Tonight I was returning something to the Sams Club near closing time. I noticed a homeless person standing outside the door, but I kept going in order to get in before closing.
On the way out, I looked toward this person again and it was obvious they were cold. I thought quickly that it's hard to help everybody so I went to my car, but I kept looking back toward the person. I was somewhat bothered.
I decided to drive by the person as I had decided I was going to take a picture and share with a friend that scenes like this break my heart and something must be done.
As I approached, a kind shopper had stopped to talk to the person. By this time, the homeless person had a cigarette. I'm not sure if they already had it or it was given to them. I didn't see it at first though. I slowed enough to notice the leaving shopper had pulled out her purse and gave the person some money.
I pulled over then I got out my car. I asked the shopper who was going to her car if the person was going to be ok. She said she did not know and we discussed The Mission but knew this person had no way to go from SE Nashville to downtown. She said she had given money and every little bit makes a lot. Knowing she was right, I walked over to find out the situation for myself.
When the homeless person looked up for the first time I found out the person was a woman. Sadly, I could not tell the age of the person because it became obvious drugs has been part of their demise at some point. She was cold and the temperature has dropped to below freezing. We talked for a few minutes about the priority at hand, the cold and hunger. I asked if she had anywhere to go - she said some of them go to this hotel until they kick them out. She said she was hungry. I gave her enough money to help with food and I know they lady before me had given her money as well. Before giving it to her I asked her, if I give you this money what are you going to do with it - she said buy something to eat. She showed me her hands which were being taken over by the cold. In short, I finished by telling her to zip up her coat and find somewhere warm as soon as she can. I told her I want her to make it.
As I left I wished there was more I could do. I was not expecting to run into a homeless woman at Sams Club door. I wasn't prepared. Sams was closing. I didn't have any blanket or gloves with me. This will bother me tonight what happens to this lady. Most tend to find a way but seeing the struggle and feeling the cold myself doesn't sit will with me. I keep thinking there's more I could've done but I really only had few options short of putting this lady in my car without any knowledge of her health, things in her bag, etc.
The homeless situation won't ever be solved completely but between mental illness left untreated and the drug addictions this has exploded the homeless population that is just more than people who can’t afford rent.
How do we continue taking care of illegals flooding the border, sending money to other countries to fund ridiculous causes, allowing fraud in use of our tax dollars but not truly attempt to minimize this "epidemic" of mental illness, drug addiction and homelessness?
The stories behind each situation would surprise and sadden some of us how they got where they are.
