Time to be thankful that we have a roof over our heads

[Cleita]

and a feast spread before us. It's also time to end this shameful institution of homelessness that started with the Reagan administration and continues worse than ever today.

This article and photos are from the LA Times today. You have to do a one time registration, but it's free and worthwhile because the Times has many good articles that are still free of one-sided conservatism.


Aliyan Brooks, 2, awakens at 6:30 a.m. among a crowd at the Catholic Worker house. Space is at a premium: Some sleep on picnic tables or on concrete in the backyard.
(Mark Boster / LAT)


<snip>
Shelter With Open Arms Faces City With Firm Hand
The Catholic Worker home in Santa Ana has taken in 120 people but has no permits. It has until Jan. 20 to comply.

By William Lobdell, Times Staff Writer

No one disagrees that too many homeless families are taking refuge at the rented two-story Craftsman home in Santa Ana.

Deep into November, with money from government checks all but gone, their numbers have swollen to more than 120, including 70 children.

At night, the lucky families who get to sleep inside on the wood floors huddle under blankets, comforters and sleeping bags. Hacking coughs and the cries of babies punctuate the evening silence — a small price for a sturdy roof overhead.<snip>


With all her belongings stuffed into a stroller, Amy Sue Askins, 34, a homeless mother of three, rushes her daughters to school in Santa Ana. School attendance is required for children staying at the shelter.
(Mark Boster / LAT)

more....http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-worker27nov27,1,4135717.story?coll=la-home-local

[maddezmom]

1. thanks for the reminder

couldn't get the link unless I signed up, but your post made the message clear.

[Cha]

2. Very Thankful!

I have friends who go down to the homeless shelter and help pass out Thanksgiving dinner to the People! They are so sweet!

Happy Thanksgiving to you, too!

[Beaker]

3. Do they do it any other day but Thanksgiving?

A lot of the shelters usually have wa-a-a-y too many "helpers" on days like Thanksgiving and Christmas, but almost none of those people show up to help out the other 363 days of the year, when the shelters could really use the help.

I lost respect for the show-boaters who "give up" their precious holiday time, but couldn't care less the rest of the year. They aren't there to make the homeless feel better, they're there for their own self-satisfaction...I hope they don't pull any muscles patting themselves on the back for their own "good deeds".

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

4. And when they are there at the holidays the shelters do impress that point

upon them but the rest of your message is really a slap in the face to people who do at least take the initiative to do something CHARITABLE.
Sheesh can we knock it off with all the fucking value judgements made about the generosity of others?

[maddezmom]

5. a lot of folks show up more than once or twice a year and...

go to orphanages or spend time at shelters or raise money for special needs children or give to hunger campaigns or send care packages to our troops. There are people that genuinely care about others. Some could probably do more but most do what they can.

[Malva Zebrina]

6. How do those homeless people feel?

.

[Cleita]

7. They are feeling very forgotton I am sure.

Considering that the average shack like home in my area runs around $488,000, how does anyone buy a first home on a diminishing salary and increasing health costs.

I feel especially bad for the children, who should be entering the holiday season with a Christmas tree in the living room and toys and presents, who are instead living hand to mouth in crowded shelters if not the streets.