What happened? Where did we go wrong?
There was a time when Americans of different ethnicities, religions, sexual orientation, cultures, and political views had one thing in common--homelessness is a problem in our cities, and it needed to be addressed.
Perhaps "how to address it" should have been further explained because wishing that the homeless would just go away will not work; neither does moving, eh, chasing them from one area of Philadelphia to another will solve this crisis.
On Saturday October 16th, I was invited to participate in the "Feed the Homeless" Program in a park at 18th and Vine Street. I quickly learned that Mr. Craig Stroman, Jody ‘Tru Story’ Austin, and their family and friends do more than just serve meals to a population that has increased exponentially especially among Philadelphia's youth--they offer compassion and support that for many being served may have never experienced.
Mr. Craig Stroman greets the homeless with a hearty handshake, hugs, and words of encouragement. Right away I discovered that Mr. Stroman has been in the "trenches of serving" the homeless population for quite some time. There is a comfortable familiarity between them that invokes mutual respect.
Jody ‘Tru Story ‘ Austin, a nurse and 21year veteran from the U.S. Air Force, has the tender affection for those she serves that Florence Nightingale would envy. She moves throughout the park giving hugs and lending her support wherever needed. She is the true embodiment of strength and dedication to serving those in need.
Philadelphia is one of the great cities in the Republic where the current mayor continues his castration of social service programs as well as what seems to be the death of a charitable spirit that has infected many of its citizens.
However, the "Feed the Homeless" Program at 18th and Vine Street is a beacon of hope to many that the charitable spirit still stubbornly exists.
Anthony P. Johnson
What happened? People forget where they came from or where they could end up. THAT is what happened. Any one of us could be in the same situation tomorrow, at the end of the week, next month, next year. Never forget that!
ReplyDeletePeople take food & comfort for granted...BIG MISTAKE! You never know when it will be you and I hope there is someone there to "help" those people who forgot about everyone else when they were enjoying "good times". Count your blessings and be grateful.