I made a donation to PATH, and not just because they gave me a free ticket to watch the taping of CNN heroes! I think PATH is doing a fantastic job of helping homelessness, not just in Los Angeles but their model is being used by other cities. I know it must be effective when I ask street people if they know about PATH and they do!
The need for the food banks for Thanksgiving is sending a red flag that the amount of homelessness is about to increase. With economic times hard, and lots of homes in forclosure, its not surprising. Los Angeles has a HUGE problem with homelessness, and its about to get worse.
Obama said he would have a zero tolerance for homeless veterans. Taking them off the street and out of the shelters would really help eliminate some of the strains on the shelters. But of course, we need to do more.
I donate money to homeless organizations, and give out fleece blankets and toiletry kits to homeless who solitct funds on the street, and buy meals and gift cards when I see street people outside restaurants I'm going to eat at, and I try to make eye contact and say hi and treat them like they are human and deserving of grace. Sometimes, that helps them the most.
2 comments:
I was touched by what you've written.
When my daughter was young we used to go every Christmas Eve Day to St. Augustine by the Sea in to help create and give a luncheon/party for the homeless community in Santa Monica. It was originally organized by a woman named Christine who was one of the first people to do community service involving students from various schools. I believe it somehow became part of PATH. Anyhow, it was the best part of xmas me and my girl.
My daughter has grown and lives across the world and I ran across your blog while trying to find a place to do something similar here in Las Vegas.
Have a beautiful holiday.
Candace
Thanks for the positive feedback! Its so encouraging.
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