Homeless and Disabled: Seeking Purpose On The Streets
A disability can often force a person out of a job and out of a home, but that doesn't mean they have to give up their passion for life. Billy, a homeless man recently interviewed by Mark from InvisiblePeople.tv, offers a perfect example of someone who has been dealt a difficult hand in life, but refuses to let those challenges overwhelm him. Despite doctor's orders, Billy rides his bicycle across Los Angeles, and while his disability prevents him from working, he still tends to a small section of sidewalk in Hollywood. It would be wonderful if there was a program that provided Billy, and others like him, with some form of employment in exchange for shelter, so that they could work towards improving their situation and feel they are making a welcomed contribution to society. Check out Billy's interview after the jump:
Billy from invisiblepeople.tv on Vimeo.
- Categories: Human & Civil Rights
I have been homeless at several points in my life. Contrary to popular belief, most homeless did not become so out of choice and not because they are lazy, stupid, or immoral. Many homeless people are victims of abuse in the form of neglect and abandonment by their parents or other caregivers. Some of them are simply victims of life’s tragedies, such as hurricanes, fires, or other catastrophes from which they simply don’t have the resources to recover. I invite you to my blog devoted to raising awareness on homelessness: Freethegods.com. There you will find an article I wrote on homelessness and pictures I have taken of homeless people. I always give them a dollar or two for the privilege of photographing them. I am often surprised by their cheerfulness and sense of pride. Often, they will show themselves to have some kind of talent. There is a fine line between genius and insanity.