This trip has shown me many new things and many things Ive already known. Ive learned that it takes a alot from the community to be able to help the homeless community. Donations from big companies whether it be food or money makes a huge difference.Even the smallest things can make a difference in someones life, such as the Bonner Scholars helping with the meals at DC Thrive. Without the big companies or the student colunteers the homeless could be without a meal. It kills me to see how many poeple are not willing to make any type of stabbing effort to help. It dissapoints me to say that I am from the 'Proud' the 'United' and the 'Free' United States when a total of only four people within the span of two hours out of hundreds that walked by were willing to help. Those that helped were tourists and possible women from the streets showed any kind of interest in helping.
From the homeless perspective I feel that if you want help from other you must first help yourself. You must be willing to be denied on the streets at your corner. I ran into many thankful people at the homeless community that seemed like they were trying their best, instead of just trying to get by till the next day. There were appreciative of out help and they were willing to communicate with us with a smile on their faces. I also saw the other side of homelessness when the homeless were negative towards others or would just sit around not willing to work with a pessimistic attitude.
The helping community is far runover by the homeless community while the largest community of all, ones who live in homes, could make such a differnce in the world to just volunteer a couple of hours a week.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
David Harris: Reflection- Tad Binkley
The thing that had a great impact was seeing the insensitivity and ignorance of citizens from our country. Homeless or less-fortunate people are forgotten in our society and viewed with as much dignity as trash. I think that everyone should take the initiative to do something to lower the rate of homelessness. If everyone in this country donated 5 dollars, I think we as a country could help many of them. I really think this trip was an eye opener for me it showed me the different ways we can help combat homlessness. The fact is that homelessness rates are higher than what shelters can offer in food or sleeping arrangements, but I think it is good that there are many people willing to help. With no services rendered, there would be many homeless that would just die. Being able to somewhat get a feeling of how hard it is to make some moeny when you are homeless was a good experience.
David Harris: Reflection- Brittany Altizer
Im just a little girl loving in my little world
A world of boxes. old bags and blankets
I see you ignore me avoid my gaze and take the long way round
I have no home no family and no love
You walk where you wont meet my gaze nor my eyes
You don't want me to ask for what you will throw away
Not a glance not a stare
My eyes are moist in tears, My heart warm ache
I want know
Do you care?
Do you not have to give?
What will you do with the rest of your sandwich?
Do you want to talk to me?
Will you look at me and into my eyes
not just at my rags and my empty cup
A world of boxes. old bags and blankets
I see you ignore me avoid my gaze and take the long way round
I have no home no family and no love
You walk where you wont meet my gaze nor my eyes
You don't want me to ask for what you will throw away
Not a glance not a stare
My eyes are moist in tears, My heart warm ache
I want know
Do you care?
Do you not have to give?
What will you do with the rest of your sandwich?
Do you want to talk to me?
Will you look at me and into my eyes
not just at my rags and my empty cup
David Harris: Reflection- Kelly Davis
Before this week I was not looking forward to coming at all, I was of the opinion that if people are homeless then they were more than likely doing drugs and that's why they were in the situation.All of that changed after i participated in Street Sense. Jennifer and I were standing there and the people would stare or just walk around us to avoid talking to us. Others would put their phone up to their ears so they wouldn't have to listen to what we had to say. After going through that I felt very much ashamed at the people of DC. In the two hours that we stood out there the two of us sold about 5-6 papers and the people that bought them were not the ones in business suits but the ones that looked like they needed the dollar they spared.
One girl was listening to her ipod and instad of just ignoreing us like the rest she stopped took of her headpohnes and actually asked me what I was selling she seemed very interested in what I was trying to tell her. Another man was pushing a buggy himself but he stopped and bought a paper from us ..... People shock me!
One girl was listening to her ipod and instad of just ignoreing us like the rest she stopped took of her headpohnes and actually asked me what I was selling she seemed very interested in what I was trying to tell her. Another man was pushing a buggy himself but he stopped and bought a paper from us ..... People shock me!
David Harris: Reflection- Brittany Wright
He sat alone on the bench
In the Mcpherson park
One shoe was wrapped with tape
His eyes were dark
He smiled as we handed him his lunch
His appreciation was much
We all gathered around to hear his story
to my surprise it wasn't full of fret or worry
A life of disease and anger had led him to this place
Sleeping outside in a cold dark space
He described his position as nice
This made me think twice
He said he loved to see the people and trees
But he really missed TV
The odd couple was his favorite show
If only people could know
But now i know
A man named Wayne who sits on a bench in Mcpherson park
While people walk by in disgust
This is cruel and unjust
In the Mcpherson park
One shoe was wrapped with tape
His eyes were dark
He smiled as we handed him his lunch
His appreciation was much
We all gathered around to hear his story
to my surprise it wasn't full of fret or worry
A life of disease and anger had led him to this place
Sleeping outside in a cold dark space
He described his position as nice
This made me think twice
He said he loved to see the people and trees
But he really missed TV
The odd couple was his favorite show
If only people could know
But now i know
A man named Wayne who sits on a bench in Mcpherson park
While people walk by in disgust
This is cruel and unjust
David Harris: Reflection- Eric Thomas
He will never achieve fame
People can walk by in vain
And this is a shame
That he feels this pain
He is just another human being
And all he wants to do is eat
Why aren't we seeing?
What would we do if we were in his seat
Would be enjoy being ragged and dirty
If we were only thirty
Could we be able to cope
And had no hope
This is the huge stress
But this is how you feel when you are faced with homelessness
- Eric Thomas
On any given night there are 3 million homeless American. Homeless Americans come from all races and religions. Hose was an immigrant from Mexico he fled the country to escape the rule of the president and wanted to have a better life in America. Hose is homeless because his boss fired him it caused him to loose his job and his self esteem.
Frank came to America from Ireland, Frank loved to cook, play soccer, and to chill with friends. Frank came to America for better life, however, found himself homeless
James grew up in Washington where he was a successful young man. So successful that he earned a green Barret in the armed forces. But after turning to drugs and alcohol for 20 years he found himself homeless without friends family and food.
Derek was 19 years old, he had a kid found himself in trouble and then homeless. Homelessness is is like death it can happen any where, anytime and to anyone. It does not discriminate.
People can walk by in vain
And this is a shame
That he feels this pain
He is just another human being
And all he wants to do is eat
Why aren't we seeing?
What would we do if we were in his seat
Would be enjoy being ragged and dirty
If we were only thirty
Could we be able to cope
And had no hope
This is the huge stress
But this is how you feel when you are faced with homelessness
- Eric Thomas
On any given night there are 3 million homeless American. Homeless Americans come from all races and religions. Hose was an immigrant from Mexico he fled the country to escape the rule of the president and wanted to have a better life in America. Hose is homeless because his boss fired him it caused him to loose his job and his self esteem.
Frank came to America from Ireland, Frank loved to cook, play soccer, and to chill with friends. Frank came to America for better life, however, found himself homeless
James grew up in Washington where he was a successful young man. So successful that he earned a green Barret in the armed forces. But after turning to drugs and alcohol for 20 years he found himself homeless without friends family and food.
Derek was 19 years old, he had a kid found himself in trouble and then homeless. Homelessness is is like death it can happen any where, anytime and to anyone. It does not discriminate.
David Harris: Reflection- Robert Vess Furey
We are the Hand,
That help the homeless stand.
In this nation of homeless inflation.
We will prevail,
where the government has failed.
So don't be to proud,
like the rest of the crowd.
Shine your giving light,
and be sure to shine it bright.
- Robert Furey
That help the homeless stand.
In this nation of homeless inflation.
We will prevail,
where the government has failed.
So don't be to proud,
like the rest of the crowd.
Shine your giving light,
and be sure to shine it bright.
- Robert Furey
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