During my two years of full-time service in the Orange County area, I ran into a lot of people that might not have been on my "People to meet" list. Then during the two years that I took the bus to school (because UCI students get free bus passes :) I quietly observed the other bus frequenters, usually those who don't qualify for a drivers license. Many of the individuals I met and observed during this four-year period were homeless. Those whom I did get a chance to speak with showed me a sense of determination that impressed me. It sometimes seems like the general sentiment in this area is that these "lazy bums just need to get up and find a job" but many of them can't. Recently, I was riding my bike home from work, and as I turned a corner I saw two men in each others face at an intersection. Suddenly, as I approached, one man pushed the other man hard into the road (luckily no cars were coming) and started cussing at him and kicking him. I had to swerve to avoid the fallen man, and was too stunned to stop and do something. Down the road I stopped, waited for the assailant to leave and turned around to help the man who was still laying in the road. Once he got on his feet and put his glasses on, I asked him where he was going - he came up close to me, much like he did with the other man, and just started crying. After several minutes of trying to talk to this man, I realized that he has difficulty talking, probably due to a speech disorder. He stands close because he can't see well. Finally, he turned to leave without a word. As I rode home, I realized that some people are on the street because they've been pushed there, just like that other mean guy pushed him into the road.
I read an article today that brought my memories about homeless people to surface again. It illustrates the systematic inconsistencies that result in the postponement or failure of any major effort to help the homeless.
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