Survivors Against Great Odds

Homelessness is a cause that is near and dear to me.  Not because I am, or ever have been, homeless. But because I am the co-founder of a non-profit organization dedicated to providing donated purses filled with toiletries to the homeless women on the streets.

We started this non-profit because we refused to look the other way when we saw homeless people on the streets. During these difficult times for those of us who are NOT homeless, it’s even more important to have an awareness of this cause.

Homeless women face a myriad of health risks when living on the street.  These include violence and assault, mental illness, hygiene, HIV/Aids and child care issues among others. Living on the street, in a car, or in an abandoned building can be tough.  Sometimes even life-threatening.

We often don’t realize how these little things can impact our days, but people living on the streets and in shelters deeply appreciate access to these items which typically aren’t so easy for them to come by.
When we asked people who volunteer and work at food pantries and homeless shelters what items are rarely donated, they would undoubtedly say, “toiletries”.

Imagine going for days without brushing your teeth, combing your hair, changing your socks or taking a shower.  Or having your period wih no sanitary products and instead relying on crumpled newspaper or old food wrappers.  That’s everyday life for many homeless people.

Wearing clean socks and using tampons instead of food wrappers can avoid infections, keeping homeless people healthier and saving communities in medical costs.

When it comes to eating, usually, an average homeless could have no more than 6 meals over 6 days.  There are some churches that feed the homeless and they might be able to get a sandwich.  On the average, after being homeless for six months, the homeless person is used to not eating for two to three days in a row.

These are places like homeless shelters, drop-ins and soup kitchens, which provide food for people who are poor, including people who are homeless. These programs take many different forms. Some more traditional 'soup kitchens' provide hot meals or sandwiches once or several times a day while supplies last.

Research has found that the average homeless person has a life expectancy of 47, compared to 77 for the rest of the population: a startling difference of 30 years. The life expectancy for women was even lower, at just 43 years.  They are survivors of great odds.


Let’s admit it…

When you think of a homeless person, a certain stereotype comes to mind. A middle-aged to older man who's addicted to drugs and too lazy to get a job. You think it's their own fault that they're living on the streets.

It’s important to be aware that the top four causes of homelessness are (1) lack of affordable housing, (2) unemployment, (3) poverty, (4) mental illness and the lack of needed services, and (5) substance abuse and the lack of needed services.

Some say that helping the homeless is “putting a Band-Aid” on the problem of homelessness.  I feel it’s important to provide dignity to those living on the streets while the bigger, much more complicated issue of finding them housing is pursued.  Resources that can help them be healthy while we try to find housing are essential.

Let’s not lose sight of the fact that there is a fine line between having a home and being homeless. Many people are living only one paycheck away from homelessness, and this includes families in every area of every state.

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