7.20.2010

Homeless in Washington DC

This is a energetic and entertaining homeless man who also has the talent of playing the guitar, the kazoo, and making crazy eyes at the same time to draw you in.  I saw many a homeless person in Washington DC.   Some would lay there with cup-in-hand begging.  Some would shine your shoes.  Some would entertain you.  Most were passed by.  

Why do we ignore this issue?  Even when you give them money, or food, you are still ignoring so many real and deeper issues.   I gave him money and walked away.  Though I smiled and told him to have a good day.


Adversities such as being homeless and going to prison has made many people stronger. 
Philip Emeagwali 

I mean, I don't think I'm alone when I look at the homeless person or the bum or the psychotic or the drunk or the drug addict or the criminal and see their baby pictures in my mind's eye. You don't think they were cute like every other baby? 
Dustin Hoffman 

I've been homeless. I've worked at 7-Eleven. 
Dennis Rodman 

No one is asking what happened to all the homeless. No one cares, because it's easier to get on the subway and not be accosted. 
Richard Linklater 

There is a lot that happens around the world we cannot control. We cannot stop earthquakes, we cannot prevent droughts, and we cannot prevent all conflict, but when we know where the hungry, the homeless and the sick exist, then we can help. 
Jan Schakowsky 

We think sometimes that poverty is only being hungry, naked and homeless. The poverty of being unwanted, unloved and uncared for is the greatest poverty. We must start in our own homes to remedy this kind of poverty. 
Mother Teresa 

25 comments:

Lulu said...

In Los Angeles there are a lot of homeless. I keep a few dollars and try to keep snack bars in the car; when I'm stopped at a light and someone is hoping for a hand out, I always give something. It's not up to me to judge what they are going to do with that money ... I hope they will buy food, but I'm betting they won't. That's why I include a snack. I would hate to be in their shoes, begging, to survive. And if survival for them is a drink that day, then hopefully they can find peace for that moment when they have what they need. Because I can't imagine how hard it must be to be homeless, and what would I do to survive?

As Lovers Go said...

My mother taught me a valuable lesson when I was young. Give food and other things they may need. Money is useful for most BUT I know for a fact that some of the homeless where I am from will go by drugs. It's really sad as a child to offer them a sandwhich and have them say no they just want money.

Diana Mieczan said...

We have a few homeless around here and each year on Christmas and other holidays I make sure to make a little bit more food and give it to them...Its such a shame that the world works like that....and those people for one or other reason have to be on the street:(
Great posts,sweetie:) thank you

some tall, stable girl. said...

Chicago, too, has many homeless. The heartwrenching thing is that many of them set up on Michigan Avenue, which is one of the richest areas in Chicago. Most of the people shopping there are extremly weathly. And most of them ignore the homeless.

I always make sure to bring extra money with me whenenver I go into the city. It's not much, but I try. Last time I visited I noted how kind all of them, how they smiled hugely when I offered them what I could. I think their kindness is what breaks my heart the most.

Samantha said...

What a interesting man! Thanks for sharing about him :) I enjoyed reading your post! Its amazing how much hidden talent is hidden ;)

k said...

yay for the social worker in you:) i'm with ya

Unknown said...

There are a ton in Seattle, and I always give some food or money. My hubby think they just use it for drugs or alcohol, but I like to think I'm helping and don't worry about it. And I always try to make eye contact and tell them to have a good day. I wonder about their stories . . . but am usually too busy to ask and talk to them, etc. One of these days:-)

OneCraftyFox said...

This is so true, thank you for posting this. You have such a good heart :)

Anna Walker said...

I always try to give them money. One time I actually went in a store, bought him and his dog, dogfood, water, gatorade, crackers and cookies. Just a little something. I wish I could help them all!

One day I will ask them their stories...

Anonymous said...

When we went to San Francisco there were so many homeless. There was this really old guy in a wheelchair who needed to get across the street. Everyone was ignoring him so I decided to push him, little did I realize how heavy he'd be and much to my horror I couldn't get his wheelchair up on the sidewalk, I had a bus beeping at me and a homeless man in my care. (only me)... finally some young guy came over and helped! My daughter and I laughed all the way back at the things I get myself into but hey... my heart was in the right place. xo

Madiha said...

These pics are sooo sweet!!!
Thanx for your comment on my last post hun. have been soo busy and out of the blogging scene for a while. But i have a new post up, so be sure to check it out and let me know what u think! :)
hope u have been good!!xx

MadiChic
www.madichic.blogspot.com

Blair McLeod said...

GREAT photos!! (and quotes too!)

Alison said...

What a great post! So convicting. It kind of makes me a little bit sad for humanity when I think that problems like this are so rampant. How can those of us who have so much not do more to alleviate the suffering? Kudos to all who posted who are choosing to tackle the problem rather than simply looking the other way!

ChinkyGirLMeL said...

This problem is rampant everywhere. I try to keep a sandwhich or food in my bag. That way when I run into a homeless person I can give them something to eat. I know it's not much but at least it will fill their empty stomach.

Free Pretty Things For You said...

i am guilty of just given them $ and walking away.. i feel like such horrible person sometimes.. that is not what Jesus would do.

Moosette said...

Great post! Love the quotes! I used to keep McDonald dollars with me and hand them out... but sadly I havent done that in a while... I usually just walk by - thanks for the reminder :-)

Bethany Sines said...

i love this!!! i love that you addressed this so beautifully. it just made my day. i WILL go out and help a homeless person today!!

Unknown said...

Great post! with inspiring quotes, Have a sweet day!

Josie said...

My dear, you are just one of the sweetest, most thoughtful people. Your posts always make me consider my actions and look at them from a new perspective. What beautiful quotes, doll!
xo Josie
http://winksmilestyle.blogspot.com

little luxury list said...

Mother Teresa's quote is so true - let's remedy this problem at home before they become homeless.

bron @ baby space said...

Wonderful words and beautiful photos = fantastic post. Thank you :)

Anonymous said...

what a guy

thais said...

it's all so sad and true. we are always way too busy worrying at our lives and forgetting to help who needs way more than us. great post, shots and subject.

Chelsea said...

i love the dustin hoffman quote.

Randi Gardner said...

this is a far greater issue than giving money, and i feel there are so many programs set up for people in poverty - it frustrates me to see homeless people because they dont have to live that way.
I dont give them money.
I mean honestly how is my $5 going to make them change their life? It's not. In fact it will only encourage them to continue getting something for nothing.
I sound mean but i dont mean it to be rude, I just dont understand their point of view i guess.

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