Spring Break
Being homeless does not mean being hopeless
Alexandra Scheinfeld, Sean Murphy
Issue date: 10/5/07 Section: Ed-Op
- Page 1 of 1
I have a confession to make. Now don't judge me, I can't help if I've been raised in an affluent main line suburb of Philadelphia.
However, I am going through a rough transition right now. I am adjusting to city life.
Drexel makes it pretty easy with its campus maps and blue and yellow signs that adorn the front of every building, but there is simply one thing I just cannot get used to.
We all know him well; he's a campus staple. You know who I'm talking about: a certain man with a bicycle who enjoys standing in front of a certain convenience store on 34th and Lancaster.
I personally feel guilty about their situation, and the lack of things I feel I can do about it.
My dad always told me "Don't give them money, just walk on by", but I'm beginning to feel that walking on by will just perpetuate the problem.
No one likes being pestered for money or being made felt guilty by the constant flow of, "No love? That's alright, God bless you's" that follow me through the door as I try to make a quick escape.
So what we can we do? Nothing?
Most people would answer that way. The reality is there are tons of services out there to take people with nowhere to turn and help make them contributing members of society.
I understand what it's like to be low on your dough. I mean, I am paying for Drexel tuition for goodness sake (and that gold meal plan), and I personally want to help spread the word.
The Philadelphia Committee to End Homelessness hosts a program called "Street Outreach" designed to reach out to these individuals and tell them about the options available to them.
The Doe Fund takes donations and employs the homeless, getting them a steady job and low cost housing.
The National Coalition for the Homeless is committed to ending homelessness not only in Philly, but also on a national level.
Just walking on by and ignoring the problem only allows it to get worse and worse. Your help could make all the difference.
If you're interested in helping out with one of these organizations visit these web sites:
www.nationalhomeless.org
www.doe.org
www.pceh.org
However, I am going through a rough transition right now. I am adjusting to city life.
Drexel makes it pretty easy with its campus maps and blue and yellow signs that adorn the front of every building, but there is simply one thing I just cannot get used to.
We all know him well; he's a campus staple. You know who I'm talking about: a certain man with a bicycle who enjoys standing in front of a certain convenience store on 34th and Lancaster.
I personally feel guilty about their situation, and the lack of things I feel I can do about it.
My dad always told me "Don't give them money, just walk on by", but I'm beginning to feel that walking on by will just perpetuate the problem.
No one likes being pestered for money or being made felt guilty by the constant flow of, "No love? That's alright, God bless you's" that follow me through the door as I try to make a quick escape.
So what we can we do? Nothing?
Most people would answer that way. The reality is there are tons of services out there to take people with nowhere to turn and help make them contributing members of society.
I understand what it's like to be low on your dough. I mean, I am paying for Drexel tuition for goodness sake (and that gold meal plan), and I personally want to help spread the word.
The Philadelphia Committee to End Homelessness hosts a program called "Street Outreach" designed to reach out to these individuals and tell them about the options available to them.
The Doe Fund takes donations and employs the homeless, getting them a steady job and low cost housing.
The National Coalition for the Homeless is committed to ending homelessness not only in Philly, but also on a national level.
Just walking on by and ignoring the problem only allows it to get worse and worse. Your help could make all the difference.
If you're interested in helping out with one of these organizations visit these web sites:
www.nationalhomeless.org
www.doe.org
www.pceh.org
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