Please Do What You Can to Help

I recently read this story on Andi's blog, which links to TangoBaby and this story about Kelaya, a homeless woman with two children and a victim of domestic violence.

Kelaya fears for their lives. She cannot go home. However, she is currently homeless and on the streets in San Francisco because none of the homeless shelters for domestic abuse victims in the city have room for her and her children.

This is outrageous!

This is America, not a third world country. What does this say about our systems put in place for situations like this?? Where does someone turn when they have no where to go? I cannot imagine the agony she is bearing on the streets, facing strangers with her children in tow.

After reading this story, I recalled a situation I ran into a few years ago. I was working in the Loop {downtown Chicago} and on my way back to the train after a long day I, along with hundreds of other business people walking to the train, encountered a homeless woman sitting on the sidewalk pavement with her three children, including an infant. They were dirty and hungry. And like an asshole, I walked right by them because everyone else did. I think about that woman often, especially because I see so many homeless people here in Florida. I wonder what happened to her? What became of her children? Did she get help? Is she back on her feet?

I know there is a stigma out there...we can be wary of homeless people because we just don't know what the story is...why are they homeless? Are they drunks? On drugs? What if I give this homeless man $5.00...will he go buy himself something to eat?

This story of Kelaya is real and we have an opportunity to help. If you feel inclined, please make a donation on TangoBaby's blog {you'll find a link to PayPal in the right sidebar}. Or, blog about how ridiculous this is and share your frustrations with your readers! Even Twittering would help.

Thank you.