If you're thankful, pay it forward to those in need

While so many of us will be expressing out gratitude for the blessings in our lives this Thanksgiving, there are people in our communities who have nothing to eat, no place to stay, and no one to whom to turn for help. The pandemic has made obstacles even more challenging than ever to address homelessness. Many shelters are handcuffed, there are only so few that can receive shelter access, assuming said shelter has not been locked down entirely.

I know homelessness. I've lived it. I was literally broke and destitute. The experience could have been devastating, debilitating and soul crushing. I experienced homelessness for far longer than anyone should, and I was far from alone. So many of my fellow homeless suffered for what seemed like an eternity of despair. Too many of them have left this Earth, including people with whom I was close.

Through sheer will and the grace of God, I was blessed enough to endure and overcome it. In that journey, there were years of setbacks and, ironically pushback from people, who were assigned and provided to help me. Oddly, when someone is NOT and addict, NOT a felon, or NOT seriously mentally ill (SMI), there are few, if any social service options for them.

I am blessed now. My home in one of the most serene areas in southern Arizona, is one for which I prayed and about which dreamt. It is now reality, and for that I am incredibly thankful. The company for whom, and the people with whom I work are amazing! So many of the people I've met along the way have paved the road to success which can be mine through the inspiration and love from out Lord and Savior.

I never had to face what people who are currently experiencing homeless are facing now. They need our help. Even a modest contribution, even if it's just a few minutes of you compassionate time. This could make all the difference to someone in need. Reach to those to whom outreach is needed. Provide a hand up, to lift up, those who are down. Reach out to organizations within your communities which need and value your support.

In Tucson, Primavera Foundation, Gospel Rescue Mission and Salvation Army are deserving of your kindness. Here are the links to contribute:

https://www.primavera.org/how-to-help/donate.html

https://grmtucson.com/donate/

https://www.salvationarmytucson.org/ways-to-give

Thank you and God Bless