In reading a Poverty In America blog post on change.org, there is a story about a former WORLD CHAMPION Middleweight boxer named Iran “The Blade” Barkley.  He had a 17 year career in which he earned nearly $5 million dollars.  He is now homeless.

“Until recently, he was living in his childhood apartment with his niece. When he was unable to contribute to the household financially, he was locked out. Now he relies on the support of some close friends to continue to stay in a low cost hotel for another night.”

Homelessness can happen to anyone. The reasons for why it can happen vary with each individual.  Even people who have a stable situation with plenty of support financially may find themselves homeless at some point.  I think the greatest point to get from stories like these is realizing is that “the homeless” are people, human beings.  Sure, they have ended up in a rough time, but most likely, they did not start out their life striving to be homeless.  Situations happen, and tragedies occur.  Sometimes they are brought on by the individual and other times it is because of influences out of the person’s control.

Point being, homeless individuals are human beings deserving of opportunity.  They may have fallen on hard times, and yes it is up to them to get themselves out of the situation.  However, a lot of times, they just need the resources and tools to do it.  Help support these people, help provide support so that resources and opportunities arise so that they might get back to self-sufficiency.  Visit our Homeless Initiative Program page, or visit our donation page to learn more or directly support our program!

“Usually dirty, drunk, and very stupid sounding, they just ask for money, or demand it.”

This was a quote taken from Thehomelesspresident’s Blog.  The author of this blog is a man who became homeless when he was 12 years old.  He has continuously tried to work his way out of homelessness and has been from place to place going from job to job.  You can read his About Me page to hear his story in greater detail.

When I read his blog post titled “Homeless, Alcoholism, Drug Addicition,” it made me think about WHO was exactly the face of homeless.  And, I agree with the blog author when he says that most people think about the person who sits on the corner or panhandles by a highway exit, who is very unkempt, and looks high and drunk.  I had an opportunity to tag-a-long with HealthNet’s Homeless Initiative Program‘s Outreach team who took me to the places where you see the people who are living without a home!  And sure, we saw people who were drunk and/or high, but the fact is that there are not as many as one might think.

The real face of homelessness are:

• FAMILIES who make up 40% of the homeless population in Indianapolis
• CHILDREN who make up almost 25% of this same population
• PEOPLE just like you and me, who just need a WAY out

You can help these people.  Spreading awareness about the face of homelessness can go a long way.  Or, donating to the Homeless Initiative Program here.  The number of homeless individuals on the street rose by 40% in 2009.  A small amount of your time can go a LONG way.