Image by Leroy Skalstad from Pixabay
This year, the homeless population in the United States is over half a million people.
Information sourced from WorldPopulationReview.com
My personal story of a recent experience:
Yesterday, I came across an older gentleman playing the violin in front of a store sitting down on the cold concrete. His instrument case was opened up barely filled with some dollar bills and a bit of coins. I cannot forget the look on his face when I asked him if he wanted something to eat and drink. His mouth cracked open immediately with a smile and it looked like light filled his eyes as they widened. I've been in this position many times already so I know how he feels. The only difference is that I didn't have many people provide me with offerings. Since I do not want him to have the same experience as I've had, I wanted to get him something he needed, but also gift him something that he wanted.
"What would you like to eat," I had asked him. He was delighted to tell me that he wanted some jerky. He was in need of some protein and kindly asked to not give him anything with sugar in it. And he also asked for some water. The trunk of my car usually has water bottles in it along with another form of drink at times. I assured him that there was already a plan in place before approaching him to give him at least two water bottles. He thanked me and I told him, "I'll be right back."
While exiting the store, I gave him a small gift bag with a couple of choices of beef jerky, three different seasoned packets of tuna with crackers (these have their own little utensil to use inside for scooping the tuna that he can also use for something else later on), and a package of band aids. As I handed him his bag, I could see his jeans were already discolored and becoming more covered in dirt on the knees.
Without making any assumptions, I offered him a little advice and told him why I gave him bandages as he didn't ask for them. Who knows how long he's already been on foot?! "You can use them for your feet when they get blisters and for anything else." It's common to get cut and scraped up while trying to sit along sidewalks or parking lot markers. Thinking back on my experience as I handed him two water bottles, it took less than a week for me to have both of my feet covered in huge blisters making it hard to walk and I couldn't afford anything to treat them. Now he's a little prepared for when he does need it.
A Related Issue
Homeless people are a major target by Human Traffickers. One of the strategies of these predators is to recruit for their networks by driving around on the streets to find homeless people. They can look for anyone: men, women, children, and whole families. Usually, they'll use bribery to cover their motives as a subtle technique or can go to the extremes of kidnapping with drive-by large vehicles. These methods are used for any of the many branches of human exploitation: labor trafficking, drug trafficking, and sex trafficking.
For more information or to read additional personal experiences on these topic, you can visit my website at:
https://andrelynwriting.wixsite.com/website/blog
People who are stuck outside on the streets need so much help. More often than not, they are out there involuntarily as consequences for someone else's actions instead of their own. As humans, it is our duty to look out for each other especially those who are less fortunate than us. It is the moral thing to do. It is for humanity. By supplying the homeless with a necessity, you can also save them from being recruited or forced into a Human Trafficking Ring.
#helpstophumantrafficking
The Power of Giving
Many people are unsure of what to give out to the needy they encounter on the streets due to several stereotypes. The most common one being that if you provide money to the homeless, they'll just use it for drugs instead of buying food or water. What many people do not realize who do not pay attention to price tags is that there is hardly any products out there that is easily accessible in stores that costs $1 or less. So if a person does not see any of the homeless rushing into the store immediately after receiving money is due to still not having enough to afford it. Another way to get over this stigma that people carry is to take matters into your own hands and just buy something for them instead. There is always something that you can do to help.
Even if the chances are that you do not have any food or beverage on hand or any cash, check your surroundings. In the car, you may have an extra bag. Do you have any idea how hard it is to find a bag these days? Many places offer them with a price. They are no longer free. Try to see if you can find one with handles, which is even better. A nearby store may have a cup of ice. You can help them begin creating a first aid kit. Maybe you can check out the beauty section and provide a travel size beauty product or comb. How about a pair of socks? There are so many options. The list is endless!
Please do think twice before passing someone on the street. A helpful action can help save their lives especially gifting nourishment and hydration. Never underestimate the power of giving.
Bibliography:
- World Population Review. Homeless Population By State 2023: https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/homeless-population-by-state, 2023.
Written by Andrelyn Izquierdo.
Inspired by my true story.
Don’t forget! No matter what, you can always shine on.
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