The Skyline Sun
Homelessness in Longmont Thursday, May 20, 2010 By Mayra Mejia
For many people in the world there are different meanings to the word Homeless. One meaning is when a certain person does not have a home to be stable and live in. Another way people see that being homeless means that you do have a home but might not have food to eat and a job. "I know that being homeless means that you can't provide for any basic needs", Quoted Rocio Alvidrez (Senior,12) Most homeless people go to shelters for just food since they might not have any at home, others are more unfortunate then others and do have to stay at shelters. In the cold winters they may get stuck and have to be outside for personal reasons such as harrasment. In my personal experience I have seen many homeless people out in the streets with nothing but a couple of their things, also I have seen them just there on the streets trying and begging for some money to eat. It breaks my heart by seeing this, who knows for how long they have had a good meal. "I have seen a homeless person here in Longmont and i feel really bad for them. When I see them I always wonder how they got to that point. At that point I'll give them money, Ive even gave a guy food once".Chelsea Maes(senior12) Many troops that come after a war, they have no job, no home leaving them homeless. We all know that without a job there's nothing we can really live well. At some point many vets have a mental problem from what they have gone through, some of them do not have the family support they need and leaving them wondering how they can live without the support of their loved ones. Many start to fall apart when it comes to this and ruin their lives. As human beings we should give compassion for them they have been through enough things, and for them to come home to nothing really is sad. I think that they deserve to get help because they fought for our country to malke it better. quoted josh D. senior 12. There are many programs in which the homeless can be helped, like the Our Center is the most popular place to go. In the Our Center they have a child care center, they provide you with free breakfast and hot lunch, there's a clothing and food bank. The volunteers that volunteer they handle all the donations and all that stuff. "I always donate my clothes to the Our Center instead of selling them to some one or at a garage sale."Chelsea Maes (senior12)."I think that it is important and feels so good to help others and when you feel like I might have changed someone's day". It is such an amazing place to help those in need for individuals and families that are going through difficult times and who need fellowship and food, so if you know someone in need please help them or let them know about the Our center. Ashley(senior12) thinks that the our center is so great for less fortunate providing food, shelter and clothing. As a community the homeless really affects Longmont; (http://www.ci.longmont.co.us/cdbg/homeless/index.htm) The number of homeless persons in Longmont is increasing at an alarming rate. In 2000, when Longmont first conducted its own homeless count there were 206 persons counted. In 2009, 414 persons were counted or a 101% increase since 2000. The number of times that an individual is homeless is increasing. In 2000, 67% of those counted were homeless for the first time, in 2009 only 30% were homeless for the first time. For individuals who were homeless more than once, the percent increased from 33% in 2000 to 69.9% in 2009. Continuing to “manage” the homelessness problem is no longer a viable strategy since the problem only continues to grow. As you can see it is a big deal to the city of Longmont, and as a community we can change this and make it a better place for everyone. When you see a homeless person out on the street it doesn't necesarilly mean that they are homeless because they are lazy. Homeless people have been through alot, more then you can probably think of and that is why we need to be more understanding. The next time you see someone out on the street begging for money don't judge them and please help them as much as you can, it is really an amazing feeling once you have helped someone and have changed their day. |