 |
| More beautiful roses |
I love where I live. We have been here in Bellingham since we moved here in 2008, and the years have flown by, with the speed definitely picking up lately. Is it because I'm older, or is it because of some other unknown factor? It seems I barely make it through the weekend and it's already the middle of the week. Did someone change the rules? Are there still seven days in each week?
I have to remember to pay more attention to each day, each moment of my life, so that I don't get blindsided by events seeming to occur more and more often. My birthday is right around the corner now, and I've barely had enough time to get used to having had the last one.
But it could be worse: I might end up being one of those people I see every day on the streets: you know the ones without a home, without any place to go when they awake from a restless sleep on the sidewalk. I'll bet time doesn't fly by for them, as they must endure the heat or cold without any ability to escape their misery. And there are more of them all the time. Will I one day be one of them?
Probably not. I have a monthly income from Social Security and annuities from my working days. But if rent continues to increase at the rate it did last year, I could also end up on the street. It's not inconceivable. Perhaps most of those I see every day didn't think it would happen to them. Our social safety net has developed huge holes in it, and as the population has increased, places for the marginalized among us are disappearing at an alarming rate. I'm not only scared for them, but for what it means in the larger sense for the world.
Although I try to stay positive, there is little I can do in the short term, other than to give some small amount to the food bank or the local homeless shelter. And try not to look away. This problem belongs to everyone. What do you think we can do to help?
:-{
I hear you. It is Wednesday here and an hour or so ago it was the weekend.
ReplyDeleteThe numbers of people who are homeless are growing rapidly here. The average income in my city is high, but astronomical rents are pricing more and more people out of the market.
I contribute to a centre that assists those that are homeless or at risk of becoming so - and wonder what more I can do.
I have heard before that a lot of Americans are three paychecks away from being homeless.. Like you said, no one really thinks it could happen to them. We need to give what we can where we can for those struggling.
ReplyDeleteIt's both sad & ironic to read this. This past Sunday on the local news, several runners (in the North Hills area where I live) were surprised to see a row of 5-6 tents under one of the local park's bridges. Several homeless people were living there. I know this is a common sight in places like Los Angeles, Seattle, Portland... but you don't see this in Pittsburgh. Until now. Officials said the homeless population here has grown 20% since last year. It's only about 600 total, but I'd certainly not want to be one of those. DJan I understand your personal worries about housing costs becoming too high. I worry about that too. For now I'm just grateful for what I've got.
ReplyDeleteWe need more public housing here. There is a huge deficit in affordable housing. The food bank is a good idea and affordable housing is essential. I will vote for the party which says it will address the issue.
ReplyDeleteI think I am secure financially with SS and my pension. I don't pay rent since we own our home, but the property taxes keep going up. I do feel very fortunate. I am sad for those who are unsheltered and like you I give a little.
ReplyDeleteIt is going to take a lot more than most are willing to pay in taxes to really address the homeless problem. I understand Seattle have greatly reduced the number of homeless camps, but that doesn't really include those who are just out on they own along the freeways.
Tough question! I have a good pension, but none of the caregivers who come to help can avoid worrying about rent, food or everything else.
ReplyDeleteJust going to the grocery store is sobering these days. I think we can get through, but I sometimes hope that I don’t live too long.
ReplyDeleteI saw a quote the other day that said something like the years seem to go by quickly but the days drag by. I thought it made sense for many seniors. Most of the homeless are on the street from their own action or lack of action. Not so many years ago many of the people on the street were institutionalized. They were in mental hospitals or places for those unable to look after themselves. You, young lady, will not likely ever be homeless. Have a great and wonderful day!
ReplyDeleteUffda, sure hope it never happens to you and Smart Guy or to us. Many of the homeless here are Veterans. Some do not want help, they are happy the way they are. We have a friend who operates a non profit food truck for the homeless, he drives around and feeds them. I had a friend who would make sandwiches and deliver them under a bridge in Fargo in the summertime. One thing about the Homeless Shelters is that you cannot be drunk or use drugs...and many of the homeless are addicts...and you can only stay 30 days.
ReplyDeleteAs long as there is poverty there will always be homelessness. It's been like this for centuries.
ReplyDeleteThere are so many things that can happen to put a person out of their home. We have had lots of fires lately in Fresno that have destroyed many homes. Lots of these are rentals and I worry that the renters don't have insurance to cover such situations. Also, there are fewer rentals and the prices for the ones that are available are very high. And, of course, there is the cost of moving and first, last, and other deposits to come up with. It boggles my mind what I would do if I was in that situation. I am very grateful for our home. It's paid for, and nothing fancy, but it's a roof over our head. It's very comfortable. and keeps us safe. I wish that everyone.
ReplyDeleteThoughtful post ... hopefully homelessness will not become the cure for the years flying by.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful scenes as alwaysAnd as Tom said thoughtful. You got me thinking about the days rushing by in my 80s and lliving alone with Mrs. T's passing the think each day feels more precious and perhaps more insecure. Ray
ReplyDeleteHmmm... your birthday must be close to mine. Happy birthday early... or belatedly, DJan!
ReplyDelete