One of the questions asked about CommunityCleanUPs is if those that have made the mess are helping cleanUP.
Answer: Sometimes YES and most of the time NO.
If this does not sit right with you because you feel the people that made the mess should be the ones to clean it up, please take a moment to read this post and begin a discussion here. We are all learning as we go and the best way forward is through open respectful conversation.
Here are four thoughts:
1. Most people living outside are suffering. Not just a little, but a great deal. Staying warm and dry with enough to eat is their primary concern. The greater the suffering the less able we are to take care of anything other than what helps us get through the moment. For those living outside, that 'moment' is a constant day to day experience.
2. Most people living outside are dealing with some level of trauma. Often this trauma is debilitating. Even the simplest of things can be made difficult.
3. Addiction to drugs further narrows the ability to take care of the simplest of things. It is important to remember that drug-addiction is the symptom of a greater issue involving trauma and mental health.
4. Nobody likes garbage. This is true for those living inside and outside. Unlike for those living inside, for those outside there is not only no garbage pickUP, but also no place to take it.
Homelessness is a complex issue. We can either wash our hands of it and walk past or we can come closer to find real answers for ourselves. Looking forward to this discussion.
These photos are from our 13th CommunityCleanUP! So grateful for everyone that again came out to take part!!!
Green Lake neighborhood | Rex
A QUIET THOUGHT - If you're moved by the goodness of this community, please visit http://www.facinghomelessness.org/ and click on the 'donate' button and consider a "monthly recurring" donation of just $5 in support of the work. THANK YOU!
#Kindness #JustSayHello #FacingHomelessness
