I'm just saying.

Homeless Evicted From Beneath Indianapolis Bridge

I will begin this post by saying that this is NOT a political debate.  I understand both sides and a great deal of the implications of homeless shelters and why homeless people do go to homeless shelters and why some of them choose to live on the streets. 

This post is about my feelings.  I know...talking about my feelings on my own blog?  Weird.  This is about the effect that this homeless camp has had on people I know and the businesses surrounding the area.

I work approximately 2 miles from the bridge featured in the above news story.  It says in the story that some of the people who lived under the Davidson Street bridge relocated to another nearby bridge.  That nearby bridge is RIGHT down the street from my place of employment.  RIGHT down the street.  As in ONE TENTH of a mile. 

I am not anti-homeless people.  I feel for them.  I do.  I understand that it must be the most terrible feeling in the world to know that you have nothing.  No place to call home.  No personal belongings.  And nowhere to be safe.  I understand.  It makes me sad EVERYDAY.  Because I see these people and bridges and camps EVERYDAY.  I.  See.  This.  Everyday.

I also see violence.  And drug deals...actual drug deals happening in the middle of the street.  And homeless people beating up other homeless people.  And homeless people harming people who are minding their own business just to get a few dollars.  I see people with pit bulls who are trained to be mean used to protect themselves from said violence.  I can't drive down certain streets because homeless people will step out in front of the car so I can't go anywhere.  And then what?

There are advocacy groups for these homeless people.  These people who kill each other for a bottle of booze.  These people who harm innocent people to take what those innocent people have worked for.  There are advocacy groups who fight so these people can continue to live under a public bridge.  On a public street.  Hence making me take another route because I'm scared. 

I don't have alot of money.  I've worked for the things that I have.  I've done without lots of things in the past so that I can have what I have today.  I pay my taxes.  I mind my business.  I take care of my kid.  I am honest. 

And I am giving.  But NOT to people who plan to hurt me.  NOT to people who refuse to take the help that is offered to them through my tax dollars.

Where will they go?  Do I expect them to just disappear?  Nope.  I don't.  But I do expect them to seek help.  So the missions won't let you drink.  Food, a roof, a bed and a shower or whiskey?  Make your choice. 

I am disheartened by this.  I am sad that there are good people who were delivering food and supplies to these homeless people because that goodness goes unnoticed.  By everyone.

I am sad.  I have to see it everyday and it's completely depressing.  And I don't know how to help the right way.  I won't give people money for drugs and alcohol.  Those things breed violence and degradation.  And I won't do it.

I'm just saying.