I read a very funny story today, about a homeless man. Apparently yesterday was the 34 year old man’s birthday and he wanted to treat himself to a nice relaxing day at the spa, nothing wrong with that. He went in for the whole day going to the different rooms for massages saunas foods and drinks, with a full day of relaxation behind him he went to the front desk where he was presented a bill for 200 Euro’s. The man replied that he had no money to pay for the wonderful day and did not have an ID on him to be officially identified. After the police we’re called he spent a night in jail for his actions. That must have been the best birthday he has had in a while, free food, free massage, free sauna, free ride, and a free room for the night with a comfy bed.
I think the man deserves to treat himself to a day spent in comfort on his birthday, I think all homeless people should be treated to a spa day on their birthday, the one day they can relax and feel clean, while enjoying the luxury of the spa. I just would not want to be the person to have to give these guys a pedicure.
I think by giving someone something mundane and simple, something we all take for granted, a shower, or a home cooked meal, and even a soft bed to sleep on. Daily and very standard things we in our everyday lives use and take in with no real appreciation of its value.
If you can live in the shoes, or lack of shoes, of a homeless person for one week, no shower, no roof over your head, no money, food, shower, car, computer, phone, washing machine, bed, closet, not even a comb for your hair, wouldn’t you be more grateful for everything you have? Damn, I would probably never want to sleep on anything but a bed after a week with none.
I have always tried to help out homeless people around me, this one guy called Levi, who walks around in the shopping district always recognizes me and asks me for money, I don’t prefer giving money, as you never know what it might go to. But sometimes I get him a plate of chicken and fries with a drink, just so I know he has a full stomach.
If everyone helped out these guys, they would not even have to be homeless, there is always a way to get people off the street off the drugs and back into society, they we’re all once just like everyone else. With a job, a home and food on the table every day, living a normal life.
I propose a 5 step program:
1. Clean up.
2. Rehab
3. Easy job
4. Self sufficiency
5. Release
1. Get them into a shower, brushing their teeth, clean cloths, good shoes and socks, and a strong pair of jeans. 5 shirt 3 pants, 2 pairs of shoes, many socks and boxers, a start at a wardrobe.
2. Help them to get clean on the inside, no drugs, no alcohol, and no cigarettes. This must be strictly enforced; otherwise the whole thing will fall apart.
3. Get them a job that is easy, helpful to society and well organized. I think garbage man would be well suited, picking up trash is easy and has few instructions, they already have the physical strength and are not deterred from the foul smell.
4. Get them to the point where they earn enough to pay for food, a room, and cloths, an average wage with a reward system, encouraging harder work and progress.
5. Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day, teach him how to fish and he will eat for a lifetime. Release the man into independence; monitor him once every week, and then once a month and then once a year. Before you know it he is fully integrated into society and can go through life with confidence.
Life is hard for some, and if most help, it can be great for all.
Like your new setup and pics. Keep up the good work.
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