When you see Homelessness do you ignore it, pity it, attempt to help or pretend it doesn't exist?

Photo by OK Connett 2010 copyrighted

This is my attempt to share what I see in Salt Lake City, Utah regarding the homeless during these economic times. Especially during the Winter of 2010

Non-homeless people I have questioned about the homeless think ...

• "Homeless are just lazy"
• "It's because they are addicts"
• "Most are criminals and live like animals, its all they know"

This may be true, but often it is not.

I have found many are just like you and me.

I have realized in the last 2 years how dangerously close I have come to being homeless.

I CAN'T ignore them.

I pity them and I realize many are very similar to me, my friends, or my neighbors.

Anyone can have events that change the path and direction of their lives in the blink of an eye.

This blog is my attempt to pull back the veil and a reveal their stories, at least for a brief moment in time.

I hope it will open other peoples eyes, help them sympathize and empathize for their fellow man and woman... or homeless families.

In the end they are all human beings struggling to survive for various reasons;

• Addicts
• Mentally Ill
• Special or disabled
• Displaced due to lifestyle choices
• A product of the economy
• Simply unfortunate, unlucky or victim of circumstances
• WHAT IF IT WAS YOU?

THESE ARE... the stories of 4 individuals and how they became homeless.

I will introduce two of the shelters that attempt to offers some refuge, The Road Home and the Rescue Mission of Salt Lake City, Utah. I have also included the Shelter Directory for Utah .

Some of it may shock you as it did me. I never took the time to truly consider all the aspects of homelessness.

I will include information about the homeless that may be useful or interesting, as I look into the lives of individuals less fortunate.

I have attempted to include video links, articles and even actions by the city council in regards to panhandling ordinances that could criminalize the act.

A few photos to help you step outside yourself and feel the chill of sitting and begging for coins or food on a frozen sidewalk.

Similarly, the portrait of a human beings whose entire existence... is in a backpack or in their pockets.

I invite you to explore the possibilities and suspend judgment.

Even if only for a few moments, in the comfort of your "space".

These people have a seriously different definition;

.........of their "SPACE"!

........ and of "COMFORT"

I personally,

OK Connett thank you for your interest and time in your fellow man, woman and community. I hope my efforts are enlightening and thought provoking.