FAQ
Q: How do people become homeless?
Several reasons can account for this. There’s no protection net anymore; family units and churches are no longer in place to shield ‘wandering’ and ‘troubled’ souls from hitting the streets. Some victims may have been traumatized when they were children. Some may have mental or medical problems that ruin their finances and employment. And some become addicted to drugs and alcohol, using it as a tool to help them cope with what happened to them many years ago.
Q: How can we help the homeless?
The best way to help homeless individuals is to find a good local shelter or pantry and provide them with the necessities they need. This ensures that the homeless are well taken care of.
Q: Where are the families of homeless people?
The majority of people living on the streets are separated from their families for various reasons; they have had major fights with their families and have been kicked out; some have been thrown out due to alcohol or drugs, and some are just too stubborn to return home.
Q: Where do the homeless sleep, eat or go to the bathroom?
There are not enough shelter beds or pantries available for what is needed right now. There is no ‘legal’ place for them to sleep or any restroom. Most local parks turn off and lock water fountains so the homeless will not contaminate them. And most of their food is stolen out of trashcans. Some people sleep or use the bathroom wherever they can. Which is not always the most appropriate places, and sadly, they get fined tickets— even if they cannot pay them.
Q: Do the homeless ever get to take a shower?
No. Most homeless people clean up in the few restrooms they have access to, but no showers are available. On a very rare occasion, they can take a shower if they make it to a local shelter with available showers once a week.
Q: Do the homeless ever ask for help?
Most will not ask for help anymore. Some homeless people have been turned down so many times that they have almost resigned to being on the streets. People think they only want drugs. Agencies ask all the wrong questions, the police have an assignment, and the shelters are designed for addicts.
Q: How come so many veterans are homeless?
This is both very complicated and totally unacceptable. We can never know what the veteran went through when serving our country overseas, never. But, this is one thing we do know, we owe them a debt when they return, if they come back broken due to their service, we must help them. No veteran should ever be homeless. So, as to why, we may never know, but we do have an answer, and that is this, a bed for every veteran until they are healed, and if they are not healed, then they stay with us.
Q: Why do they bother us by panhandling on the street corners?
Although sometimes it is a bother, it can also be a danger, especially if the homeless person is emotionally disturbed. A good portion of the time, those that are actively panhandling are the few that are trapped in drugs and alcohol. It is the only way to get the cash they need for their next ‘fix.’ But you will also find moms and old men out there just begging for money to get something to eat or try and pay their rent. Remember, they are unemployed and probably cannot get work, so they try to get money somehow, choosing not to steal. I will be the first to admit, it is both a danger and a bother at times. Also, when one who is emotionally disturbed goes out to panhandle there can be a genuine problem.