Doesn't it strike you as odd that while the problems associated with homelessness are beyond extreme, our response is to put together a 5k walk? Now don't get me wrong here, I'm certainly not maligning the effort and in fact, I'm thrilled that Indiana is doing something constructive to help the problem. But it is sort of akin to peeing on a forest fire, dontchathink?
(Fort Wayne, IN)
Published: April 7, 2008 6:00 a.m.
Citizens can help homeless neighbors
By Steve Midkiff
Ending homelessness in our Indiana communities is not as easy as a walk in the park, but we can all take measurable steps to provide safe housing for more Hoosiers. An opportunity to help comes this month in Homeward Bound, a 5K walk to raise money for local housing initiatives and outreach services for homeless people.
In Fort Wayne, Homeward Bound takes place on April 27 in Headwaters Park. Registration begins at noon, and the 5K walk steps off at 2 p.m.
The face of homelessness is all too common. On any given night in Indiana, perhaps 10,000 people will not have adequate housing. A third of them will be military veterans. Some will find their way to shelters, but too many will sleep under bridges, in alleys or in small wooded places near downtowns.
Homelessness takes a fearsome toll, affecting every aspect of the community, draining public resources and devastating families. Homelessness also detracts from the appearance of our community, our sense of well-being and how others view us.
Sadly, and for whatever reasons, more families are homeless. A mother’s urge to protect her children at all costs is a powerful one. But too often her efforts fall short and she must seek public shelter or rely on the kindness – or the depravity – of strangers. Her children aren’t responsible for the situation, but they bear the costs by leading a perilous existence lacking education, health care and hope. Indiana needs to restore their hope for the future.
The Indiana Coalition for Housing and Homeless Issues sponsors Homeward Bound. Our goal is to raise money and awareness. Many local housing advocates – groups and individuals – promote and organize Homeward Bound walks.
The honorary chairpersons of this year’s Homeward Bound events are Forrest and Charlotte Lucas and their son, Morgan. Before Forrest and Charlotte built Lucas Oil Products to the level of success at which it now stands, as witnessed by its naming rights to Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, they experienced homelessness. There were days when they did not know whether they could feed young Morgan.
We can be inspired by their story. And we can provide support to those who are now homeless so they may work optimistically to fulfill their own dreams.
Please find it in your heart to look for an organization that helps the homeless by encouraging safe housing and a path to self-sufficienc
