Not long ago, a park in our town was cleared of "vagrants" due to high levels of illegal drug use, sales and physical infractions. Cleaning up parks is generally a good idea, but our economy stacks the deck against most of the people who were using this particular park. They were there because they are homeless, many disabled, many mentally ill and others veterans who are not being provided for by the government they served.
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Not all of them are pushing or using drugs. Is drug use a widespread problem in the homeless community? Yes. But it is also a problem in wealthy communities and middle-class communities. This park offered some protection from the weather for the folks who couldn't get into the overnight shelters. We simply do not have enough resources to rehabilitate our homeless.
When the park was cleared, there was suddenly a wealth of individuals sleeping on the main street of our town. The smell was horrific as their living conditions were fully exposed. It felt unsafe to walk alone in previously comfortable spaces because we weren't able to ignore the massive number of people literally wearing everything they owned, their cheeks hollowed and their bodies warped and dirty.
It was abysmal. Many letters were written to the appropriate political parties making two requests:
The first was that they stop treating all homeless as criminals. Not being able to live inside a structure is not a crime. Most of these humans are disabled. When you speak with them, you learn their homelessness arose out of medical needs which resulted in bills they couldn't pay and eviction notices. They are people trying to survive as best they can.
The second request was that we expand safe housing and rehabilitation measures for our community.
I'm happy to say that both processes are underway. However, there is always more that can be done. Which is why I'm posting twice today on how you can help my daughters bring joy to our homeless neighbors by supporting their goal of raising enough here on Steemit to buy 200 boxes of cookies to donate via a troop mom who works in homeless housing.
Here's how you can help:
- Upvote THIS LINKED POST. The payout for the linked post will arrive prior to cookies sales closing.
- Resteem the above linked post.
- Send SMD or STEEM to @shawnamawna with a note saying it is for Cookies for the Homeless.
- Write your own post telling people how they can help.
We currently have enough for 36 boxes of cookies. When we reach 200 boxes, I will donate an extra 20 in celebration of your generosity. Please be aware that 1SBD buys 1.5 boxes right now.
Thank you, Steemians, for helping us reach this goal.
This is an amazing community capable of spreading love to those who can't get to this platform. Our family appreciates you.
Warmly,
Shawna
Don't forget, best comment on this account or @nat5an each week gets 5SBD reward.
You and your family appear to be just terrific people. I'm pulling for your daughters' efforts to succeed massively.
Thank you. You are deeply appreciated.
I love to see people use Steemit to improve the livelihood of others. It's sort of the same thing we do at Enactus. But we are students who use our entrepreneurial knowledge and skills to improve the livelihood of people in our community in an economically, socially and environmentally sustainable way.
We always pay attention to helping people by empowering them. Sometimes with the necessary skills and springboard to kickstart a business venture. So they can always have food on their tables, clothes on their back and roof over their heads. Even when we are not around to help them stand.
Keep it up. Little efforts like this make the world a better place to live in.
I will make a more detailed post soon about what we do at Enactus and what it is all about.
Thank you for this comment and all that you do. I'll look forward to the post on Enactus. Don't be afraid to link it here!
Thank you. I will do that. Right under this comment.
If you ever need anything good in live is by doing good to others. Life is a boomerang. You are so on point. Great job
<3 I love this idea of life as a boomerang. Thank you.
@shawnamawna This sounds like a bunch of fun!
In some places the health department would have to get their fingers into the method of distribution. It sounds like your friend has a path for distribution via a shelter or such, though.
I hope everyone involved has a blast.
Have you considered doing a second round of some type of fruit like apples or oranges?
Nice to have discovered your project via #steemitbloggers :)
A second round! That's a brilliant idea. Perhaps we will do purses/pouches with hygiene products.
And, yes, absolutely--we have someone already inside the system who can distribute properly. We are such a lucky troop.
Awesome Possum Excellent :-)
Oh and keep me posted, please.
This is an amazing effort !!! My father was homeless and so was i for a spell. Ty for seeing that everyone whos homeless is not there cuz of drugs. Also mental illness is a huge problem.
While I grew up with the experience of poverty, I have never been homeless. I do remember being hungry and wishing I could have a treat now and again. There is something that happens at the psychological level when you are treated as a person through recognition that you deserve relief.
I am sorry for your and your father's experiences. I'm grateful I can see past the media barrage and am always grateful to learn about others' experiences with homelessness.
Its legit. I will probably make a ppst in the near future about it.
Helping people is great
All the appreciation to you
Thank you. It's a lovely project. I'm glad the girls want to do it.
Wow this is such a good cause! Your heart is so biggggggg💗 I wanna participate with the little that I have. Just to double confirm, is the minimum transfer 1SBD? @shawnamawna :)
The minimum is whatever you want to give. I will round up to the next box on my own. :)
Done!!! :)