The Homeless

In the current economy, more people then ever before are facing the hardship of long term job loss and the resulting downward financial cycle. This same downward spiral will first see people cutting back on all luxuries, then as the situation worsens they may start cutting back on eating to help save some extra pennies whilst finally being in a position where they can no longer meet their rent demands or mortgage payments. This downward spiral is unfortunately all to common, and the result is usually the same, homelessness.

Imagine the mental pressure that someone experiences as a result of losing a secure job due to some bankers taking undue risks in New York. Then multiply that pressure as firstly you cannot find a replacement job as there is simply no one employing, and your saving are disappearing fast. But it doesn't end there, this is simple the start, as we still have to add physical fatigue, which increases as we no longer can afford to eat healthily. Now wrap up all those emotions and imagine just how low your self worth becomes when you realize that the mortgage payments cannot be covered and the bank is about to foreclose your home.

Not only are you feeling totally useless as a result of not finding a job, wondering if you will ever catch a break, but your also having to face the increasing likeliness of a life on the streets. Someone who once had a steady job and lived within their means, found that the economy dealt them some bad luck and after failing to catch a break will join some of the most unfortunate within our society.

This unfortunately will be a reality for far too many people this year. And whilst not all the homeless have the same story, they all have a story of how life dealt them a number of blows in quick succession which sent them to the bottom of the ladder without a short break to help them recover and get back on their feet.

Now surely you can imagine, that after being dealt so many bad turns already, that having to spend the long cold winter alone and without food on the table will be an even bigger blow to somebody who already feels the lowest of the low.

Surely, you can imagine how much they just want to catch a break, be given the inspiration and guiding hand to lift their spirits and take the bold step of rejoining society and accepting help. Surely you can imagine how much even the homeless deserve to share in the season which is supposed to be about loving and sharing with those less fortunate then us. Surely you can imagine yourselves making a difference to the life of somebody who really really needs it, now.

There are so many ways that we can help the homeless this Christmas. Of course, there is the option to donate towards your local homeless shelter which does a marvelous job of not only providing warm food and accommodation, but are also well prepared to help deal with the mental health of somebody who spends most of the day questioning what their life is worth. Everyone has a place in society and homeless shelters do a marvelous job in helping to instill hope in the minds of the unfortunate.

However, whilst donating is of course very important, and even better way to help the homeless is by doing something physically. Be that helping serve food at the homeless shelter on Christmas day, or simply taking the time to visit your local homeless shelter during the festive period and talking to those who are less fortunate then yourself. People who work at homeless shelters are often volunteers like yourself, so please take the time to get involved this Christmas and make a difference in the life of somebody who needs it.