Readers of the news of all ages lend me your ears. August is here, and the homeless must prepare for winter. Much attention is always given to the return of children to school, teachers returning for work, and many families returning from vacation. To some it might seem preposterous to consider gathering materials now for below freezing temperatures, when today’s temperatures are reaching 90 +. However, for “our member’s only club” preparing today is a must.
Like squirrels prior to gathering nuts we must find a nest or as we call it a safe place for our treasures. Life’s treasures of the have -nots may not be stored in vacant, wooded, or even parking lots, but to us “it’s all we got!!” Our only sense of belonging is the last resemblance of the life we remembered and are still longing to return to.
Homeless around the U.S.A., must prepare for the winter season. Many of the Metro D.C. homeless must prepare for the rain, snow, sleet and hypothermia. We often live out of plastic bags and cardboard boxes. We don’t always have winter clothes, shoes, or outerwear. If we do, then we have to be able to carry all we have around with us. Many who are not homeless, cannot understand or know why adults and adults with dependents are homeless.
We live in environments without walls, because some of us are under-educated, miseducated and full of self-hate, because we cannot get or hold a job. Others are convicted felons who have served their sentences and released to the streets. Still others are mentally and physically challenged. We mistrust the system, we are afraid of further abuse, and we covet our few belongings in our bags. We are apprehensive of strangers in and out of suits. Some governing body’s rules for living, and not being able take care of hygiene issues daily. These issues cause we to believe that our lives are worthless and sometimes feels as if we are better off dead. Please imagine that your fates mirror that of the homeless for the winter season. Think that many of you are only one paycheck from homelessness, or worse get one medical catastrophe away from homelessness with or without insurance
Sean is also part of the Rockville Kawanias. Contact: [email protected]
