Stories of Kindness from Around the World

Seeing the Homeless


--by greenurlifenow, posted Jan 8, 2017
Every morning, when I am on my way to work, I see people who are homeless, who are sleeping in doorways and on sidewalks, clearly in need of help. I feel very sad to see this, and most people walk by, pretending they don't exist and don't offer any help at all, not even a word.

Recently, it has been extra cold in Vancouver, Canada, where I live and work. So this makes things extra tough for those who are homeless.

Most of the time I arrive at work first thing in the morning, around 8 AM. Those who are homeless in the area are usually trying to sleep, shivering, so sometimes I am not sure whether it's a good idea to leave something like food or a useful toiletry bag for them while they are unaware, as it may get stolen or they make not even want it.

Today, I spotted someone, who seemed to be homeless, sitting on the sidewalk, awake. I had a little bit of time before I was due to start work, so I dashed across the street to ask if I could get anything for him to drink or eat. He didn't want a coffee or warm drink, but a soft drink, a Cola, so I went and got this for him, along with a banana.

I gave the drink and banana to him, then went back to my office across the street, and went upstairs to get a poncho pack that I recently packed with items like warm hat (known as a toque in Canada), a pair of socks, deodorant, snack, reusable rain poncho, toothbrush, toothpaste, hand warmers. I had been planning to give it to someone in need, so this was a great opportunity to do so. I hurried back outside to give the pack to the stranger, who was appreciative, which was nice.

Society may feel uncomfortable with homeless people, but we must remember that they are just like us, human beings, who are just down on their luck for different reasons. It could be your father, mother, brother, sister, friend, colleague. If we reach out to help someone in need, our hearts will grow and we can truly make our world better.

Singer Phil Collins sang a song titled Another Day in Paradise, which reminds us to be grateful for the many blessings we have and to not forget those who are less fortunate.

Here is the You Tube video of this song.

 
1745 Reads

Readers Comments

KOMAL BANSAL wrote: Very appreciable efforts in helping the homeless.
Matt Vanwagenen wrote: God is good give till it hurts
splain wrote: Thanks for doing that. My heart goes out to the homeless. to be in that situation must be so hard. You did well
patjos wrote: Thank you so very much. I feel as if you did this especially for me. :)))
Alisamom wrote: That was very kind if you! Yes w must remember that the homeless are just regular people, and that homelessness can happen to anyone.
RoseMarie wrote: Great kindness to help homeless x 💓
mnc_91 wrote: I just love the way you desire to help .😊
Rajni wrote: Very good deed indeed. Feeding needy and helping them with some useful items is perhaps the best thing to do in life. Their KARMA of past and past lives put them in the condition they are in - a homeless. When God blesses us financially, we should help others in whatever way we are capable of for they are ordinary people like us. They remind us that if you do not help us, life may give you a hard blow and put you in the condition I am facing. Definitely our good KARMA help us grow spiritually to make our life worthwhile. Thanks for sharing this inspiring post.
mindyjourney wrote: Thank you for making a difference, my friend. To be open to helping is to really "see" a person and not the circumstances <3. Blessings as you continue to encourage and support those in need.
DANCE wrote: very kind

Add A Comment