Lindsay the Intern: Week Two Musings

(Our intern reflects on a trip she just took to Seattle).

What do the mentally ill, the traumatically brain injured, and low-income families have in common? No, this is not the bud of a cruel joke. All of these groups share an extreme vulnerability to homelessness.

I always used to assume that those homeless men and women muttering to themselves, or screaming obscenities must have reached that point as a result of street life and substance abuse. I now understand that many of these people simply either missed out on, or weren't awarded, services they were entitled too. It is hard to comprehend how these people can continually slip through the cracks.

In a perfect world, the minimum wage would be a living wage, and those affected by mental illness, or struck by sudden trauma, would have enough support and guidance to find an accepting place. Unfortunately, this world is far from perfect, and people are suffering everywhere. 

I took a trip to Seattle this weekend to visit my brother and meet his new girlfriend. Although my main agenda was to give my stamp of approval on the relationship, I couldn't help but find myself distracted. I had new knowledge about the homeless community in Eugene and it seemed to follow me. All I could see as I passed vintage shops and trendy restaurants were the shopping carts full of dirty clothes and people without a hand to hold. I wanted to find a way to help each one I passed, but all I ended up doing was giving away a hot dog.

I realized that I would be confronted with this dilemma in every city I visit. I also realized that although I can lead people to great organizations in Eugene, I hadn't the slightest clue of how to help in Seattle, let alone San Francisco. I guess what I'm saying is that it's in your hands too.

Go Google "homelessness" and your city. If you are a Eugenian, then Google a city you visit a lot. I bet a few agencies will pop up. Wow. That took a total of 5 seconds (granted, I am handy with a keyboard). Now just go ahead and bookmark them. Next time you find yourself overstaying your welcome on Facebook, instead check out an agency site and learn about ways to help that are specific to your city or hometown. It is abundantly clear that homelessness is a problem extending far beyond Eugene, Oregon, or even the U.S. If we want to seal up the cracks in society, we are going to have to put in a little elbow grease and take matters into our own hands. Hey, if you are feeling particularly giving, mosey on down to those agencies and pick up a few brochures. Information is crucial to enlightening and empowering the vulnerable. We have the computers and the time, all that's left to do is pass it on.