Vaughan’s Vocabulary reader asked me to devote the theme of homelessness in my column. Mary’s request prompted me to research this topic and write a little about it in the limited space that I have. I think we tend to think more about the homeless when frigid weather comes our way.
The Action Institute Powerblog says the homeless represent the most vulnerable population living in poverty. The Council of Economic Advisers found that the inability to pay rent may have pushed individuals out of an affordable home. The CEA also found that those with no connection to a church or faith community are 60% more likely to become homeless.
The National Alliance to End Homelessness is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization to prevent homelessness in the United States; however, NAEH does not provide direct services such as housing or case management. Someone who is homeless or at risk of being homeless is asked to contact their local 2-1-1 hotline.
1. Nearly half of all Americans sleeping on the streets live in
A. Hawaii.
B. Mississippi.
C. Southern Canada.
D. California.
E. New York.
2. impinge (im-PINJ)
A. to have an effect, to make an impression
B. to sleep
C. to suffer
D. to economize
3. Who said, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but … [I] have nowhere to lay … [my] head.”
A. Aristotle
B. Plato
C. John the Baptist
D. Jesus
E. Henry David Thoreau
No. 1 is D.
No. 2 is A. Seeing someone homeless especially in my hometown impinges on my mind (and heart).
No. 3 is D.
4. quasi (KWAY-zie)
A. having some resemblance usually by possession of certain attributes
B. friendly, amicable
C. supportive
D. ultra
Taking on the role of quasi-friend can be an effective approach. The best website I studied in my research is titled “7 Practical Ways We Can Bless Someone Experiencing Homelessness.” I encourage you to read that website. A Baylor University study is cited: “People don’t become homeless because they run out of money, at least not right away. They become homeless when they run out of relationships.” No. 4 is A.
VV encourages editors to publish stories about homelessness. Moreover, when we see a homeless person, let’s not look the other way. Reach out in some practical way, for example, give something tangible (coffee, bottled water, meal, gift cards, carry blessing bags in your vehicle).
Editor’s Note: Don Rodney Vaughan, Ph.D., teaches journalism, interpersonal communication and public speaking at East Mississippi Community College and is the pastor of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church in Webster County. Contact him at dvaughan@eastms.edu.
