Contributed by John Rozzi, Valley Charities
It was an unusually cold day, so the mother threw some wood on the fire to get warmer. As she stood around the fire she continued to think about a job she could get with her college degree. Her daughters had just returned from school so her concentration was not focused entirely on the job search day dream. As they huddled around the fire waiting for Dad, the two girls caught mom up on their day. They were normally pretty gloomy but today they had lots to talk about because of the holiday parties they participated in. The mother just wished she could have contributed some kind of baked goods.
Two hours later the Dad drove up in an old Chevy van just off work from a national retailer. They all hustled into the Van, going straight to their normal spots to get ready for dinner. The mother asked if the Van was filled with gas so they could keep the Van running to keep everyone warm. The Dad responded with a subdued “Yes”. Money was tight and he was only making minimum wage at his full time job. If only the mother could get a job they may be able to afford paying for an apartment to live in. But, in the meantime they were going to continue making the best of living in the Chevy van.
This is one of many stories that can result from something as simple as work hours being cut or a car repair. Being Homeless is not a choice for many families. It’s a situation that occurs because of living on the edge paycheck to paycheck. Too many times when we see people living in a car we automatically assume that being homeless is their fault and their problem.
Why don’t we think of homeless families as neighbors or community members that are down on their luck? These homeless families may have more in common with us than we think. Living paycheck to paycheck. One major challenge away from not paying the rent.
What are your thoughts? Go to the Facebook page of the “Matsu Coalition on Housing and Homelessness” and give us your feedback.
Valley Charities, Inc. is a strong supporter of preventing homelessness and making our community safer through a very solid reentry program.