The sun hasn't gone down yet where I live, but it's bitter cold already. The wind has been fiercely blowing all day, almost taking your breath away. People are bundled up with just their noses and tops of their cheeks peeking out of their scarves and toques and parkas. And still, the cold bites through our gloves and the wind seeps through the wool.
Soon the sun will go down, and the majority of us will be in our well lit heated homes making dinner....something hot and savoury. Comfort food.
Meanwhile, many people will head to a homeless shelter. They will be protected from the elements. There are some individuals, however, who have worn out their welcome at the shelters for one reason or another and aren't allowed to cross the threshold of the shelter. Some purposefully choose not to sleep at the shelter because they don't feel safe. Many reasons.
It happens.
Today...................I'm wondering....................what happens to these homeless human beings when the sun goes down? Where are they? Who is looking out for them? Who is paying attention? How will they survive through the bitter cold night?
It's -35 degrees Celsius with the wind chill factor added on........and the sun is still shining................
17 comments:
Sobering reality. My heart aches at your photo.
I wonder the same thing. I gave a book to our friend Monk about two men who decided to live "homelessly" for 6 months, traveling to 6 different cities in the US (and I think maybe one in Canada?) to experience it first hand. I learned a lot from the book. Its really sad. What if we each did something rather than waiting for someone else to help? I am not sure what that would be or how that would work, but I like the idea.
P.S. Sweet pea, are you sure its 35 Celsius? I used my Celsius/Fahrenheits converter and thats HOT.
anna.....it is very sobering.
layla.....there's a "minus" before the 35 degrees. :)
I don't even know where to find them. My city is small, so it would be just a few unlucky souls. I know a gentleman who is an outreach worker. He most likely is keeping an eye out for them, as are the police.
In a larger urban centre though.....so many.......so many lost.......
I was thinking about the homeless today as well. The local news people were asking for donations of blankets, socks, jackets, etc., but they didn't ask until 6pm and I am sure that they will not get enough in time, plus some of the homeless don't go to where they can get the clothing. It is a sad state of affairs.
Reminds me of the saying that it takes a village to raise a child ... what about a homeless child? what about a homeless adult? When does personal responsibility become community responsibility? So many questions, not enough answers (or solutions).
I too feel so heartbroken for the homeless, many of whom suffer from mental illnesses and are doing the best they can.
What I have done is carry blankets in my car (even old ones), and often distribute them during these harsh times.
Have a good week.
what was it rich mullins once said;
for too long long noe the church has bought into the idea that the government can take care of the poor - and this is a terriblt flaw in their thinking. the government can give the poor money - that isn't taking care of the them. the church is the organism that jesus put in the world to take care of the poor'
he then with his compassionate mischevious grin said, 'you, you folks are the light of the world....'
hmmmm, thats more sobering still....
Awareness - I can't speak for NB, but here in Philly we have a program called "Code Blue," which sends officials out on the streets to try and get them into shelters. Sadly though a lot of them refuse to go; due to the conditions. So they try their best to stay warm any way they can. Bundled up in newspaper and cardboard.
It's pretty sad, considering all the wealth in the world.
If the world used the money it spent (USA included) on bullets and bombs and war we could solve the homeless problem quickly.
As my mother said: "Through the grace of God it's not you."
Peace & Hugs,
- Neo
My hubby works up on York Street, his office is by the bottle depot and there is a huge population of homeless there that dumpster dive, etc. My hubby talks to them and they tell him if they get "kicked out" of the shelter they crawl under a building. They will ask my hubby to give them his cardboard from the furniture and he gives all he gets to them. He's labelled them the "Listerine Gang".
Very, very sad.
Isnt it funny how we all think about the homeless on cold nights.
Did anyone check out RWKs link to poser or prophet. Now that dude has a perspective!
Barbaras book on homelessness is highly recomended.
I often wonder this myself. All too often I leave a client's home happy to have the warmth of my car. I can't help but wonder and worry about these people, the humans, on days like today. I'm sitting here in my office because it's too cold to go knocking at doors. Luckily have that choice.
I still look under the bridge every time I drive under it, to see if anyone is living there again.
Judy...it always too little too late isn't it? We seem to have good intentions, but never seem to connect in a timely or effective way.
Deborah.....it does take a village. We are all part of the problem and the solution.
Barbara......good for you to be so considerate We should all get into that frame of mind. So many are living with mental illnesses and/or addictions and are not able to cope without someone taking the time to look out for them.
Paul....i fully agree with Rich Mullins.....gov't can provide money. The church must take the lead on this one. I know of many local churches and their congregations in this area who are making concerted efforts to tackle issues related to poverty.....one I heard of just recently who ask their members to take part in "fast Friday." Instead of going out for lunch, they fast and donate the money they would've spent on lunch to a collection. The collection then provides a hot lunch to a group of kids who live in public housing.
time to shine, shine, shine our lights.........to provide warmth and unconditional love. Yes? Yes.
Hi Neo.......these are the people I am concerned about........the ones who refuse to go to the shelters, or the ones who have been banned from going because of their unpredictable behaviour. Not many fit this category here........many drift off to larger urban centres like Philly......and it's that much more visible. Good to know there is an organized program in Philly. I'm pretty sure there is something like that in the larger centres in Canada as well......
What bothers me about the situation in Fredericton, is that our numbers are so small, we should ALL know these poor individuals by name!!!
Tay......I didn't know that was where they hid from the elements. I'm going to ask my contacts more about this....... I wonder if the politicians know this?? The location just happens to be in my riding!!!
Hey Monk........it's true. We do think of them more often when it's cold. My questioning comes from the fact that when the weather is more fair, I see them daily.....and know at least they are visible and getting some intervention. When it is so bitter cold, they disappear from the radar........
What is the name of the book?
I will also look into RWK's link and then pass it on......
Thanks............all
Hi Princess.....looks like we were posting comments at the same time. I always look under the bridge too. NOW? I will look under the bottle depot building.....as well.
I can't help but think of the name of the bottle depot building....the "Redemption Centre...." It has always bothered me.....it really bothers me now.
I was walking outside the other day when the bitter cold wind swept across my face. I felt my eyes begin to dry out and felt a tinge of pain. Then, the same thought crossed my mine...I wonder where all those without homes are spending this cold evening. Hopefully they have found a place, among a group, to gather around a trash can fire or some other source of heat. Then I lifted up a prayer, asking God to give them protection that evening.
However, as I traveled home in my warm car, I began to wonder what I could do. Lifting a prayer is easy, but doing something is hard. I just can't get it out of my mind. God's really doing something to my heart. Who knows where it will lead...
I often wonder this too - when I worked nights in A&E we would often let people sit in the shelter of the hospital doors and give them hot drinks even though it wasn't strictly allowed - small comfort really.
Thanks for the links Dana.
If you really want to do something, check out Charles Leblanc's blog and his upcoming interview with George Piers from the soup kitchen in Fredericton. George has many suggestions.
hi Mike.
thanks for the suggestion. I know George as well. My husband volunteers at the kitchen too, so I will follow up with George and have a chat with him.
Glad you dropped by. take care.
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