The Barest Essential

(Photo: striatic)

Think about the place you call home…it may be be a city studio, a suburban rancher, or a farmhouse in the countryside. It may be big, small, old, or new. You may rent it or own it, or share it with others. Whatever the case may be, it’s there…it’s yours…it keeps you safe, warm, and dry.

We’re the fortunate ones—we can talk about decluttering, decorating, and organizing our homes. We can wax poetic on paring down to the bare essentials. Meanwhile, too many people are lacking the most essential thing of all: basic shelter. While we settle into our cozy beds tonight, they’ll sleep on steam grates or cold sidewalks, in doorways or under bus shelters.

This holiday, please consider sharing some of your good fortune with those who truly have nothing, and donate your money (or time) to a homeless shelter or charity in your area.

Many organizations—like Project H.O.M.E. in Philadelphia—provide a wide spectrum of services to those in need: from street outreach to supportive housing and job training. Through education, employment, and economic development, they strive to empower individuals and communities to break the cycle of homelessness.

I think Project H.O.M.E.’s vision sums it up beautifully: “None of us are home until all of us are home.”