my editorial on homeless families printed today

[w8liftinglady]

(note-my area is 90% Xtian,hence the last sentence)

http://www.thedailylight.com/articles/2010/12/19/opinion/doc4d0da6fbc42eb849773666.txt

The Christmas season is upon us.

As I was driving down Highway 77, I noticed a lady and three small children walking on the side of the road with no homes in sight. Against my “better judgment,” I stopped and asked her if she needed a ride. She and the kids piled in.

The mom said, “I got kicked out of my apartment and am going to stay in a friend’s apartment.” She had dark circles, sunken eyes, and the look of desperation.The kids weren’t much better.

We stopped by the Dollar Store on the way there, picking up a few groceries and a little something for the kids. The woman broke down, sobbing and humiliated. I simply told her “we’re sisters and that’s what sisters do.” They entered their friend’s apartment. I gave them information on the few resources I had.

There are few resources for homeless families in Ellis County. The following are some resources that you may pass on to people you know who may be facing homelessness:

1. Cccs of Greater Dallas-Waxahachie

820 Ferris Ave, St. Waxahachie

972-938-9672

This is a HUD Approved Housing Counseling Agency. They can refer you to other resources if you anticipate becoming homeless.

2. Family Gateway in Dallas

http://www.familygateway.org/index.htm

Has two apartment complexes for homeless families with children. You must be a resident of Dallas County to qualify. (If you are currently bunking up at a Dallas County residence, this could help you)

3. The Genesis Women’s Shelter in Dallas

http://www.genesisshelter.org/page.aspx?pid=329

Provides shelter for women and children in abusive relationships. While their address is confidential, they DO accept residents of surrounding counties. Their hotline number is 214-946-HELP (4357)

4. The Family Place in Dallas

http://www.familyplace.org/Page.aspx?pid=219

Provides assistance for women and children escaping an abusive situation.They have living facilities, classes and other help for women and children in the Greater Dallas area. Their 24-hour hotline-214-941-1991 — offers crisis counseling, information and referral.

Families with children are the fastest growing homeless population in Texas.

As we prepare gifts for our kids, take a minute to think of those who may not have a roof over their heads and act on their behalf.

The one whose birthday we celebrate said it best:

“Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.”

[PBS Poll-435]

1. K&R

:yourock:

[Kurovski]

2. That last statement always makes me feel bad when I trash talk a Reflublican.

K&R

Tough times & Jesus rocks. :) I wish more took his words seriously, especially those who profess to be followers. Try harder, I say unto them.

[w8liftinglady]

3. Like I always say-jesus would be ashamed of "our" treatment

of the poor,the sick,the downtrodden....especially by those who profess so loudly to be good "Christians"

[FirstLight]

4. sweet. blessed woman...

:cry: I can't tell you how moved i am, and grateful that you got this published as a lte

we are but a thread away from being in that woman's shoes, and every ngiht as we snuggle in bed i remind ourselves to be grateful for our pillows and a dry place to slppe. We have HUd assistance, for now. but i am worried that safety nets will be the next thing to go ...

we have to take car of eachother, that's the bottom line.
:hug: thanks!

[w8liftinglady]

17. I was very close to being there myself when I was sick.

Our nation turns it's back on it's citizens when they need help the most.

[kentuck]

5. That is just like you...

..a compassionate person. I know from experience.

[northoftheborder]

6. Moved to tears...

You were the angel for that little family....so glad you sent it in to paper, and it was printed.

[GreenPartyVoter]

7. Thank you for being an advocate! *hugs*

[Kurovski]

8. Did you post this in the Texas forum?

I think it would be great there as well.

[sonias]

9. Wonderful humanitarian act w8liftingladyhum

You are wonderful. May the woman and family you helped out get back on their feet quickly.

:hug:

[TheKentuckian]

10. Thank you so much

[spanone]

11. blessings upon you...

:grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug:

[GrannyK]

12. Thank you for your act of kindness.

And thank you for taking the time to write your piece and send it in. Often those seemingly small acts become a catalyst for others to offer helping hands when given the opportunity or choice.

That is what creates change.

[calimary]

13. A very timely reminder.

Not too many people seem all that concerned about the "least of My brethren" crowd. Instead, they're called deadbeats and lazy.

[dixiegrrrrl]

14. You have sent out waves of good karma.

As you know.

Glad your letter got printed.

:hi:

[Quantess]

15. K & R

[WiffenPoof]

16. I Almost Don't Want People To Print...

these kinds of stories. The keyboard is very blurry right now. I don't know why it makes me so emotional. I probably need to see someone. I hope that they make it.

-PLA

[OneGrassRoot]

18. A huge, grateful K&R n/t

[Dystopian]

19. KandR

So much love in your heart...

Thank you for being you...

peace~

[w8liftinglady]

20. Update-I've been at work the last 2 days...the need is ENORMOUS here

...even my friendly nemesis the hospital chaplain thanked me...families stopped me in the hall to thank me for resources for a friend,a church member,a neighbor...even in red,red Texas.Several coworkers cried as they shared their own family's traumatic events of the last decade.
People ARE becoming aware of the new reality.
It is up to us to continue to remind them,to reinforce the true meaning of caring for each other.
We must continue to show which party is the true party of universal love and caring,regardless of religion.
Our friends,neighbors,strangers depend on us.
Thank you all.

[WhaTHellsgoingonhere]

21. Thank you, lady

:hi:

[Waiting For Everyman]

22. Kick and a hug

:hug:

[spanone]

23. k&r