My reason for caring is a simple one. I believe that everyone deserves to have a home with fresh food and the simple necessities needed to live. I was born in California and after we moved to Missouri, my brother and I used to go back frequently. My last visit there was in 2018. I was 22 years old and when I looked around, I saw people in need everywhere. I had two experiences there that changed my view on the homeless crisis in America. The first was seeing a homeless man dig through the trash at the Huntington Beach pier, find a half eaten burger, and start scarfing it down like it was his first "meal" in a couple of days. My heart broke at the sight of him. The second time was when my family and I were at the beach having a bonfire. A family at the designated pit next to us was leaving, their fire still lit. When they left, a homeless man came to their fire to keep warm. California nights can get a little chilly. We were roasting hot dogs and we offered to make him one. He thankfully accepted and I made him one with all the fixings. I handed him his hot dog, we started talking. He was very sweet and just down on his luck. I asked, "Is there anything I can pray for you about?" He answered, "I really need a car. I don't care if it's old and beat up, I just need a place to sleep and to be able to travel." I took his hands and prayed for him. After I had finished, we hugged and I offered him another hot dog.

 

These two experiences have stuck with me over the years. I would love to be able to do more one day. I have a great idea for an easy winter shelter. Missouri winter nights can be very dangerous. We have a few homeless people who really need a place to keep warm. One day I plan to be able to do more than what I am doing currently.

 

For more information about how you can start helping, see "How to Help." For more information about homelessness, visit the "Home" page and click on the other sites listed in "Staying in the Loop."