Gamble on a homeless person
They stand on the corner asking for a break a dollar for a meal, or 50 cents towards a hotel fund.
Instead of helping, you took one look and saw filth and rundown clothes. You labeled them lazy, addict, mental case, and now they go hungry another day.
The truth is, we don’t know the stories of those we pass holding signs or sleeping under the local bridge. That “addict” on the corner is a retired veteran unable to land a steady job, and that woman down the street left her abusive boyfriend and lives on the streets with her two children.
Not all homeless people choose to be. What are you doing to help?
I challenge you to bet on a homeless individual today, volunteer at the local shelter, maybe even make a small donation. You will be surprised at the impact you will have, no matter how small your contribution may be.
Sierra Livingston and McKenna Gould, Fresno
This story was originally published November 18, 2015 at 6:16 AM with the headline "Gamble on a homeless person."