Because we in the homeless community are so vulnerable, how do we know who has our best interest at heart? Some may say, be glad for the help, but is it really sincere help that we are getting? Are we just a paycheck? Do the little SSI, medical assurance and food stamps we receive categorize us as just another buck?
We are profit margins, and due to our conditions, physically and/or mentally, we get pressured into things we may not know much about, faced with those that have victimized us.
We have to properly educate ourselves on issues that relate to our well-being, health and our overall functionality. Unity and trust among each other are big issues in our community. We have to speak truthfully about unpleasant experiences and events that have plagued us; false statements will only stop other individuals’ from rising out of poverty.
I have become better equipped to point out these problems and the parties causing them. Even when we are at the bottom, we can find the light and bring about a brighter change, and be in a position to give back and fight back against those that hinder progress.
I have held my job since April, despite a lot of trials and tribulation, using the skills I have learned to deal with difficult situations. We have to grab the chance to move forward, despite the ideas others may have of us, due to our living status our character or any other element that makes us who we are. We can’t stop a people from the fiction they make up or the false things they may say about us. But we do not have to adopt, interact or contribute to the negative views others have of us; in fact, our progress may be the reason that they are on edge.
We are a fighting civilization. Experiencing poverty is soul-shaking, mind-tormenting, a feelings-crusher and body-deteriorating. Through all of this battery, assault and distorted viewpoints, we are still here, and we can see clearly of a fruitful path as we continue to fight to follow the correct path.
This past week has been informative. I did some networking, now I have to keep my interest and show more action. Being back at 801 East Shelter for the past week has been another step to better myself.
Being homeless has a daily wear and tear on a person. Sometimes, I get caught in the mindset of staying in my situation and don’t move forward. But I know there are things to be done. I attended the homeless event at the DC Armory and felt a calling to be more active in the struggle that is an epidemic in my city and other places. I wonder what my calling is, and how can I fit in. Everything starts as an investment of one’s time, and I have set aside a portion of time in the morning to provide hot cereal. This will be my first step into easing some tension that adds to our stress daily. Unhealthy eating hurts our day-to-day operation and adds unneeded stress that hinders our mood. We are creative people that need a little more attention.
At the homeless event, I also had the opportunity to have a quick interview with WHUR, a contemporary radio station owned by Howard University. I met some extraordinary individuals, too, at Church of the Pilgrims. I was able to start building relationships with individuals that fight homelessness on a federal level. My journey has just started, and I am keeping you all informed of how honest assistance can transform a homeless individual’s life.
Tyrone Chisholm is a volunteer contributor to Street Sense Media.
