HITTING THE STREETS TO FEED THE HOMELESS ON EPISODE 004 OF THE EVERYDAY COMPASSION MOVEMENT SHOW
At “Actions of Compassion,” we believe that it is vital for us, as human beings, to take care of the homeless people in this world. And it isn’t just about handing out food, because they don’t just need physical care. You might walk by them and drop some money in a hat or jar, and that’s good, but you never stop to talk to them. Although they need us to meet their physical needs, what they really desire is compassion and a listening ear. They want to be heard. They want to be understood. They want to be known, as we all want to be known. That’s why we make sure to connect with the people that we help. We don’t just give them food, we give them our time and our attention. We find out their story. If you decide to help the homeless, before you return home, you should have three to eight stories to know that you really connected with the people you are trying to help. The most important part of what we do is to not judge them. Many homeless are there because they struggle with addictions. But we all struggle with addictions of some sort: food alcohol, drugs, money, image. We all deal with addictions, and if not us personally than we know someone close to us who does. It doesn’t matter how they became homeless: whether it was poor decisions they made, or if they just lost their jobs and money. What matters is that we treat them with love and compassion. All people are created equal and need to be treated equally with respect. One of the things we like to do is write “You Are Loved” on the sandwich bags and brown paper bags filled with food that we give away to people. That’s because it is equally important to nourish their souls and show them that they can’t give up hope. That people still care about them and love them, no matter who they are, what they believe, or what they’ve done – everyone deserves to be loved.
In Vancouver, Canada, which is where we began the Every-Day Compassion Movement, the richest section of the city is only two blocks away from the poorest, where people have no homes and no food. And
Vancouver isn’t the only big city with this problem. It shouldn’t be like this. It is our duty, our privilege, as people who do have food and homes to help those who don’t. But don’t just watch us on YouTube and feel all warm and fuzzy. Go do something about it! Go out in the world today, whether at work, or with your family, or with your friends, and do something good for someone else. We can promise you, it is the best feeling in the world. And you never know who is watching. When someone sees you do something good for someone else, they will be inspired to do the same. Let’s start a movement today. A movement of compassion for every person on this planet, our home. Start today!