Chances are you're probably in front of your computer, surfing the web, sitting in a semi-comfortable chair, drinking your third diet coke of the morning as the soft sound of your central a/c gently brushes the hair across the back of your neck. Or you're at work, a definite blessing in these trying economic times, sitting comfortably in your office, contributing to the family nest-egg as you count the minutes before you have to leave to pick-up your son or daughter from soccer practice. But what about those out there less fortunate than you or myself? What of the ones who don't have internet, a job or the security of a steady income? How often we take these common luxuries for granted. While we sit in our air conditioned home or office, someone is out there sleeping on a sidewalk in clothes they've worn for countless days, afraid to wake-up just to realize that the nightmare is only worse when they're awake.
Homelessness is a condition I've been sympathetic to all my life, but have always wondered, "How can I change anything, I'm just one person." Becoming a mother has opened my eyes to all the blessings I've been given. We live in our own little bubbles, buzzing around in our busy lives, oblivious to those suffering around us. It's okay! We're all busy. But while we're busy, there are people out there in need. In need of interaction with people who don't shun or judge them because of where they are in this world. Some people say they've made their choices in life and those choices got them to where they are. Others look at them as lazy or hopelessly addicted to drugs, simply unwilling to work to better their situations, content with their lives on the streets. If your life consisted of sleeping in urine filled warehouses, throwing away your pride to beg for money just to get a fresh meal, or sleeping in soiled clothes, wouldn't you want to escape your reality and drink too?! Most people didn't make the choice to be homeless. Who in their right mind would choose to live a life like that? Who are we, as people with a roof and four walls, to think we could possibly understand, let alone judge these people, without taking even a moment to acknowledge that they're even there.
In an effort to bring attention to the conditions of the homeless throughout Houston, I am organizing a clothing and necessities drive. Over the course of the remaining year, I plan to go out into Houston and meet these people in the hopes that, by doing so, I can bring some much needed attention and relief to Houston's homeless. Over the next few weeks, I will be collecting donations to help in what I feel is a truly worthwhile cause. My hope is to make their lives a little more comfortable, even if it just means they'll be sleeping on a blanket rather than the side of a refrigerator box. Through the process of getting to know them, I plan to use photography as a means of documenting not only the homeless and their conditions, but the faces of hope that even the smallest branch of generosity can generate. The purpose of this project goes beyond providing small comforts to their lives, but to use these photographs to spread awareness and remind people that the homeless population is still here. Regardless of how many fancy new buildings we put in downtown to "flush out the trash", these forgotten people are in dire need. Just like the newly graduated college student who interviews endlessly for that perfect job that requires experience, but the only way to gain experience is to get the job . . . someone has to take a chance and offer an opportunity!
I want this to be as convenient as possible, so if you can help in any way and wish to contribute, I will come to you to pick up your donations. This is a cause that has been on my heart for a while, I just needed the platform, means and opportunity to accomplish it. Together, we have a chance to do a really great thing for a lot of people. I hope that you can find time to sort through old clothes and other necessities to give to this cause. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for anything you can do.
Below is a list of items that we would LOVE to have: (When collecting donations, please keep in mind, homeless are men, women and children, so please help as many as you can)
- Short sleeved shirts or tank tops- Light weight pants - no shorts please. (They are often attacked by fire ants and the pants help to cover their legs, so again please no shorts)- Underwear - NEW ONLY please, for obvious reasons:0) this includes bras- Socks- Shoes- Children's clothes - shoes, socks, etc. all items are needed- Pillows- Blankets- Sleeping bags- Diapers/ Baby Wipes- Baby formula/bottles
Monetary donations will also be very appreciated, as I plan to use any money donated to provide meals to the people I meet.
We will do GREAT things with your love and generosity!
Love,Amber
“Generosity is not giving me that which I need more than you do, but it is giving me that which you need more than I do.” ~Kahlil Gibran
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