This evening while leaving the public library I was accosted by an ordinary man, about 45-50 years in age. Don, as he introduced himself, was stranded with no way to make a 54-mile trip home. Don was very polite, did not lay on any heavy guilt, but stated his dilemma simply and pleasantly. He asked for help. As it was already 9 o'clock, perhaps you can guess what my decision was.
I was truly sorry I was not able to help Don on this particular occasion, although I did give him my business card. Although Don was not homeless, there was the chance he would end up without a place to stay for the night.
According to the National Coalition for the Homeless an estimated 3.5 million people or 1% of the population are homeless at some point in any given year. Needless to say this is an astonishing number. Having experienced homelessness myself, I know what a difficult circumstance it truly is.
That there should be homelessness in a country as rich and beautiful as this is deeply shameful and simply should not be at all. I hope to give more information about this problem soon. For now, may we remember those who are homeless on this and every night until the problem is resolved.
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