Sometimes we look away when we shouldn’t. The picture is too haunting and real. We see faces of despair, filth, and the erosion of injustice. We look away because we don’t want to be touched by such disgrace. We see it akin to getting dog shit on our shoes.

While our politicians are debating how they’ll get their hands into the money pie created by the prospect of a National Health System (NHS), there are many thousands who wander the streets in desperate need our help. Once proud you men and women who now shuffle aimlessly as empty decayed husks. Displaced youth who were discarded like yesterday’s newspaper. Veterans of embarrassing conflicts from, ages gone by, that are swept under asphalt doormats. There are also the poor and the children of the poor who starve in this country.

Yet, we choose not to see them or acknowledge them. We walk across the street from them as if they are a pariah. But, as you look for an escape from the shame of being seen talking to or, God forbid, giving change to a homeless person, remember that you save yourself from possibly coming in contact with one of 131,000 heroic veterans who are homeless and living in the throes of the deepest poverty. That is a full third of the homeless people in America.

Yes, many are mentally ill, but we have contributed to that illness, if not downright facilitated it by leaving them in some dark recess of our “Christian” minds. This coming holiday season, why not put a light on that dark corner and go light one gift. Take that money and give it to a homeless charity such as Beyond Shelter. You won’t even have to be seen near a homeless person or family. How would that make you feel?

Lensmaster GrowWear has created a very poignant while stunning look into at the homeless by writing about Documentary Photographer, Tom Stone. Tom’s art is an expression of empathy. A statement of hurt. If you don’t read Mimi’s lens, Homeless in America, then shame on you. If you do read it, my heart goes out to you.

Author’s Note: In the time since this article was published, Lost In America has won not only a Purple Star, but also Lens Of The Day (LOTD) at Squidoo. I feel that no award could ever do the lens justice, save one; inspired compassion. Find a way to help and ease this disgrace.

© 2009, Alex Crabtree. All rights reserved.

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