We Luv Video
Help the Homeless
RECEIVED Thu., June 30, 2011
Dear Editor,
The homeless: We don't want to see them or acknowledge them, but we've got to realize it can happen to anyone. All it takes is to lose your job, have a health crisis, or just make some bad choices along the way. And you've lost everything. Yes, there are services out there, but they just touch the tip of the iceberg.
I talked to a young man who's living on the streets with his wife and his dog. I don't think there's a mean bone in his body. He has a gentle demeanor and soft voice. He pets his dog all the time while we're talking and sees to her needs.
They both come from bad family situations. They met a few years ago and have been together ever since. Zach told me: "She's stuck by my side, bless her heart. I don't know why, but she has. We had everything at one time, and she stayed with me when we lost it all."
I asked him what happened. He was involved in an accident, broadsided by a pickup, was injured, and couldn't work. From there everything went downhill.
They lost their apartment and were living in a tent. Their two boys were taken away because of unsuitable surroundings. Heather lost her job, their bags were stolen, and then the Austin Police Department showed up at the camp. They were told to get everything they could and move on. They did, intending to come back for the rest of their belongings. When they returned, everything was gone – important documents, books, food, everything.
All Zach wants is a big family, to feel like he belongs, to have purpose. Everybody working together could make this happen for them. They do deserve a second chance.
They remain hopeful for the most part. They pray and stay together with their beloved dog. Zach feels they are learning something from all of this. When I asked him why he thinks God put us here, he told me to help one another.
I am appealing to the good people of Austin to help them have their second chance.
The homeless: We don't want to see them or acknowledge them, but we've got to realize it can happen to anyone. All it takes is to lose your job, have a health crisis, or just make some bad choices along the way. And you've lost everything. Yes, there are services out there, but they just touch the tip of the iceberg.
I talked to a young man who's living on the streets with his wife and his dog. I don't think there's a mean bone in his body. He has a gentle demeanor and soft voice. He pets his dog all the time while we're talking and sees to her needs.
They both come from bad family situations. They met a few years ago and have been together ever since. Zach told me: "She's stuck by my side, bless her heart. I don't know why, but she has. We had everything at one time, and she stayed with me when we lost it all."
I asked him what happened. He was involved in an accident, broadsided by a pickup, was injured, and couldn't work. From there everything went downhill.
They lost their apartment and were living in a tent. Their two boys were taken away because of unsuitable surroundings. Heather lost her job, their bags were stolen, and then the Austin Police Department showed up at the camp. They were told to get everything they could and move on. They did, intending to come back for the rest of their belongings. When they returned, everything was gone – important documents, books, food, everything.
All Zach wants is a big family, to feel like he belongs, to have purpose. Everybody working together could make this happen for them. They do deserve a second chance.
They remain hopeful for the most part. They pray and stay together with their beloved dog. Zach feels they are learning something from all of this. When I asked him why he thinks God put us here, he told me to help one another.
I am appealing to the good people of Austin to help them have their second chance.
Ree Adams
