As I am simply relaxing on this Friday morning, I find myself, scrolling through Facebook. Below, is a post that was published in one of the groups I am in. For some reason, this woman’s post bothers me. As you read the following, pay attention to the details. Open your mind and heart, and allow yourself to truly, empathize with her plans.
“I’m considering being voluntarily homeless for 6 to 8 months roughly. 12 mo if i can endure it.
I have a whole plan;
Keep my tent in the woods, surrounded by trees; literally in the middle of 3 or 4 trees that are within close proximity to each other that will fit my tent in the empty center.
Alot of loose branches and vegetation surrounding my tent.
Then alternating layers of barbed wire and saranwrap, on the outside of the trees, meant to hurt/keep out anything trying to enter inside the area my tent is in. Protecting us from intruders [barbedwire] and the wind [surrandwrap to break up the wind beating against the tent]. More greenery over that, so it looks like a bush if there were to be a passerby.
I’ll keep my kitty in a large dog crate and hot hand warmers in blankets to keep her warm and safe and me sane as shes my only companion during this challenge.
Sleeping bag rolled up.
Nothing else in the tent.
It’s for sleep.
In the am, I’ll go to the gym and workout. Then bathe, dress, etc.
Go to work eat.
Go to my storage unit to put dirty clothes in hamper [I’ll wash at laundry matt on my days off] and grab clean clothes for tomorrow.
Then go to work, library, gym, etc.
Every cent I make working being saved. With the exception of the cell and storage unit.
Then I buy a car. A suv. Hopefully my dream car [used] since I’m sacrificing so much just to be able to buy a car. Then I can sleep in the car for a few more months while I re-up my savings – hopefully during the time in the tent I know where I want my fresh start to be; Washington or elsewhere.
Then maybe I can buy a small home. Or small piece of land w a creek nearby and I’ll build my own dream/tiny home.
I’m just looking for peace, healing. Distance from drama. The ability to save so I can reach financial goals [the car and where I’m going to live for my fresh start]. I’ve been struggling to survive financially for so many years.
A fresh start.
To the life I deserve and want and love.
Right now I’m burnt out and done. I just wanna Work. Save. Sleep. Workout. Read.”
As I read this post, I feel empathy for this woman. I don’t know any specifics about her situation, nor is it my business. Regardless of how she ended up here, is a moot point. What matters, is the fact that, another woman…human being…fellow sister in Christ, is carrying so much, and is so tired of figuring out how to survive, that choosing homelessness, is an option. As humans, we should be outraged, that any of us has to CHOOSE HOMELESSNESS.
When I think of the thousands who are on the streets daily, this post made me wonder, how many others had to CHOOSE HOMELESSNESS. I wonder if, they too, like the author of the post, felt that living outdoors, was easier than the constant struggle, of trying to survive, in the world we are living in. I wonder what made this woman choose to take a chance, on putting her life on the line, by considering to live outside. When I think about it, it’s the saddest thing in the world to me.
I must admit, that most of the responses to the original post, disturbed me even more, than the post itself (pictures below). What was really sad about all of this, to me, is 1. We, as a country, are so destitute, that we literally, are willing to sleep outdoors, in order to survive. 2. Some people in the comments, are encouraging such a dangerous plan. 3. Based on the comments, it seems that we are voluntarily living outdoors, because of the inability to afford the basic necessities to sustain in this free world.
As human beings, we are created to be loved, cared for, and sheltered. The sad part, is that the absolutely insanity that anyone would agree, to a human being sleeping outside, rather than being outraged, and offer resources, or suggest less inhumane and drastic means of survival. During the time, when we should be enjoying the newness of what is to come, during this Christmas Season, many people are just struggling to meet basic needs, that many of us take for granted. The thought of being homeless, and without the basics of food, water, and shelter, triggers my anxiety. I never want to be without shelter again. My spirit has become a bit unsettled, as I remember, being homeless, only a few years ago. I was unable to prevent my situation, and it was a frightening time. I remember thinking, “what about those people who had no one to lean on?”. Realizing that at this time of year, some people are faced with voluntary homelessness, is just heartbreaking.
I am disappointed, that in a world, where a man can go to the moon, there isn’t enough money to feed, clothe, and shelter, the least of our brothers. It is further disappointing, that rather than offer resources and suggestions to deter a woman from voluntarily choosing homelessness, many people supported and encouraged it, as if this were a normal action, and sensible to do. When will we get to the point, that support, and love of others is our initial reaction? How long will it take for us to love, and serve others in need?
In 2024, when food prices and rent are unaffordable, and government assistance has drastically decreased, we, as brothers and sisters in Christ, must work together, to care for others. We must become a part of the solution, rather than continuing to support the problem. During this Advent Season, let’s come together in love to encourage, uplift, and support those who are in need. This way, we can hold on to the HOPE of a better tomorrow.
GOD LOVES YOU AND SO DO I !!
Dani💋❤️
Mind, Body, Spirit
MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!!
Defy the Stigma!
Dying to be Perfect 