There are thousands upon thousands of homeless people in
America, and billions more around the world. While many Third World
countries do not have available jobs for their people, America
certainly does.
There are thousands upon thousands of homeless people in America, and billions more around the world. While many Third World countries do not have available jobs for their people, America certainly does.
Homelessness is something that can happen to just about anyone; all it takes is just one or two disasters to bankrupt and put someone out on the streets, and they become part of the homeless populous; and once a so-called “homeless person”, they are usually subject to disrespect as a human being and are treated as outcasts.
What people need to realize is that many of these so-called “homeless people” grew up beside us but fell on hard times – or in many cases have always had a hard life – and have had extreme difficulty getting back on their feet because of the limits of their resources such as a place to sleep, a shower, food, regular work, etc. Some, of course, for one reason or another, are simply not putting in the effort to get back on their feet; others, still, can’t work because of other problems and need special attention.
To help those human beings who want to help themselves, I have created the theoretical work behind a “Back On My Feet” Foundation/Program. Its purpose is to take those homeless people who are currently experiencing a low standard of living and being unproductive members of society, but who want to change their lives, and to turn them back into – or finally give them the chance to be – independent and productive members of society who can reach for the American goal of, “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”
We talk a lot about homelessness, but it’s about time we do something to put an end to it and really start living the American Dream.
What the Foundation/Program provides: A place for each person who has signed up for the program to sleep, shower and stay safe from the dangers of the streets and intervention by police. The local community can donate clothes, food and other items to the center so that each program member can survive, be “presentable” and comfortable.
What is then done is the city’s local employers will have the opportunity to hire program members so that the member can begin accumulating money that will result in his/her independence and becoming a productive member of society.
We, of course, do not want any person to take advantage and abuse the charity of this system, so most of the money made by the program member will be held and used to go to the renting of an apartment or other designated avenue which will have the program’s desired results. This will prevent the possibility of the member spending the money on alcohol, drugs and/or other things leading to dependence rather than independence.
Once members have enough money to be independent, they are free to go back into society but will be checked up on every few weeks and then months depending on how successfully the person has turned their life around. When complete independence is achieved and the member no longer needs any assistance from the foundation/program, they are given any and all revenue that might have been held for them, and they can then do whatever they want to fulfill their potential and their dreams in life.
To end homelessness and all of the problems connected to it, this foundation/program is the best solution yet presented; let’s take advantage of it and not let it go to waste. Homelessness hurts everyone; and if it can be stopped, it is our responsibility as human beings to do so and help those whom we share our basic humanity with.
Let us start ending the suffering today by opening our hearts to the fact that people are people, they can and do make mistakes, and they often can and do want to change; and for those who are homeless now, be ready and have the responsibility and desire to pick yourselves up and embrace a better life. Overall, if you were homeless, wouldn’t you want the “Back On My Feet” Foundation/Program to be out there?
More planning is needed as there are many obstacles that can/could arise; so this is just the groundwork. Mentally unstable people will not be able to join the program and should instead be given to the care of professionals; an ID card of some type will probably be needed so that the police and others know not to harass our individual(s); some of the funding may have to come from some of the money accumulated by the program members, but that shouldn’t happen as the government should help fund this program for the benefit of all America and humanity.
A system that turns an unproductive dependent into a productive independent should be of extreme interest to the government and all humanity, and they should contribute what they can to its existence and progress. Making those who have nothing pay heavily for this program while living in a society that gives away billions each year for less noble causes and yet is supposed to be serving the peoples’ interests, is deplorable.
Lastly, if you can help bring this into reality, help me. I am doing what I can, and I ask you to do what you can by speaking to as many people about this as possible. And if you’re also interested in world peace, racial and social justice, the fulfillment of human potential and the preservation of the environment, ask me about the Best America Party.
Chris McCann, a Morgan Hill resident, is founder and political theorist for Best America Party. His email address is [email protected] Readers interested in writing a guest column should contact editor Walt Glines at [email protected]
