We’ve all had our experiences with homeless people at one point or another in our lives. I guess I can say that I’ve had quiet a bit since I decided to work at the YWCA for a whole year (a battered women’s shelter) right after I graduated from college. I must say that my perspective has changed dramatically after working day after day for people who were 90% ungrateful and oblivious to the services meant to improve their lives to the point of self-empowerment and eventual self-sufficiency.
Last week my husband and I went shopping at my favorite store, the Desert Industries thrift store. Out in front of the entrance sat a young homeless man. I have no problem ignoring those that ask me for money but I have an excessively kind husband. The conversation went something like this,
Homeless guy (he put on an especially sad face to gain more sympathy): “Hey do ya got any money?”
My husband: “Sorry, I don’t carry cash”
Me: Thinking ‘is he really begging for money in front of the D.I and why the heck does my husband feel obligated to tell this stranger the reason why he can’t give him money?’ “Hun lets GO!”
Homeless guy: “I bet you guys have a fridge full of food!”
Me: Half way between the open door thinking, ‘ so does the Road Home, The Crossroads center, The Salvation Army and the Bishops Storehouse…you’re downtown the Mecca of free services to the homeless!’
He managed to ruffle my husbands’ feathers (which by the way aren’t easily ruffled)
My husband: “Yeah because we WORK 40-60 hours a week!”
Me: Motioning and calling to my husband to come inside already ‘do we really want to spend our time arguing with this stranger?
After purchasing the items we were looking for, we headed towards the door hoping the homeless guy had sought out a better destination to beg for money. He still sat there staring, as we walked by he said “Back to the Suburbs”.
I have issues with people who don’t want to work. Sure, I have my days when I don’t but I do it because it’s a necessary means of survival. I can go on and on about how I feel about the socialized programs that our new president plans to implement but I’m sure we are all tired of hearing about politics.
FYI: I received several “congratulations… someone of color like yourself has been elected to the highest office in America!” phone calls. Yes, history has been made in America by our first African-American president. However, I did not vote based on race, but who would get the job done. Now that Obama is our president, I support him I hope that he will make good changes in America.
5 comments:
Oh man, that is so annoying!
I know how you feel girl!!
Nativa,
Sounds like we run into the same kind of people. One last thing...Donde esta su corazon? Cuando Jesus venga a quien va a visitar primero? Los que han trabajado muchas horas durante la semana? O a los que son inferma y afflictada? Bueno no estoy diciendo que debemos dar dinero cada vez a alguien que te pida por dinero. Pero debemos tener un corazon humilde y agradecido. Hay que leer el post de mi esposa hasta luego mi hermanita
Nativa that was very well stated and it's so challenging in our line of work to see the lack of gratitude for the many services that are available. I'm also glad your stating the reason of who you vote for, I'm saddened that someone would vote just by the color of someone's skin.
Thanks for sharing! I'm so going to call you.
I have a real problem with people who are unwilling to work. I guess I just don't understand how one gets to the point of homelessness. I am very blessed and have enough to sustain. I freak out when we go a little over budget. How do you not notice you are going to loose everything...and then when you do loose everything why not work you butt off to get it back instead of sit on your but and beg for someone else to do it for you. You are right there are sooooo many programs to help people to get back on their feet. Why don't people use them, and then be grateful and not do it again??
Wow listen to me... I think I need a lesson in charity.
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