The Choice of Homelessness

Monday, November 20, 2017

No one chooses homelessness in a moment of critical decision while considering the potential permanence of their circumstance. Even Auntie Joyce--my shelter-less kindred who relishes her time in God’s nature-- abhors the evils of predatory landlords and rigged social service systems. She says these people and systems show obvious signs of mismanagement and corruption of compassion. Yet, their reform seems never to be a priority of either political party. One party chooses to pile-on bureaucratic hurdles, while the other wishes a total disassembling of these vitally helpful services. America, on this basic human and civil right—touching life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness-- we have to do better.

My heart breaks at the apparent loss of our humanity when—while America’s cities are developing and prospering-- we cannot fulfill this tenant of faith and empathy. Will we allow our corporate desire to prosper to supersede our purposeful calling to help others? When will market saturation dictate a reduction in exorbitant rental rates that drive people either to unsafe living conditions, the brink of monthly bankruptcy, or abject homelessness? When will we trust the research that advises it municipally cost-effective, as well as socially and mentally stabilizing to eradicate homelessness. I would be disappointed if our only response to the issue was a story-line in season two of popular television. People are hurting, hopeless, and dying.

Abundance does not have to be a lot… Nonetheless thankful!