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Understand the Homeless
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Almost any day, somewhere in
Syracuse, on an entrance ramp to Route 81 or blocks away from the Rescue Mission on West
Street, you may encounter someone holding up a sign which says something like, "Will
Work for Food." Just driving by can cause uncomfortable feelings, even in the most
cynical. You don't want people to be hungry or homeless ... You want to do what you can to
help! But you wonder if you are being "scammed" or if the people will really use
the money you give them for food ...
These people only represent a handful of the men and women
in desperate need in our community. Even in a city the size of Syracuse, it is easy for us
to be overwhelmed by the needs of the poor! It is important for you to know some facts
about the homeless in our community.
The first, and most important fact, is that all homeless people are not alike.
Circumstances which result in homelessness can happen both to the young and old, people
with college degrees and those who are illiterate.
They may be mentally ill, drug or alcohol-addicted, displaced workers or veterans. Many of
the homeless are among the working poor--people whose minimum-wage jobs just won't pay the
rent and put food on the table.
In addition, there are hundreds of households in our community which are just one crisis
away from homelessness. They may be sharing housing ... living paycheck to paycheck with
no reserve for emergencies ... people who have no friends or family to help them. The
homeless can be victims of illness, child abuse, violence or the lack of education and job
skills.
On the other hand, homelessness can result from an
individual's own bad choices. Although some homeless people may be dangerous, they are
more frequently targets of abuse and street crime. They can feel very isolated and become
concerned for their physical safety and the security of the few belongings they may have.
Whatever the circumstances of their homelessness, these men and women really need our
help! But what can one person do? Below are some ways that you can help the homeless and
poor people in our community:
1. Remember that the homeless are all individuals with
individual needs.
2. Treat the homeless kindly and with respect--they
may go days without any positive contact with another person.
3. Instead of cash, provide a sandwich and a cup of
coffee, a blanket on a cold night or a gift certificate to a nearby fast-food restaurant.
Or direct them to the Rescue Mission where they can get the services they need. Even a
hungry person might convert cash to drugs or alcohol.
4. Take precautions for your own safety--some homeless
people may be fearful, angry or paranoid.
5. Remember, and remind them, that God loves them.
6. Keep them in your prayers.
7. Educate the young people in your life about the
issues of homelessness and encourage their involvement in caring for the needy.
8. Volunteer your professional abilities or
interests--we can use a wide range of skills!
9. Provide clothing and household items which can be
distributed to the needy or sold to support our various services.
10. Support the Rescue Mission's 365-day-a-year
ministry to people in need with your contributions and your prayers.
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