Why should we care about people on the streets?

Over the past 15 months I have learned a lot about the subject of homelessness. Like most social issues, it's complex. There are no simple answers. But the essential truth for me is that the people I encounter in the shelters, having a meal at Sister's, flying a sign, or selling Street Roots, are my brothers and my sisters. They are as diverse as any other segment of the population. The myths and stereotypes that are perpetuated, only serve to dehumanize them, to make them the "other." An "us" versus "them" polarization.

I have learned that appearances can be deceiving; we cannot necessarily tell who is in need. I remind myself not to assume. That it's more important to ask questions, rather than assume I have any answers.

At the shelter's writing workshop this morning, one participant asked me, "Why do you do this - what is your goal?" I paused, and instead of giving an immediate reply, I turned the question back to her and asked, "What do you think?" Somehow, that unexpected segue lowered her defensiveness; at the same time, I didn't feel a need to justify why I spend every Tuesday morning volunteering with people who are mostly undomiciled.

I am a Quaker, a member of The Religious Society of Friends. We are taught to seek "that of God in everyone." That's what I look for in others, and often find. Particularly when I am able to keep my heart open.

There's a saying, "Be careful what you ask for; you just might get it." My constant prayer is "Break open my heart. Break open my heart to deeper compassion." Even though I know it's not easy to walk through this world with an open heart, and there are plenty of days - to be truthful, there are plenty of moments, that I do it better than others. It's all too easy to shut down, to numb out, rather than be consciously present and aware. Meditation helps.

If we all choose to do a little about homelessness, it can really add up. Think about giving out food if you work downtown. Maybe some fresh fruit, like bananas, or a sandwich. If you have unused blankets or sleeping bags, keep them in your car, and offer it to the next person you see flying a sign, or drop it off at the Downtown Chapel on Burnside. Google "homelessness in Portland" to learn more. Buy Street Roots from a vendor, and give more than a dollar for the paper. Get up the courage to go to visit Sisters of the Road on Sixth Avenue at the corner of Davis, and stand in line for a cheap, nutritious, tasty meal, served on the hour hour beginning at 11am, Monday - Friday. Look around you. Sit at a communal table or the counter. Say hi to the person sitting next to you. Talk with the volunteer servers and staff. Maybe you'll find the impetus to volunteer some time. These good people have been serving the hungry for many years. If you are a regular at a coffee shop or fast food restaurant, have a heart: buy an extra, and give it away.

When you go to sleep tonight, simply be grateful for a roof over your head, a warm bed, and the fact that you won't be woken early to leave a shelter by 7am, no matter what the weather. We are the lucky ones. Even in this economy, we are so, so blessed.