Salt Lake City is home to many Non-Profit Organizations dedicated to aiding people stricken by poverty, abuse, homelessness and hunger. How do we measure hunger? I had the opportunity to work with the Road Home; a non-profit establishment designed to cater to those people who have nothing. The street was full of men, women, teens, children, and entire families who spend their day waiting for the chance to be one of the chosen who receive help from the Road Home; they don't have the resources to shelter, feed, clothe and financially aid everyone who seeks their help. I couldn't bring myself to take photos of these people. The parks and benches of downtown Salt Lake City is home to hundreds of the homeless. Some argue these people are a blemish on the face of the community. I argue they are the salvation. The fact that more than 500 men, women and families are unable to fend for themselves is certainly more of an embarrassment to the larger community because we simply do not care. We may have a house but our windows are certainly broken.
I have also heard that same comment on the homeless of Salt Lake City, and also many other cities; that they are a “blemish” on the community. It really is an awful statement to say because of the fact that we, as a community, could help these individuals. I also have done some work with the Road Home, and it really is amazing working around all of these families and individuals who really do need help so desperately. For whoever hasn’t done work in one of the organizations that we have here in Salt Lake, you need to; it is definitely a heart-warming experience!!!
ReplyDelete-Kassi
I certainly agree that the people who fend for themselves on the street are strong people. We should be doing more to help these people. The Road Home is a great program but there are still people that it does not reach. I see them every time I walk around downtown and every time I see them I wonder what could I do to help them.
ReplyDeleteShea Aldana
Advocacy for food justice does come from a lot of non-profit organizations. The stand point taken in this blog, the embarrassment is not the homeless but the people who do not care, is essential for the public to realize. Bringing awareness to how many people, not only grown men and women but children as well, are living will hopefully make people who read this blog feel inclined to help those in need. The pictures taken are heart wrenching, knowing that there are people living our community of Salt Lake City who literally have nothing. I think shining a light on the non-profit organization and the people in need of service will make more people comprehend the necessity of advocating food justice.
ReplyDeleteWhitney Leavitt
These are some really great photos--really connecting this idea of hunger closer to home. Many think that they understand what it means to be hungry or go without food or shelter, but when we see photos like these we realize that only those who actually suffer know how it feels. You caught some real moments that in turn can affect anyone who sees them.
ReplyDelete--Travis James Ciaramella
Good subject choice, Omar. Homelessness is a pretty heart-wrenching state to see another human being subjected to. This is especially true when among the numbered are teens or children, as mentioned above. I can't say I would either have enjoyed requesting photos from others while at such a low point in their lives. I did want to mention that no argument is provided as to how they are our salvation. This made your claim that it is our lack of concern for their misfortune that deserves the greater opprobrium feel accusatory, but, without base; which sadly may not serve to rouse the support of a community which this issue deserves.
ReplyDelete