Living in the city I do come in contact with my fair share of homeless, panhandlers, hobos, whatever label you choose. Now seeing as I don’t have the expendable income to support someone other than myself, I have to pick and choose who I will give money to. Most of the time it’s to the people who look like they will benefit from it or are trying to go somewhere with their life. Of course, the younger they are the more likely I am to lend a hand. (Is that wrong?)
I was recently watching a special on homeless children in America. And the whole thing they kept pushing was to donate money to give each homeless kid a backpack with a few school supplies, 2 boxed dinners, some cereal and a tub of peanut butter/jelly mix. They are saying what a huge deal it is that they are supplying these to the kids. This is horrifying. We should expect so much more to be done for them. That people care so little about children born into horrible situations and then having to live on the street. They didn’t ask for this, they are children, and we are just dumping them out of a help system when they turn 18, as if magically by then they can make it on their own. I didn’t make it on my own until I graduated college, and that was with love and support from my family. Not to mention a good education. I have heard about ’sleep outs’ in order to raise money and awareness for the homeless, what else can and should be done?
“You can spend the money on new housing for poor people and the homeless, or you can spend it on a football stadium or a golf course.” – Jello Biafra
~ Thomas Jefferson
centerforrespitecare said,
May 29, 2008 @ 10:46 am
I see what you’re saying about school supplies and food for a couple meals not being even a small fraction of what some of these children need in order to overcome the barriers they face. From a nonprofit perspective, however, I understand why publicity for this type of event would play up such donations. A spur-of-the-moment donor is motivated to give (in my opinion) by a sense of hope: they see that there is a bad situation, but are convinced that their donation will make a difference. If we simply tell them that these childrens’ problems are huge and insurmountable, what incentive do they have to give? It’s the statements of “every little bit counts” and “your donation matters” that convince small donors to turn into major donors, or simply keep giving. And there is hope – imagine a million people each making a small donation. That would make a difference. So while we can’t ignore the big picture, we also have to show people ways they can help that are quick and easy to get them engaged and informed.
B said,
May 31, 2008 @ 7:04 pm
I am so proud of both you and Sarah! I never thought that I could be so be so proud to call someone my friend. You are changing lives, questioning realitity as we “know it” or think we know it. YOU are changing the world. Even if “all you do” is convince a student to finish school. Even if “all you do” is give a student hope. You are making big strides in changing their lives. You reach them one child, one person at a time. Just like walking, you start with just one step. And although you are only able to give what you can monetarily, I beilive that what you also give to those students you reach is so much more valuable. It kind of drew my attention when you said that they were on their own when they were 18. Immediatley I thought of Sarah and thought together you make a difference in America’s Youth as broad and general as that is, it is oh so true. Keep up the awesome work!!!
shortygirl said,
June 4, 2008 @ 1:35 pm
I agree that people often need something quick and easy, in the donation area, to get them initially involved in helping needy children. Also, everyone has some children, big or small, in their circle of family and friends…would like to see mentoring or reaching out to them in an ongoing manner….also, even children in middle class homes could be struggling…..like the quote “It takes a village”…