I just finished Under the Overpass. I am realizing the huge misconception that I (and the general subarbanite community) have about homelessness.

Everyone seems to think that being homeless just means having to sleep outside. (If that were the case, I would love to be homeless). Churches have "sleep-out" night for "homeless awareness". But, I am realizing that it is so much more than that. It is the feeling of complete loneliness, smelling so bad that you can't stand yourself, and not being about to do anything about it. It is about begin so unloved and looked down on and treated like trash that you start to believe the lies yourself. Watching people walk by and no one will even make eye contact with you, because they are uncomfortable and embarassed.

I have never felt that, but it hurts me that some (many) people do feel like that every day, and some have felt like that for decades. I want to love them. They need love so bad, and I know where they can find it. I want to show them.

(The autobiographer gave some great ideas, and I can't wait to take some action!)