Homeless in the Bay Area, What can we do?

I have lived here for several years and I’ve always been disturbed that so many people are homeless in the Bay Area. I want to know their stories, how they ended up on the street and what they need? What could really empower them and make their lives better?

For a while, I just thought about it. Then one day, I paused at an intersection in the mission and got caught in a conversation with a man asking for money. After I missed the walking sign, he thanked me for acknowledging him as he told me most people just ignored him. I then understood that I could offer a kind ear for a minute or say hello if I didn’t want to give money to him or the other folks in my neighborhood. And when I knew their faces and some of their names, I wasn’t as troubled, but still, deep down I knew they didn’t have to be in that situation.

Now, it still troubles me walking around seeing so many people asking for money or food. I am not sure how to best help people- I just acknowledge everyone I can and give when I feel I am able.

Still, I know there is more we can do. What does it say about us to let people live in our community while we pass by and are too busy? I am not saying we need to invite them into our living rooms to talk, but would that be so bad? What if each house on a block, took a turn feeding the people in their hood every month or two, would that be so risky? We live the Bay Area where you see wealth juxtaposed with poverty regularly.

The idea that we can just give money to help people, keeps the poor separate from the wealthy. And I don’t have a the solution, but I know that we as a community, as individuals, can do better. It speaks volumes about us in how we respond to the people around us.

“If the misery of our poor is caused not by the laws of nature, but by our institutions, great is our sin.” -Darwin

Getting in Action by Downsizing-The Power of Half

Hannah Salwen, then a high school junior, simply saw a homeless man in her neighborhood. The juxtaposition of seeing him and watching a Mercedes drive right next to them, prompter her to tell her dad, "If that man" she pointed to the Mercedes – “had a less nice car, that man there” – she pointed to the homeless man – “could have a meal.”

That statement prompted a family discussion and the family to sell their house and move into one half its size. They got the whole family involved in the project. They decided to use the funds from moving to invest in bettering the world-A simple, but noble endeavor.

This family knew they had more to give and they did it, you can read more about them here.

What if we all showed up knowing how we could help others, where we could serve? Imagine what that would be like...Pretty incredible, no?

Everyday Hero: Mailman saves lives

Keith McVey has had the same postal route for thirty years and he takes care of his residents.He has saved three lives on his route and he's is called an angel, a good Samaritan and you'll see why in this video.