Lady in Waiting by Catherine Marchand

Waiting by Ntieyko

Monday, February 6, 2012

Homeless in Hanford, A True Reality Check

I just watched this 17 minute clip titled Homeless in Hanford that brought me to my knees. Why? Because it is 17 minutes of reality, not reality TV, but a short glimpse of what is happening right now all around us, yet so many seem to look right through it. It is a reality check which most people will never understand unless they have been there. And the reality is that ANY taste of homelessness is a reality I feel that no human, especially no child, should have to ever endure. Yet in these times many are having to do just that. Every one's  reason or story behind homelessness is different. And yet while some are not as hard, or as detrimental, any taste of being homeless can be enough to make you give up. Homelessness is a life test that far to many are having to bare, yet many do not have the strength to pass.

Maybe the young man that made this video will become part of the change for future generations that all will be able to benefit from. For you see, he too was once homeless. However in his young 17 years of life, he has now learned a lesson that can change him for the better. A lesson that can make him appreciate the simple things of life, and use what he is blessed with to be a blessing to others.

The key for you to keep in mind after watching Homeless in Hanford is that the homeless are everywhere, not just on the street or under the bridges. But for those who have to brave the elements every day with literally NO PLACE TO GO have my very heart and soul filled with love and respect for continuing to have the strength to wake up each morning.

The homeless are not just mental cases or alcoholics, or just bums who choose not to work and avoid responsibility. They are not "those dirty people" who chose to live like this. They are on buses and in cabs trying to get to appointments, they are on Facebook and Twitter trying to share their story and bring awareness, and they are at your neighbor's home, sofa-surfing for the night to have a roof and place to sleep. They are in your church every week praising the same God you do, they are in the car around the corner from your home trying to stay warm during the hard freeze that is coming in the night, or they could be standing right behind your in the grocery store.

I applaud you, Matt Macedo, for putting a face and bringing the light to Homeless in Hanford. May you continue to use your talent and skills to be a voice in the din of denial, and show the reality that we need to see.