Homelessness in Seattle is startling and brutal. It's evident and obvious. It's in your face at every turn downtown. I've heard people say when speaking of Seattle that it has a big homeless problem. It's not true. Not at all. It's not a "homeless" problem. It's a What-the-Fuck-Is-Wrong-With-Us problem?
I am not an expert on homelessness, but I am an expert on the human heart. And what I feel when I walk through the streets of Seattle is incredible pain; a wretched, plaguing ache in my soul. People are sleeping on the cold cement between magnificent buildings inhabited by multi-billion dollar companies, amplifying the harsh cruelty of the society we have become. Our most vulnerable citizens juxtaposed between spires of capitalist gluttony. Young men, old women, children ... all of them asking for help, not knowing where to turn. Some cannot speak English. Others are embarrassed and ashamed. Still others incapable altogether because of metal health or addiction. Some are even US military veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan.
I do not judge a person for the cruel situation for which they find themselves. For many, homelessness is circumstantial, caused by situations beyond their control. For others, it may be a choice, though you cannot know this unless you take the time to ask. But no matter what the reason, it is just flat out wrong that anyone—and I mean ANYONE—in this country should suffer so tragically.
Nor should I judge those who bounce in and out of Starbucks to get their $5 coffees who don't want to get involved. It's an uncomfortable circumstance for the "Haves" to deal with the "Have Nots." Surely eye contact will commit you into giving something of yourself. Perhaps you will feel guilt merely for being in a different set of circumstances. I know that I do.
Relating in
I think back to times in my life that were not so good as they are now. I had a rough go at it at times, having even lived out of my car for a few days once. It's not quite comparable, but I know what it is to have nothing but a cup of change to my name with nowhere to go and only the charity of others to get me through. And I was rescued by those with charitable hearts who had love and compassion for the circumstance I found myself in at the time. It wouldn't be impossible for me to end up there again. I am but one tip of the sauce away from finding myself back in an impossible circumstance. Any of us can end up in the same place as those already there.
Making a different starts at home
The first thing any of us can do when faced with someone who is homeless, if face them. I mean really face them. Look them in the eyes. They are Human Beings with souls. They have spirits. They feel pain and they feel love. So look at them. Acknowledge them. Give them the dignity they deserve as a member of the human race, even if you cannot or choose not to give them money or food or even a hot cup of coffee. Give them your acknowledgement.
If your heart urges you to do more, DO MORE. Whatever that looks like. Avoiding, disregarding or pretending does not help anyone, including yourself. Allow yourself to give. Allow yourself to feel. Allow yourself to help.
