In my daily travels throughout my city of Las Vegas, I encounter many peddlers constantly asking for my money and then there are those that never ask for a dime. I rarely give to those who beg. I do see a few that I have become friendly with and we are now friends. We are not friends because I give to them, we are friends because I care who they are and why they are homeless.
No one wants to be homeless. Ok, some dont give two shits, but the ones I encounter generally are not comfortable where they are. They have either gone through the devastating financial crisis of 2008, lost a partner or have gotten to old to continue in the employment industry.
Kathy is homeless with two small dogs that live in a cart with a small shield to help with the over-powering sun rays. Kathy sits on the stoop with a liter of warm water and cans of food in a small bag. She has never approached me, yet I have seen her sit outside with her babies. I frequent the store where she sits. She never asks for anything. But, when I saw her two dogs in the cart a few weeks ago, I became sympathetic. The dogs have no choice and she clearly loves them both. When I first saw them, I gave a few bucks, but knew that was chump change to the well being of them all.
Today, I saw her sitting far away from the store that I entered. After leaving the store, I took myself over to where she was parked, under a partially shaded tree and I could see her dogs under the shield. I said hi to her before I approached and she was so happy to see me. Now, I have never really given her anything. But, she remembered me as I did her. She is not much older then me, but looks 20 years her age. Tired, worn out, sad and wishes she could care for her two dogs.
I asked her what she needed for her dogs. She said a bag of ice. She puts the bag of ice under the blankets to cool the dogs off. One of the dogs was so happy to see me and peeked his head out to say hello. I went back to the store and bought a 10lb bag of ice and some dog food.
Kathy was so grateful, but I just want to say that I did it to help them all, it wasnt selfish. Now, Im thinking ways I can help when I see them again.
Las Vegas...Is there any solution to helping those that are homeless? You build massive stadiums and convention spaces, but what about maybe putting some money into building a center to help those that need assistance and work opportunity for future? Our shelters are run down and only house a select few. They dont all want to be on the street. I was homeless in 2017 and I was lucky I had friends that lent me a hand, without them, I dont know what I would have done. Not everyone has friends.
Lets come together and help those who seriously want and need it.
