This past week we discussed the many causes of homelessness and divided these influences into two categories: personal and structural. Personal being alcohol/drug abuse, mental illnesses, disabilities, and family tragedies. Structural including housing losses, hospital closures, changes within the job market, and lowered social support. This helped me open my eyes to the realities of homelessness: not every person whom “resides” on the streets was driven there by their personal choices to engage in illegal actives (drug/alcohol abuse, etc). Today many individuals admit there are issues dramatically arising with the quantity of homeless individuals, yet these people prefer to believe the government systems are indeed benefiting these individuals at every cost. Is that always the case?

It seems that policies tend to “help” the homeless community by forcing them out in order to “better” the existing city. Not every homeless individual was driven by alcohol, drugs, or mental incapabilities. Policies, unequal wages, de-institutionalization, divorce, unemployment, etc. are all impacting the rates of poverty, just as addictions.

This horrifying realization brings me to promote an opportunity to help the homeless community (Community being these homeless individuals who, in fact, do share the same place to call “home” and personal characteristics. Home is the streets to most of these people). This week students will be tabling outside of the commons during breakfast and lunch hours in hopes of receiving donations. Donations include clothes, non-perishable food, and unopened toiletries. These items will be provided to an agency, who shall not be named, that strives to help homeless individuals. After donations, this group will deliver the items on Friday February 16th and help cook/serve meals for anyone who turns to this camp/agency for guidance. Students are more than welcomed to donate items AND volunteer for meal prep. This seems like a great opportunity for students to get involved with the homeless community in order to realize the strong influence that take over each life. If you want more information on this opportunity please reach out to me! jordin_lowes@redlands.edu