Homeless Appreciation Week

Okay, it may not be national homeless appreciation week or anything, but it is the week where students are running around from place to place until their lease begins June 1st. This may not seem like a big deal at first, since they have a place to call home and could even go back to their parents houses--work schedules permitting. It is, though, a mind-opening experience figuring out where to eat, sleep, bathe, do laundry, and store everything that doesn't fit in a purse, backpack, or car. During that period of waiting for the apartment to be available, one can realize who their true friends are, which couches are available to sleep on, and which stoves are open for their dinners. It seems like we have hundreds of friends sometimes, even thousands if you count everyone from Facebook. But when it comes to asking someone for a place to stay for a few nights you can find out who will open their homes to you with a spare key to borrow, and who will graciously lend you their floor for a night.

It's easy to say, "Of course I would be the friend to open up my home for a friend in need, no matter what." But when the person is knocking on your door or napping on your favorite couch in the middle of the day after making a mess in the kitchen, things get tricky. We're always told to help those in need in any way. I'd like to think we all do when we get the chance. But when that chance is there 24/7 because there are only so many people who can help, it may begin to feel like they're mooching off your hard-earned possessions. Then you think to yourself: what would I do if I had to stay in town for a week, or even a month, with no place of my own?

That's when you begin to appreciate what you have in life. How many people do you pass by a day in this city, especially downtown, who you know don't have a home? It seems like such a common occurrence that they must be used to it, right? There must be some secret homeless code they all know to get by. Unless that code is simply the willingness to do what it takes to survive in your surroundings, I've found it doesn't really exist. Yes, they have friends and kind citizens who help them out every so often. Even the nicest actions, though, can't mollify the nagging sensation of worries and helplessness. Where will I be tonight? What about tomorrow? What if something happens when I'm sleeping in my Jeep? What if something happens to my car? What if my friend's roommates want me gone? When will I be able to get my stuff home and how? Will my back always hurt from sleeping like this? Where can I go right now? Will I be able to wash my hair today? How does everyone else seem so well put-together?

The worry, the doubt, the feelings of neglect, they constitute the relentless fear behind each long, begging face and each adventurous body of excitement. You can see in it the eyes. It may be a glorious adventure of camping and exploiting affluent friendships, or a sorrowful journey wondering where you belong. Either way, when you fall asleep at night in a bed, car seat, or nothing at all, appreciate what it is you do have in life: your friendships, your family, your job, your possessions that get you by. They are all a gift--one that not everyone has, and one that doesn't last forever. So be thankful for all you have and generous with all you give. Next time you see a homeless person walking down the street or sitting on a corner, offer a sandwich, a new pair of sneakers, or some company. We all like to feel connected to the world (through people, the internet, and other forms media). Feeling alone and without a place to call home is a scary experience--no matter how adventurous--so please be kind to those in need this week (and always) and appreciate everything you can so easily take for granted every day. :)