Answering the call to end Homelessness

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A student at Portland State University approaches a group of fellow students and community members around the campus.  That student asks “How important of an issue do you believe homelessness is in Portland and around the PSU campus?”.  Individuals would likely respond that it is a significant issue and maybe even express their opinion as to the relation to drugs or mental disease.  Jumping to the end of the conversation, the PSU student asks “What are you going to do to be part of the solution?”.  What reply do you believe would be received?

 


We spend so much of our time determining root problems and suggesting how to solve homelessness.  This seems, however, to always be an unanswered call for action.  We constantly acknowledge that it is an issue along our local leaders within the community, but still no action is taken that leads to a positive change.  I am not saying that ideas are ineffective or shallow, rather that those who voice the need for change seldom act on the desired they have to impact the homeless population. 

 


If you believe that officials and leadership are going to solve this problem, ask yourself how are they doing?  If you choose not to act, can you expect change?  If you feel that the call is unanswered to help in the fight of homelessness, you are on the track of making a difference in some way.  Check out one the link HERE to begin learning more about how to become involved and help in the process to fight homelessness.


-Marc Yakubisin




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