By now most people know the story of Ted Williams, the homeless man found living on the streets of Columbus, Ohio. A YouTube video of Williams posted by the Columbus Dispatch, revealed that he had the "golden voice," perfect for radio or television announcements. It's a gift he often tried to maximize while panhandling and demonstrating his voice-over skills as he begged by the side of the road. It's being estimated that the video has been viewed nearly 12 million times.
Homeless advocates are delighted that the issue of being homeless, in American, is being bought to the forefront once again. Most Americans are are happy seeing Mr. Williams' rags to riches story come to fruition. It's being reported that he has received job offers from the National Basketball Association's Cleveland Cavaliers, MTV, MSNBC, Kraft Foods and other major U.S. corporations. The offer from the Cavaliers came with a house included.
The story of Mr. Williams rise from being homeless to international superstar is undoubtedly 2011s most feelgood story of the young year. But it doesn't dismiss the fact that millions of Americans are either living on the streets or find themselves living in homeless shelters. Unlike Mr. Williams, who found himself homeless due to alcohol and drug abuse, many Americans now live on the streets or in homeless shelters due to job loss, medical bills, lack of affordable housing and a myriad of other issues.
Homelessness in the United States increased significantly in the late 1970s. The number of homeless people grew in the 1980s, as housing and social service cuts increased and the economy deteriorated. The number of homeless has risen since then. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, there were 643,067 sheltered and un-sheltered homeless people, nationwide, on any given night in January 2008. Nearly 1.6 million people used emergency shelters or a transitional housing programs during the 12 month period between October 1, 2007 and September 30, 2008. Roughly 1 in every 200 persons in the US used the shelter system at some point in that period.
Many Americans find it appalling that so many of its citizens live on the streets or in homeless shelters. Some call the homeless situation America's dirty little secret. The answers aren't easy and the situation is a very complex one. Charitable donations have declined over the last 8 years. In some cases there's a deep resentment towards the homeless, believing they have no one to blame but themselves.
The remarkable story of Mr. Williams rise from rags to riches will soon fizzle as Americans move on to the next feelgood story, act of terrorism or bipartisan clash within government. However one thing will remain constant. American citizens will still be living on the streets or in homeless shelters.
Given this rare opportunity, it's time to have a open discussion on being homeless in America. Is there a solution to this issue? And what about the children, who for no fault of their own, find themselves living on the streets, in homeless shelters, tents and cars? Should homelessness be high on the priority list for the Obama administration? Will the new majority Republican majority in the Congress even address this issue? Is it too overwhelming of a problem? What is your opinion?
Video courtesy of YouTube
©2011 by Lloyd Cope . All rights reserved.
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Comments: 52
I wish there was a "magic answer", because I truly don't understand how this happens in this country. It always reminds me of the end of the Disney movie "Aladdin" when the Princess tells her father there are poor people in their city, and he's shocked. I'm willing to help toward an answer, if someone tells me what it is.
I'll be back later to check back in.
Elizabeth, other than those who have their heads stuck in the sand with blinders on, most Americans realize that there are homeless among us. I've lived in Los Angeles, New York City and Philadelphia. Homelessness is not a new phenomena for me.
Many, like you, do what they can in helping them survive. Some frown and look down upon them. There is no magic answer. However there are things, we as a nation can do. Not everyone is born with a silver spoon in their mouths. Not everyone inherited great wealth. A lot are born with a distinct disadvantage. And children shouldn't suffer because they were born into this world.
What we can do is attempt to revert back to when America was a great nation. A nation that manufactured goods and provided necessary services for the masses. Working in a factory, being a forklift operator or even a customer service rep isn't something to be frowned upon. During the 60s, 70s, 80s and early 90s, those jobs provided most Americans with a living wage and a middle-class standard of living. However those days are long gone. But if American corporations want people to buy their goods and services, it's time they take a second look at the middle-class and the working poor they so devastated as they exported jobs overseas, primarily to 3rd world nations.
I remember in the late 60s and early 70s when African Americans, who worked for General Motors and United States Steel actually wore their work badges, pinned to their collars, as they attended Church. It was a badge of honor. They proudly displayed these badges, work belts and any other thing showing they were contributing members of our growing society. But something changed. Unions started to become demonized. The American worker, all of a sudden became labeled as lazy. China, India, and a host of other nations could do a better job at a fifth of the cost.
Now the chickens are coming home to roost. Many of the same people who demonized the homeless now find themselves in the same predicament. They now shop at dollar store, second hand clothes stores, make regular visits to food banks and live day to day just like those they once laughed at. I know that many privately thank President Obama for extending unemployment benefits, yet are unable to bring themselves to say so.
Hopefully, the story of Mr. Williams will open their eyes and let them see that homelessness isn't a race, ethnicity or class issue. It's an American problem to be addressed because each and everyone of us has the potential to find ourselves in the same predicament.
Elizabeth, have a wonderful day. May God bless you for your kindness.
I'm sure he knows a homeless person as talented as he is or even more talented. How many homeless people are great musicians, artists, or would make outstanding counselors?
Just as those who suffer from Autism bring sunshine into our lives, many homeless people have much to offer.
One of the many reasons we give the way we do, is because of the fact that when I was a single mother, I could name EVERY food bank in my immediate area, what you needed to "qualify", what they would provide, and how often. I explain to my kids, especially the older one whom was the only child I had at the time, "We give, because someone else gave to us."
Just over a year ago, my family nearly lost our home, we were VERY lucky, not only did we manage to keep it, but if we HAD lost it, we would have been able to move in with my parents who live about a mile away. I have been closer to being foodless or homeless then most people I know, and it's a scary thing. I don't think most people realize just how close THEY are to those things, until it's right in front of them, and I believe that's part of the problem as well.
I really don't understand why we can't have community programs, and social safety nets, without people complaining that we're "redistributing wealth". Why is it a BAD thing to help our neighbors, strangers, and just our "countrymen" when they need it, regardless of WHY they need it?
Elizabeth, I do the same. Not because I need their services at this time, but because I know so many who do. We have about 5 of these places probably within a 5 mile radios. They are providing a much necessary service to those in time of need.
"Why is it a BAD thing to help our neighbors, strangers, and just our "countrymen" when they need it, regardless of WHY they need it?"
Because of the underlining current of selfishness, lack of compassion and the mantra of just saying "NO". I've never seen a time when so many cared so little about their neighbors. I don't know how they sleep at night.
*sigh* I know, it was more rhetorical then actual. It just makes my heart and soul hurt, and REALLY angry, to see people behave that way. I just don't understand HOW people can be so cruel and uncaring. There's just NO excuse for it, AT ALL.
Here's what REALLY pisses me off on a regular basis. I'm a Wiccan, and when a "christian" tells me I'm going to "Hell" for not believing EXACTLY the way they do, I ask them when the last time they "gave" was. Almost, without exception, it's "I tithe at the church" or "I give at these christian organizations". Well, that's great, but what about the people who AREN'T on the receiving end of those particular things? Again, it's usually, "I only give to people of MY faith". WHY?? I don't understand what a person's religion, or lack thereof, has to do with ANYTHING. If they're in NEED, they're in NEED, and that's ALL that matters. My family of "going to Hell Pagans" used some of our "Holiday Budget" to sponsor 3 foster kids, and provide "stocking stuffers" to ALL 49 kids at a CHRISTIAN "Children's Ranch". I spent quite a bit of time playing an online "Elf" for that Ranch. Why? Because they were KIDS, in NEED. I didn't care about WHO they were, or WHY they were in need, or WHAT religion they practiced. Why is it that I, as a Hell-bound Pagan, seem to be able to understand the "Charity and Love" teachings of YOUR "Christ" better then YOU who claim to follow and worship him? Please, show me the passage in YOUR Bible that says to give, but only to those who are "like you".
My new favorite excuse is, "They are like that because God WANTS them to be that way." Um, HUH? In what universe does that even make sense?
Didn't mean to get into a rant like that, but I'm SO tired of the two-faced, hypocracy I see on an almost daily basis.
Those who oppose health care for all Americans will be asked why. Those who oppose aid for 9/11 first responders will be asked why. Those who frown upon our most neediest of human neighbors will have to account for their disdain.
Wiccan or not, I'm glad that both you and I walk in the same shoes. Shoes that allow us to sleep comfortably at night without a guilty conscious.
Personally, I'm not terribly concerned with other people's faith, or lack thereof, it's their character that I'm interested in. If someone can find an excuse to NOT help someone for WHATEVER reason, when they are able to do so, then I'm not terribly interested in THEM, period.
To actually solve the problem permanently please read at www.nopom.info.
Yes, we can eliminate this problem and it doesn't have to cost anyone anything at all to do so. In fact, it can increase the incomes of thousands of people.
They need to adjust their priorities, stop basing their decision upon greed and do what's good for the community
An occupied home at 500 dollar per month is much better than a unoccupied home trying to hold a homeowner hostage for 2000 dollars per month.
What part of that equation don't they understand?
Then Jobs were outsourced, the economy took a dump, and what was the result? Census: Number of poor may be millions higher
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_census_poverty
The nature of money is what prevents these homeless people from living in those empty homes. Unless and until we change the nature of our money that insanity will continue.
Thomas, I've lodged near Flint more than a few times. I've driven through Michigan on my way to Sarnia and Toronto, Canada more than once.
What I witnessed stunned me. How could a nation allow a state to fall in such despair?
The answer is simple.
We began exporting jobs to the lowest bidders and the slow death of a city, county, region, and state began.
Every industry associated with the Motor City felt the crunch.
It was "trickle down economics" at it's finest moment.
When I look at the empty houses in my neighborhood - many of them tied up in legal limbo by banks that have walked away from their responsibilities- I wish homeless people would just move into them. One of the homes on our block had squatters for about a year before the owner of the place realized it and threw them out. They were a family - kids and dogs and all. They were also good neighbors. I wasn't home the day they left, but I wish they'd come back and move into another empty house and make it a home.
In Ohio, if a person lives in an abandoned house for 21 years, they own it. I say cut that time down to 3 years and give them the deed. There are homes that have been empty since I moved here 14+ years ago.
Look at the areas considered "ghettos" or "hoods" and you will see homes built like no one builds them today!
I don't understand why letting a house go to "rack and ruin" is better then letting SOMEBODY live in it.
I agree with Matthew above, but I'm willing to bet we'd choose different government policies to blame. I'd place the single largest packet of blame on our military adventurism. One quarter of homeless people are ex-military personnel, due partly to the fact that the military and politicians do not have sufficient commitment to handling the inevitable mental health problems caused by military service. But more than that, our outsized military reduces the productive capacity of the overall economy, which contributes to unemployment and associated social ills.
Needless to say, most homeless do not have a voice that will suddenly open up opportunities. It's an issue that is too easy to ignore by rationalizing anyone in this situation as just being too lazy to fix whatever problem has put them out there.
Thanks Lloyd
David, with an American population nearing 300 million, most Americans don't have a voice. Many believe that everyone in need has no one to blame but themselves.
For some reason, many side with America's top 2 percent of wealthiest people, not realizing that they themselves might be living paycheck to paycheck and find themselves homeless. Of all Americans, the homeless may have these least influence. Their voices aren't usually heard. Their plight normally ignored.
But homelessness is coming to a town near those who shun them, frown upon them, and view them as disposable individuals. And what will they say to their children, who aren't born with inherent selfishness, when they ask, "mommy, why didn't you stop and and give that woman a bottle of water instead of the middle finger?"
.
It's way beyond time.
Is there a solution to this issue?
I doubt the issue can be solved completely. There are a lot of reasons someone ends up homeless, and a lot of reasons why some people never get un-homeless. Some can be fixed, others not so much.
And what about the children, who for no fault of their own, find themselves living on the streets, in homeless shelters, tents and cars?
Exactly.
Should homelessness be high on the priority list for the Obama administration?
Of course. Along with everything else. But government edict from the White House isn't going to solve the problem. It's both a systemic problem and a local problem. Not to mention a very very personal and deep psychological problem. Each case will be different, with different needs to correct it.
Will the new majority Republican majority in the Congress even address this issue?
I assume that is a rhetorical question since the obvious answer is of course not. But then the Democratic majority didn't address it either. It's not something that can be addressed just by passing a law. And given the current economic climate and the mindless cut the budget mentality of the incoming class, it is almost guaranteed that the problem will get worse due to the actions of Congress.
Is it too overwhelming of a problem? What is your opinion?
Overwhelming? Yes. Too much so? Ask yourself that question if it was you out on the streets. Then ask yourself how it is possible in such an affluent country as the USA where every night millions of diners in fancy restaurants throw food away we should have so many people living on the streets.
Overwhelming is not an excuse for underdoing.
my opinion on homeless,, I iam mixed about it,, yes many are forced out of situation, yet how many are doing this to them selves. I had known this one person who decided to live out in the street on his own. He lived in the big city public park and never got caught. He alway had at least 100 buck in his pocket, so he was never called or caught as a vergret(spelling) So this is a mix thought for me, how many of these folks are on purpose or because it happen.
"Spare Change"
Please don't judge me by the sign I hold long side a dusty road
read I'll work for food, you are judging me by the cloths I wear
you're thinking I'm no good, I use to have a house and plenty
things but my job and my luck ran out in eighty three, since then me
and my family have been living on the streets
I got a wife and a couple of kids waiting for me beneath the bridge
underneath the bridge is where we live
heard a grown man ain't suppose to cry or beg, but my family ain't
been fed, I long put my pride to bed, got to think of my kids instead
(Chorus) At the expense of sounding strange, have you any "Spare Change"
have you any, Spare Change, although you look at me strange, I
try to hold up my head, and ask once again, have you any Spare Change
Any - Spare Change
Any - Spare Change
Any - Spare Change
I'm not to proud to beg, for my family a piece of bread, I'm still a man inside
I have just fallen down, don't mind me just go around, when you're through
walking can we use the ground?
If the tables were turned, and for food your family yearned, what would you do
so don't judge me until you've walked in my shoes, there's an old saying that
says pennies add up, who knows that better than us
Have You any Spare Change, I'm Not To Proud To Beg, I hold back up my head
to ask once again have you any "Spare Change"
Songwriter:Tina Marie Clark
Copyright:2007 lyricistleo59@yahoo.com
(504) 610-6805 myspace.com/tinamariesoriginalsongs
P.S. The Complete Lyric Sheet And Melody Is Available For Recording
Of course we will never end all of any problem but having worked with single moms for 10 years -- homeless, formerly homeless and at risk of homelessness -- I can say there is a way to beat it and it starts with caring, investing and education.
Before the "privatization," of that part of the mental hospital system, the state hospital could usually get someone a bed in a facility within 48 hours IF the state had no room.
...Now, one fried was buried for 3 days when her notice for a slot to help her to break her drug dependency.
This is insane.
...Ted Williams got very lucky.
>>>The month in winter that I was homeless, I lost 12 friends from the streets.
Most homeless shelters have a limit of 2 weeks of being inside for the night.
trying to find a "safe place" to sleep, where you could sleep more than 2 hours is very hard.
...Finding a WARM place in winter is even harder.
Ted Williams is one of 1,000 who is able to get and stay off of the streets. The other 999 will die.
(Intro)
Oh Nooooo,
Well dis is Red Rat's cry,
to de people and from de yutes which is I and I,
to de yutes weh fi gi a helpin' hand.
Yeh the struggle lawd and I and I understand.
(Yo! Singin' it off deh streets,)
(yeh! No 'ave got shoes, sleepin' on de col' concrete.)
Chorus:
In the jungle the cardboard jungle the lion sleeps tonight,
(dis is serious!)
in the jungle the cardboard jungle the lion sleeps tonight.
Yo!
Street side a we base,
we don't have we own place,
unda bus shed we jam,
out of bare bax we nyam,
time hard so you can' wash face.
an' if you see we 'pon de streets I jammin'
me and di tear up batty pants crew hangin'
an' nuff people we beg,
some tun weh dem head,
seh we a presha dem lawd,
we tun naggin'.
Dat's why we grab we bucket and claats,
wash people car an' clean de glass,
but every now an' den some stooge folks pass,
me all cup dem window and tell we "no boss".
An' we would beg dem a ten or a twenty,
dat's small to dem but to we ah plenty,
when we ah hustle da road,
we really cannot afo'd,
fi night come and we pocket empty,
'cause!
Cho
Fi wear a Hilfiger is me greatest wish,
an' I eat sumptin' outta Pyrex dish
me have a one shoes it look Nike Airish,
Cah me write Nike 'pon deh Air Jordan swish.
Somebody come check me fi go fight politics,
seh election a come an' me wi make money quick,
but when me run back di video listen to di skit,
me no tink me badda 'gree wi dah pon public.
Well, look how me slim like me de 'pon da yacht,
me ah de ongle maaga one all a dem belly fat,
anna if a but starvation do dat,
dats why Goofy favor wan to cah fi Red Rat Bat,
'cause, street side a we base,
we no have we own place,
unda bus shead me jam,
outta bare bax we nyam,
time hard so you can wash face.
(Hey! Wi fi fine a shelta for di homeless yutes!)
(Hey! Dis is serious, we no wan' no excuse,)
Cho
(Oh Nooo!)
[ From: http://www.metrolyrics.com/no-live-no-weh-lyrics-red-rat.html ]
Oh Nooooo,
Well this is Red Rat's cry,
to the people and from the youth which is I,
The youth who needs a helping hand.
Yeah the struggle, only the lord and I understand.
(Yo! Singing it off the street,)
(yeah! Have no shoes, sleeping on the cold concrete.)
Chorus:
In the jungle the cardboard jungle the lion sleeps tonight,
(this is serious!)
in the jungle the cardboard jungle the lion sleeps tonight.
Yo!
Street side is our base,
we don't have our own place,
under bus shed we meet,
out of boxes we eat,
times hard so you can't wash face.
and if you see us on de streets jamming
I and the torn up bottom pants crew hanging
lots of people we beg,
some turn ‘way the head,
say we are pressing them lord,
we are nagging.
That's why we grab a bucket and cloths,
wash people car and clean the glass,
but every now and then some “stoosh’ folks pass,
all cup the window and tell us "no boss".
An' we would beg theem a ten or a twenty,
that's small to them but to us is plenty,
when we ah hustle the road,
we really cannot afford,
for nightfall with our pockets empty,
'cause!
Cho
To wear a Hilfiger is my greatest wish,
and to eat something from a Pyrex dish
I have just one shoes it looks Nike Airish,
‘Cause I wrote “Nike” on the “Air Jordan” swish.
Somebody come ask me to go fight politics,
says election’s coming and I’ll make money quick,
but when I run back the video, listen to the skit,
I don’t think I’ll bother agree with that in public.
Well, look how slim I am when I’m on the yacht,
I am the only meager one; all the other bellys fat,
and it’s only starvation caused that,
that’s why Goofy resembles Red Rat’s Bat,
'cause, street side is our base,
we don’t have own own place,
under bus shed we meet,
out of boxes we eat,
time hard so you can wash face.
(Hey! We should find a shelter for de homeless youths!)
(Hey! This is serious, we want no excuse,)
Cho
(Oh Nooo!)