WORLD WE DARE TO IMAGINE Part 1
Back in high school, I gave out dinner boxes to the homeless people on the streets of Central, Hong Kong regularly. Gradually I developed a deep-rooted awareness for this issue that is not only local but is prevalent around the world. If it wasn’t for the experience of doing on-site volunteer work, I think I would not have been informed about the severity of the issue. People in LA are no stranger to this issue either. I have sighted numerous homeless people on the metro and particularly downtown--the situation is quite alarming.
Although I have not conducted study in this area, there are obvious reasons as to why this might be a common problem in our society. Firstly, I believe unemployment might be the root cause. People roam the streets because they cannot afford housing and are not able to make a living. This might be due to their limited knowledge and skills, which arises from lack of education. Therefore, all of this boils down to education as a foundation for mitigating the issue of unemployment and hence homelessness.
I wish to be engaged with organizations or advocacy groups. Part of the effort could be directed to attract and encourage people to gain first-hand experience in serving the less fortunate. I believe NGOs have an important role in advocating for a good cause--not only do they provide financial support but beyond that on-field activities could be impactful too. Having had the experience to interact with the homeless, I realized their need for simple gestures of kindness and words of encouragement.
There are no ultimate solution for the issue of homelessness, but I think a starting point would be to educate the general public and spread the word. Naturally, this fosters compassion and prompts social responsibility amongst individuals, which helps with alleviating social problems of such.
Hi Matthew,
ReplyDeleteI agree with your statement that unemployment might be the root cause to the prevalence of homelessness in Los Angeles. In fact, an organization I work with located on Skid Row (The Weingart Center) teaches homeless clients on several training courses so that they can become employed. For example, they offer custodial, security guard, and even pesticide applicator training. But aside from unemployment, other root causes to homelessness are also domestic violence, mental health issues, and substance abuse.
I can definitely get you in touch with several organizations if you wish to become involved! For example, at the Greater West Hollywood Food Coalition, you can prepare and serve meals to the homeless. They have very flexible schedules so you can go any day from 2:30 pm to 8:30 pm to help.
Matthew,
ReplyDeleteI agree with everything you wrote about it. It is really interesting to think about the different reasons as to why homelessness is so high, and unemployment rates definitely have something to do with it. Their for sure is not an ultimate solution for the issue of homelessness, but iI believe education is positively the first step in confronting the issue.
Ehi Matthew!
ReplyDeleteI liked your post and I find myself in total agreement with it. I also think that education could be the way to follow in order to save these poor people's life, but I would add that they don't only need to gain skills, but homeless people also must learn how to maintain these capabilities, in order to not fall again in this endless vortex.