This year, according to the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority there are about 31,018 unsheltered homeless people in Los Angeles County. The LA Times reported that the homeless population has jumped 12 percent in the last two years, in both the city and county of Los Angeles. Now that the weather is starting to get cold do you ever wonder where will they sleep? We often take our warm cozy beds for granted, but how one is treated should not be based on what they have.
Just because they have a cart instead of a car does not mean they do not deserve general respect. As student loans continue to pile up, it can be hard to pay them back until the opportunity comes to start your career. So don't think too high of yourself because it could happen to you.
No one expects a natural disaster, a divorce gone bad, a life-threatening medical issue, to result in the loss of their home.
The loss of a job, a sacrifice to help someone else, or the death of a family member could be a huge factor in a living situation. We are all trying to live in a country that might not have our best interest in mind.
What everyone tends to forget is that homeless people are human too. When you are walking in the grocery store, or waiting for the bus you can look at them, say hello, ask them their story, or simply tell them, “no I don't have any spare money to give, today.” Remember the golden rule and treat them how you would want to be treated. Try putting yourself in their shoes, it could happen to you. Times are hard and it can be pretty expensive to live whether you are a student in high school, college, a mother, father, or retired citizen.
Not all homeless people are criminals and drug-addicts. Also, keep in mind, that some might need medical attention because of a disability they have, but it doesn't mean you can't acknowledge them when they try to approach you.
Being homeless is not something to be proud of but, you could make someone’s bad situation better just by smiling and waving. With that simple gesture can give them hope for better days or inspiration to make a change in their daily routine.
I saw this post of GIFs on Tumblr from sizvideos and got inspired to do this article. Here is the full video on YouTube.
