Thursday, February 5, 2009

What's Good About Being Homeless

It is difficult being homeless, do not doubt that. But if one is forced into a community, and within that community one finds excitement and boredom, joys and heartaches, family and friends—just like any other community—then the thought comes into the mind, “Why NOT be a part of this community?” Then the unjust illegality of the situation just isn’t an issue anymore. The question is: which community is the best fit for me?

Here's a brief list of good things about being homeless:
To be homeless is to refuse to run the rat race.
To be homeless is direct access to help people in need, even if you have little yourself
To be homeless is to live a radical lifestyle, on the edge
To be homeless is to be “bad” in a good way
To be homeless is to be flexible

2 comments:

philpalm said...

Yes I got several comments that I avoided the stressful rat race.

Homelessness is not fun, at times you can get lice, bedbugs and be attacked by unknown people.

Living as a homeless you have more empathy with those who also share the lifestyle of homelessness. With the recession at least you know how things could be worse.

Last night a neighbor who just got released from jail visited me. I hope I have the patience and time to deal with him fairly. Love is a step into the unknown....

Steve Kimes said...

I certainly wouldn't say homelessness is fun. But when you are a part of a community, it can have it's joys, just like any other kind of life. It isn't something the majority of people would choose, but people on the street tend to make the best of it.

Anyone can get lice, bedbugs or be attacked. Frankly, the easiest way to get lice is to have kids-- I should know! I think the hardest thing about being homeless is that you feel vulnerable. All of us are vulnerable, but when you sleep on the street you feel it more than anyone else.

I liked your other comment about empathy. I know that is true. People who are poor or on the street are more open to helping others. But I think that part of that is because there isn't as much "status quo" to maintain. You don't have to be as "busy".

Steve K