Change

The above quote is by Indian civil rights leader, Mahatma Gandhi.  He is famous for his acts of non-violent protest performed to sway policies and government laws regarding the rights of the disenfranchised.

Recently, I began working for a local non-profit organization.  It uses a "housing first" model to help homeless people first get into safe stable housing, then address their physical, mental health and addiction needs.  The program I work out of is permanent supported housing for those with mental illness.

Yesterday evening I was in the grocery store, speaking with one of my favorite cashiers about my job.  As I left the parking lot in my car, my mind was on the residents I interact with and how so many have these beliefs that people choose homelessness as a lifestyle.  They have no idea the barriers to housing and employment these individuals face.  As I drove, Michael Jackson's "Man in the Mirror" began to play.   I remember hearing the song as an older child and being so moved by the lyrics.  It has been a song that has stuck with me or most of my life.  The words echoing Gandhi's call to become that change and to start with ourselves.

For me, the beginning of making a change started with shifting my view.  I grew up poor and with drug and alcohol use very present in my life and the lives of my friends.  I knew the judgments people made about those on welfare were not always correct.   I also knew, only vaguely, about homelessness.  My dad had told me about the local mission and some of the people who stayed there.  As an older teen, I had helped hitch hikers and given a couple dollars here and there.

It wasn't until I was an adult, that I really began to see homelessness myself.  I have met a few people who choose train hopping and homelessness but most people I have met want to get off the streets.  (In fact, 2 days ago, I spoke with a young man who had lost his housing and was working while living on the streets or the past month.  In Oregon it is rainy and cold at this time of the year and the risk of serious illness is high.)

Now, working where I do and living in a place with visible homelessness, I make an effort to educate  people.  I am more likely to had out a business card or a phone number than just a dollar or two. It is important to remember that some of us were written off for various reasons and how much that extra care meant for us.  Just speaking with people is a huge help most of the time.

I can honestly say the change started inside.  I was effected by a song and my own early life.  I was inspired and encouraged by my religion and aid organizations that helped me during my struggles.  I learned to see people, not their homelessness and to connect on that level.  In order to be the change, we need to search our opinions and see where they need to change.  Without that self-exploration and internal drive to be better and do better, there is no hope of changing the world.

As we know, all change comes with a price.  What price are you willing to pay to be the change you wish to see?