Normally I have pretty guarded sympathy for street people. This comes from about 10 years volunteering at places like the Mustard Seed and Inn from the Cold. Certainly, you see a lot of really sad cases. Single moms with kids struggling to make ends meet and the mentally ill are all pretty much helpless in the face of their own situation. However, there are BUMS. Mostly young guys who enjoy the "freedom" and lifestyle of living on the street. Most are casual substance abusers and are just lazy. I listened to a group of young guys bragging how they all slept in until 5:00 every night in some guys backyard over the course of the summer.
However, on days like today, my heart aches in complete sympathy for any poor soul without a secure warm place to sleep at night. Sure, there are shelters, but you have to wait in line without the certainty you are going to get a spot. If you miss out you've got to hike over to one of the other shelters around town. Not fun.
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