What I Learned From the “Homeless”
“Never judge a book by its cover” — so goes the saying. However, when understanding who the “homeless” are, this is an absolute truth.
When I lived in Key West my apartment was close to the beach area where the homeless community congregated. My daily walks to the pier and beach brought me face-to-face with many that had no place to call “home.”
Who were these people of all ages, sizes, and personalities? Some filtered down from the north because of the all-year warm weather. Others had lived in Key West for many years. Young and old made up this community. Some were shy, friendly, funny, while others showed a bitter mean-spirit.
What about the shelters? During the day, there was no problem finding a place to hang out…library, beach, park, and outside food bars. But night time was a different story. The shelter did take quite a few in. However, since no drinking or alcohol was allowed, that left out a good chunk of the homeless that refused to give up their alcohol. So where did they go? They sought shelter under bridges, on the beach, or wherever they could fall asleep without getting arrested.
How did these people end up on the streets? One lovely middle-aged lady I made friends with had lived in Key West most of her life. She had a house and a good job. Her son unexpectedly died. Her grief prevented her from working, and she began drinking. In time she lost her job, house, and became an alcoholic. From that point forward, she never got her footing again. She worked but never made enough money to get out of the financial hole.
Then there was my favorite, Pops. He was quite elderly and an alcoholic. He too lived and worked on the island most of his life. He wasn’t eligible for social security since he paid nothing into it. All of his belongings he carried on his bike while living under the pier and on the beach. He was funny, friendly, and kind.
The last person actually did make it out of his homeless situation after several years of hardship. Bill Laney lost his affordable living apartment in south Florida when they decided to build more costly housing. Bill’s story is gripping. You can read his story in Homeless Isn’t Hopeless.
Can it happen to you? Absolutely. Many live paycheck to paycheck. Many suffer from addiction nationwide. Then there is lack of affordable housing. Never feel you are too high that you cannot fall.
Regarding the homeless I met, it was not a choice. The homeless don’t want to be where they are in life. Many struggle to get out of the deep hole they are in. Some do make it out with a HELPING HAND. Others do not. For some it was and is a life or death issue.
Who can you help today? All people are deserving of dignity.
