Unity In Progress
Many have been lost to the despair of society; yet, hope is felt, among the masses. Life will always try to explain a grim understanding of that which is otherwise. Only through personal experience may one become the many. Everyday beings in need are walked passed, and glared down upon, as if the first choice was to become a nomad in a concrete jungle. No being wants to sleep under a streetlight, and a doors archway, it becomes a punishment by our peers; such is the reality of choice.
Based on numbers in the 2017 Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR) to Congress, homelessness is rising. The American people are now experiencing the beginnings of another depression, if the problem is not resolved before getting out of hand, it may affect the entire planet. Due to a number of variables, to dilute to fully understand, the 99% are slipping on a steep slope with a rope around the throat.
As the local populace of pavement travelers increases, the locale morale diminishes. People with homes look at a being on the street as a lower breed, rather than a relative in need. Donna Johnson of Gunnison, Colorado (currently residing in San Diego) said,“Homeowners Associations, that’s politics at its finest.” Interpreted with depth Donna opened a can of worms, as homeowners associations are ran by our peers & family, this should be a place of understanding not the rigid doorway to acceptance. “It is personal choices that we make,” said Johnson about a political backdrop of ignorance, and fear mongering. Every individual must choose to make a right or wrong decision for themselves, and for the many. Whether in The Oval Office, or a local closet (transient shelter); you, make the choice of how we all live collectively.
As the 2017 AHAR to Congress points out, the number of those in need is rising. On a single night in 2017, 553,742 beings were experiencing homelessness. Although only a 1% increase since 2016, the number is skewed based on the statistics backing it. Approximately two-thirds (65%) were sheltered and the remaining one-third (35%) unsheltered. The truly startling fact is that since 2016 the unsheltered population has increased 9% as the sheltered rate had a decline of 3%, meaning more people are losing positions in transitional housing, while emergency shelters are all but vanishing. The report shows 40, 799 unaccompanied youth (under the age of 25) were homeless, 55% of which were unsheltered, and 88% between the ages of 18 & 24. 13% of those in need are youth in college years, and yet we expect the next generation to sustain our high standards, without support from a community.
This topic spans millennia, and will be a constant work in progress, until everyone agrees to work on themselves while assisting others doing the same. Leonard Blue of Jacksonville, Florida (currently residing in San Diego) said, “Whatever you’re doing, there is nothing to be ashamed of.” This alone stands for ownership. If you’ve done it, own it. Everyone take responsibility for actions, and lead by example. “Absolute truth. Love is everything,” said Blue. We can begin to find it in our hearts to understand these nomads, these people, have become victims of circumstance. Whether a family matter, or that of society progressing to quickly for some to keep up, something must be done.
Will we continue to allow our friends and family to slip down the slope to homelessness? Will we stand together and build a foundation for the community & generations to come? The human race is growing at an exponential rate. Will we the people, take control of our well-being, and sacrifice time & space for stability of population. Will we unite?
