"There Are Many Roads to Homelessness"

Sure, we can all agree that poverty does exist. It exists throughout the world. Poverty usually conjures up images of unknown faces in a distant third world nation. However difficult it is to acknowledge, poverty does exist in every community. Sometimes poverty is hidden by the strength of those who live it everyday. They endure their daily challenges without a hint of unhappiness or discomfort. For a child living in poverty, they do not out to be outcast or treated any different. However, a child cannot be blamed for their poverty; we tend to blame the parents. But should we be blaming anyone? It is easier to blame the victims for their poverty and not attempt to consider the individual causes or even take responsibility. Some of us blame their lifestyles or poor choices. We question why we should be held responsible for the challenges the poor and homeless are faced with everyday. While some people find excuses not to give back to their community, others are simply ignorant about the poverty and homelessness present their community.
To quote the executive director of the NH Coalition to End Homelessness, “There are many roads to homelessness.” Yes, people do make poor choices. Yes, people do have severe mental health issues. Yes, people have drug addictions. However, 85-90% of the homeless in New Hampshire are not the stereotypical homeless ((i.e. mentally ill, addicts, etc.). They are teenagers who have been kicked out. They are single parents who have stayed their welcome at family members’ homes. They are the elderly who cannot afford the increase in the cost of living. “There are many roads to homelessness” and each road is different for each person. For a second, imagine what your road could be?
We like to imagine that those in our community who are faced with poverty and homelessness are as distant as the unfamiliar faces from distant nations. However, with the rising cost of living and the recession that is occurring, poverty is much closer than we wish to recognize. Perhaps we ignore the homeless stranger because we fear that we may face a similar fate. Honestly though, I think we ignore the stranger in need in our community because it is easier to do nothing. Apathy will not result in disappointment. However, I believe there is truly a part of us all that does care for even a complete stranger. Most of the time people do not “give back” to their community because they don’t know how. Also, we fear that we can’t make a difference. There is some humility when one realizes there own limits as a member of the community. Warmth from the Millyard has provided community members the opportunity to give what is in their means. The drive has asked for a variety of donations from gloves to jackets for infants to men. Our class has simply been liaisons for those in need. The power of the ask has been surprisingly successful. It has also demonstrated the compassion in all of us.
Once the drive ends on Friday, the immediate needs of hundreds of people will be met. But this is only a band-aid to the problem. Coats and gloves cannot end poverty and homelessness. Social activism needs to take place for any great change. The poor and the homeless unfortunately do not have a political voice. As a community, we need to take on this role for those in need. We must put aside any stereotypes, assumptions or misconceptions of those who are faced with poverty and homelessness. Also, we cannot wait for others to ask for our assistance when taking on community issues. We do not have to explore or investigate what our community needs. If we just go to any nonprofit and just ask, they will let us know the needs and how we can help. Most importantly, the service we can do for our community ends up being more meaningful to us than the ones we helped. The appreciation of others is worth all our efforts. A smile of thanks is priceless.

Liz Neilan