By Kimberly Jackson
Hunger and Homelessness Pledge: “We pledge to go forward with a renewed mindfulness that we are blessed to have a room to go back to, that we are fortunate to have a bed to lie in, that there are those who are our brothers and sisters who are dignified persons, children of God, who deserve our respect, our love, and our courage in fighting for an end to their injustice.”
As I quietly blew out my candle, I think back to the events we held during this Hunger and Homelessness Awareness week. Every year around this time, we take the time out to learn more about homelessness. We visit soup kitchens, where a guest speaker comes in and talks about an organization that helps the homelessness. Fliers with statistics about homelessness were put up around campus for others to know this information. There was so much going on; different organizations were chipping in to do their share of help. The real question is what impression did all this leave on the students of Rosemont? What were their views before and after the week of events?
Before helping Campus Ministry and Harmony prepare for Hunger and Homelessness week, I never really gave much thought about the homeless people and what they were going through. Every now and then, when I’m walking past them, I would give them the change in my pocket (nothing over a dollar) and keep moving. I never really exchange a smile or a friendly greeting. I thought giving them money was a nice gesture, after all I didn’t mind giving away pennies.
But during the preparation, I had a change of heart. I never so much as thought about the things the homeless people go through. Some were scared to go to a shelter because their things had been stolen. Shelters are supposed to help out the ones in need by giving food and giving people a place to rest their heads and get back on their feet. Some homeless people turn to drugs because they don’t have any other way to reach out and get help. I felt bad because they don’t have a bed to go to or a place to rest their head, while I’m pouting about wanting a new phone. This week of events changed my mind about homeless people. I can only do so much for just one person, but setting an example for others to follow would make the homeless people’s lives a little better.
Image courtesy: http://blog.lib.umn.edu/pete6513/architecture/homeless1.jpg
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