Real Stories: Meet Thomas

by Mark Horvath · 2008-12-01 09:11:00 UTC
Topics:

Thomas from invisible people on Vimeo.

I really like Thomas's story; it struck a chord with me. He talks about some key issues facing the homeless population that we often do not consider. For one, they must stay mobile, which means that everything they own is in a bag, cart, or buggy (a good thing to remember when you're helping certain homeless populations). This presents a challenge for shelters, churches, or food pantries because accommodating people with bags/carts can be a security risk. Also, the homeless won't go places where they cannot either keep their bags with them or feel their bags are safe.

Another point Thomas brings up is safety. Usually homeless sleep during the day and walk the streets at night because it is safer. Even then, sleep is not restful. You are constantly vulnerable, which is really frightening. Add to that, the various laws cities have in place prohibiting panhandling and sleeping in public places; it is not an easy life!

Near the end, Thomas talks about different races living homeless and how poverty does not discriminate. We can learn an awful from Thomas' homeless experience, their unique needs and focus on survival. But perhaps more importantly, we can learn something about ourselves and how we treat the homeless.

Mark Horvath is an activist for the homeless. He vlogs at invisiblepeople.tv and blogs at hardlynormal.com. He was formerly homeless in Hollywood.
PREVIOUS STORY:
A Record One in Ten Americans On Food Stamps
NEXT STORY:
Sallie Mae Blinks!

COMMENTS (1)

    Comment Policy

    · All fields are required to comment.

    [X]

    Comments on Change.org are meant for further exploration and evaluation of the campaign on Change.org. To that end, we welcome constructive comments. However, we reserve the right to delete comments which, as determined solely in our discretion: (1) are offensive, abusive, or off-topic; (2) include content solely intended to personally attack the campaign creator, (3) are designed to subvert or hijack comment threads rather than contribute to them; and/or (4) violate our terms of service and/or privacy policy. Repeat offenders may be permanently removed from the site at our discretion. Please also be advised that: (A) we do not actively curate and/or monitor in any manner whatsoever the comments made on the Change.org platform, and (B) the creator of each campaign on Change.org may remove any comment at her/his/its discretion.