Today has been another windy one. The screen I have on the entry to my patio was standing straight out in the wind. It isn't cold (thank you), and the rain has stopped for the nonce. It was really coming down for awhile.

It's times like this that I think about the homeless. Where do they shelter? I read a story in the paper today about a man, homeless, mentally disabled, from another county who got dumped on Loaves and Fishes in this county. Now Loaves and Fishes don't have homeless accomodations. Well, the other county recognized their error and came back and got the poor man, but what did they do with him? The article didn't say.

I worry about women with children. I was always safe. All my life. I can't imagine wondering where I'm going to sleep tonight. But I know there are hundreds out there who look for any little cubby where they can get some kind of shelter. This is not the time of the year to be homeless. Well, is there any time, for that matter?

We do have shelters in the county, but they fill up fast. Various churches have shelters, and they fill up fast. It's incredible, unthinkable! that there are so many people who have no place to lay their heads at night. I should remember that when I start grumbling about not having enough money to go shopping when the stores are having sales.

Really, I have everything I need. And more. I forget to be grateful, then I read in the paper about shelters having to close because they're full. And there are still people needing a bed for the night. And I'm ashamed of myself.

What can I do? Well, I live in a small apartment, so I can't offer shelter. Besides, if I did, and the manager found out, I'd be out looking for shelter. I can give money to a charity of choice, which I do, but it's just a drop in the bucket compared to the need. Maybe I should become an activist and try to make the general populace aware of the need.

That's an exercise in futility, I think. I'm sure people are aware. But how do you make them care? That I have to find out. Where to start? I'm not a social worker, so I have no credential there. Where to start? Go to Social Services, maybe, and offer to work as a volunteer? It would have to be as a volunteer, because funds for all social agencies are being cut. The budget crunch.

I could do that.

Or maybe work in a daycare center for mothers who need a place to leave their children while they are learning a trade.

I could do that.,

I wonder if one of these agencies has homemaking facilities? With sewing machines. I could teach women how to lay out patterns and how to make their own clothing. I could teach them to cook on the cheap.

OK, it time to stop wondering and time to get my rear in gear. I know there's something useful I can do for folks who have a whole load of need.

Shalom

PS: It worked this time!!! *big grin*