Where is the sense of urgency when it comes to the homeless? It’s in these great words!
On July 4, 1776 our nation declared, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
Many years later, on August 26, 1963, Dr. King stood on steps of the Lincoln Memorial and proclaimed to the world, “I have a dream.” Nearly 50 years later, we still face the same beast — just in a different outfit. Many Americans are limited by the demoralizing, deplorable and derogating circumstance of homelessness. It is appalling for those who experience homelessness, but also how shameful it looks for our great nation.
Where is the pursuit of “life,” when you live or die on the streets? Where is the pursuit of “liberty”? Where is the pursuit of “happiness”? This great phrase is supposed to epitomize America’s values. But it not possible for those who are homeless. A few weeks ago many District homeless residents held a respectful visual for the 45 homeles s individuals who died in 2012, whether on the streets or in shelters. Their passing should teach us how fragile life is.
So often we see an injustice, yet we say nothing. When we see that someone needs help, we keep walking because it reminds us just how close we may be to becoming homeless. We do our best to afford them, but it doesn’t go away. With more than 7,000 seniors, families, veterans and single men and women homeless in Washington a definite dilemma needs to be addressed. Billions of dollars are spent each year for temporary services for the homeless, yet what is needed is sustainable, permanent housing and jobs. We know homelessness simply means not being able to pay one’s rent. And without these key fundamental requirements, homelessness will never end.
It’s a problem when household pets and animals are treated better than human beings. The homeless on the streets won’t express their pain to you. But if you look into their faces you’ll be able to read every sorrow they have faced. A sense of urgency comes only when you’re faced life on the streets yourself. Are these individuals any different than you and I? Over the recent months I’ve come up with a very comprehensive, therapeutic program that would address these issues and provide the sustainable housing needed to end homelessness.
If we provide temporary housing with no long-term sustainability for total recovery and self-sufficiency, all we’ve done is bandage a problem that requires more extensive care. Homelessness is a moral issue that requires comprehensive approaches with the sole intent to end homelessness across the board for all. This program would provide permanent housing and jobs for all homeless.
This program would provide comprehensive therapeutic services that would help heal many emotional, psychological, spiritual, mental and physical scars homeless people have had to face for years. Dr. King’s success was accomplished with many individuals getting involved to end a grave injustice. Today we face an even graver injustice among the homeless population that will require just as much vigor, commitment, dedication and determination to end homelessness. We all have a moral obligation to make sure that every human being is treated fairly and is given the opportunity to pursue life, liberty and happiness. The homeless are not exempt from these inalienable rights that make America great.
