Homelessness in the community

– Posted on May 9, 2019Posted in: Local, New and Noteworthy, News, Opinion

Maggie Smith
Copy Editor

Handing out money to people sitting on street corners doesn’t do the receiver any lasting favors. While being kind and generous to less fortunate individuals is certainly an honorable act, awarding those who aren’t willing to make an effort towards a better life will only increase their lack of ambition to help themselves.
In southwest Missouri, consisting of a population of almost 117,000 people, 22,445 suffer from homelessness, according to Debbie Markman, Resource Development Director with the Economic Security Corporation. That is close to 2% of the area’s population. This might at first explain the frequency in which I see people begging on the sides of busy roads like Rangeline or 32nd Street, but the equation gets confusing, not to mention thought-provoking, when homeless shelters and opportunities for employment are factored in.
Watered Gardens is a local homeless shelter providing those without a bed to call their own a place to lay their heads each night. Souls Harbor, also located in Joplin, has a “store” with free clothing and home goods, free meals, plus a food pantry for those in need.

The Economic Security Corporation also helps set people up with employment. “It is important to get them back into the neighborhood to be thriving members of the community,” Markman told me while we were discussing the homeless and unemployed.

Knowing the possibilities offered for the homeless have me wondering: if the community is constantly handing out money and meals to those begging on the side of the road, causing them to make minimal effort to have their basic needs met, when, if ever, will they take responsibility to help themselves?
The road to employment or housing might not be a smooth one, as disabilities or previous poor life decisions frequently appear as the reasons behind the loss of jobs and homes. However, places like the Economic Security Corporation, Souls Harbor and Watered Gardens help people gain a path to success even when these issues are present.
With these options available to those in need, maybe community members should help point out lasting aids instead of temporary fixes.