inflicted on everyday people who can’t afford medical care. Horrifying because they are the result of honest work, not substance abuse or living on the streets. In fact, David lost his job because of the injury, not vice versa.
I’ve posted pictures before to show you what we do at the Respite. You’ve seen clients after healing and recuperation, after housing and health. Here are pictures of what an earlier stage in that process looks like:
Can you say "no" to healthcare for the homeless. . .
. . . after seeing how bad it really can be?
People say, "I don't want my tax dollars to be a free ride for someone who's just lazy."
See any lazy people here?
It’s easy to write off the issue of homelessness through stereotypes. It’s not as easy to deny urgently needed medical care because of assumptions about past actions or potential for the future. The health care needs of homeless individuals in our community are serious and growing. People like David need help now or they risk drastic consequences.
How is David ? It was a tragic tale of someone trying to make do only to have his efforts turn against him. It would be easy to see how without help he might be inclined to give up. Our prayers to him.
David is doing well, and has since left the Respite for a nursing home where he can recover from surgery on his feet. We miss him!
wouldn’t that burn kill someone?
Not in this case, although it certainly was a serious concern for David.
Hello!
Very Interesting post! Thank you for such interesting resource!
PS: Sorry for my bad english, I’v just started to learn this language
See you!
Your, Raiul Baztepo
Hello !! ^_^
My name is Piter Kokoniz. Just want to tell, that I’v found your blog very interesting
And want to ask you: what was the reasson for you to start this blog?
Sorry for my bad english:)
Thank you:)
Piter Kokoniz, from Latvia
@Piter – I started this blog as a way for Respite to have more transparency; it’s a behind the scenes look at day to day life working with men and women who are homeless and sick/injured. It helps us stay connected to our friends and supporters as well and to raise awareness of our mission.