It’s easy to forget the realities of the world as we get caught up in numerous tasks throughout the day. Until it’s staring you right in the face.
The BP Gas station on the corner of S. Main St. and W. Washington St. never fails to remind me of this. At any given time, on any day, there is likely to be someone asking you for money. I actually try to avoid this place for that exact reason.
The guilt is overwhelming, and I honestly don’t usually have that dollar to spare. More than a few people have felt the wrath of the bad economy. The latest report from The Dayton Daily News has Ohio’s unemployment rate at 104 percent, with one in seven Americans in the country being in poverty.
It’s even more shocking that the man who is pleading for that dollar doesn’t look a day older than I am. Sure, I hear about it. There are stories to read and documentaries to watch about the issue, but when you can feel someone’s pain by looking into their eyes; well, it definitely makes you think twice.
The subject of homelessness seems to always cause controversy. Some make it their duty to help the disadvantaged while others feel they have no one to blame but themselves. In some instances both groups are probably right.
There has been a time where all of us were in need and someone was there to help. I have made my sufficient number of mistakes and without some of the people around me that lifted a helping hand, I’m not sure where I would be.
We cannot always give away our lunch money but there are other ways to contribute. Dayton has a wonderful program called “The Other Place” that works to prevent and end homelessness through services and housing programs in the community. Information and volunteer opportunities can be found on their website at www.theotherplace.org.
The world can be trying and cruel sometimes, but just a tiny effort from each of us can make it a better place. The responsibility and influence that we take now in our community will only shape the future for us and generations to come.
Instead of feeling guilty for what I cannot prevent, I will take the time to volunteer and assist not just one person, but a whole community.