Basic needs of human beings are just the same for all: food,
shelter, education, medical and clothing. It is a fact that a growing number of
people in any part of the world might be in contingent periods where they lack one
or more of these basic needs.
In the case of United States I have been witnessing the
growth of the number of so called homeless population in different urban areas.
In some places I shared their company in homeless shelters as well as in the
streets.
Each place is different and different organizations try their
best to alleviate the problem. Although it is undeniable the effort and the
goodwill involved my experience is that not always the need is addressed in a
way to preserve the most delicate and important values of human beings:
dignity, inclusion, love and care as brothers and sisters of the same universal
family.
I wish to say that the assistance that I received from
individuals at an individual basis is what I most remember and I cherish.
Sometimes the same people volunteering in the organizations are the ones who go
the extra mile to fulfill the pressing need of the moment.
I remember when after sleeping on a bench in a park I found a
warm piece of pizza besides me. I could thanks only God in that moment but for
sure a kind hand was instrumental to that grace.
When you are homeless you live on a tight schedule made of
appointments with charities placed in different locations that deliver supplies
or services at different times of the day or the week. You may have to be more
organized than a business person in order to survive.
Sometimes you may participate to a lottery in order to win a
bed for the night or just a mattress in an overcrowded shelter. Sometimes you
have to walk all night and rest during the day. And also sometimes you receive
the best service that you have ever dreamed for with the utmost care and
quality.
On the basis on those direct experiences I have developed a
philosophy of service in which the relationship among people is valued and the
lessons learned are treasured.
The delivery
It is not the quantity but the quality of service that make
the difference. I have found very heartwarming to deliver food on a bicycle. I
envision a network of bus boys on bicycle which are able to deliver food or
other basic necessities on call directly to the people in need wherever they
might be.
In this way the delivery is personal and there are no
humiliating queues or bars.
No storage
The cost of service is sometime very high and one main
expense and bottleneck is the storage of goods. I envision a system where the
storage is not needed. The needs are fulfilled directly picking up the items
where they are and delivering them directly where the need is.
No capital
Most organizations need capital to operate and they raise
funds which are used to purchase goods. I wish to operate a service where
minimal capital is involved and volunteers can join without having to worry
about anything besides the people and their needs. Food can be donated, cloths
can be donated. Space and time can be donated. Money can be donated as well. It
is a matter of rational utilization of all possible resources.
The basic needs
Although the general categories for basic needs are food,
shelter, education, medical and clothing in the practical predicaments of
individuals and families in urban areas the need can be very personal. Suppose
a single mother is on the streets begging while the mother is taking care of
the babies at a motel waiting the pay for the day. She needs diapers and they
cost money. This is the type of call that I would like to satisfy on the spot
with a simple call and a simple delivery.
Another example is storage. Most of the people that have no
shelter wander with a big trolley with all their belonging. It is a kind of
stigma that might alleviated if there are available small storage facilities
reserved for the needy. Best would be some families who are willing to receive
a bag for a limited period of time.
Sometimes a shower is more precious than a bed. It is rather
difficult to deliver showers or houses on the spot but it could be arranged a
bathroom and shower service in strategic locations or through the help of angel
families who might open their houses for a one time service which may include
also a warm meal and a family sharing.
Personal Relationship
I have been advising a homeless person to approach people
directly specifying in a very sincere way what the need is. He got a job the
next day. Sometimes people in need feel guilty of their situation and they
should not. It is all the product of an economic system which has to be
rectified or replaced all together. In the meantime we need to help each other
in the most human way. Nobody can claim to be above the crowd. We are all part
of the same cosmic family and we are going to the same place too. We should not
be forgot it even for a moment.
Networking
Cellular phones are better than internet. There is much more
human interaction. To book a service on internet might be efficient but it does
not preserve most of the values we wish to uphold. Most people who don’t have
basic needs have access to cellular. A good network of good willing people
makes no difference among care givers and care takers. Everybody become part
and parcel of the same family where the necessities move around fulfilling each
and every desire- Is it a dream?
Maybe yes. But here is my cell 718 581 7024. I am available for those who wish to share the same dream.
Sure we will meet, I hope soon.
