Lloyd Davis shot this short video (above) on the 15 October 2008. Shocking isn't it? We know it happens all the time, but Lloyd's film really highlighted how much we really ignore the homelessness issue.
I was reminded of this film when I was sent a link to Invisible People, which interviews homeless people and posts them on their blog. What they are doing feels really important.
"The invisible guy didn’t intend to become homeless. I didn’t plan on living on the street. Everyone on the streets has their own story, some made bad decisions, others were victims, but none of them deserve what they have been left with, and it is a reflection of our own society that we just leave them there.
Please always remember, the homeless people you’ll ignore today were much like you not so long ago."
A genuine question: what should we do? One reason for ignoring people on the street is that we don't know how to respond. For example, if someone's asleep (as seems to be the case in this video) should I wake them up and talk to them? Probably not.
Is there a resource anywhere that helps people prepare for responding to homelessness when they encounter it?
Posted by: Michael | January 09, 2009 at 11:19 AM
be yourself and treat everyone as you would want to be treated
each situation is unique and each person has unique gifts. if you have a heart to help - do it. some people like me like the front lines, but some feel more comfortable not having direct contact. say, helping office staff or in a kitchen.
of course, some times you have to walk away out of danger to yourself and others. not every situation is it ok, but MOST are
homeless are people - real people - most have lots of hurt and crazy walls built up to defend from any more pain.
there is a great story here and not just because i wrote it
Shannon who keeps the site provides lots of homeless resources
http://homelessness.change.org/blog/view/my_first_night_homeless
Posted by: Mark Horvath | January 09, 2009 at 06:52 PM