Whenever the issue of homelessness comes up in Dallas (probably true in every major city in the U. S. ,come to think of it), someone begins quoting crime statistics.
It doesn't help that just this week we learned that Dallas, Texas is the most dangerous city in the U. S. A. in which to try to live!
The safest major American city? New York City!
But, back to the stats.
The attempt to link crime and its growth to the homeless population in a city like Dallas is not fair, nor does such a connection line up with reality or experience. Homeless persons, if they commit crimes at all, typically commit petty misdemeanors associated with the fact that they don't have homes. Their "crimes" are not violent and genearlly not related to property violations, except to find a place to lie down for a bit.
Turn the page with me.
I've met and talked to lots of men on the streets of Dallas who don't panhandle. They also wouldn't think of coming to an aid center like the one we operate in East Dallas.
Way too proud for that. They are determined to "make it on their own. "
Wonder what would happen if they all went away?
One thing I know for sure, discarded aluminun cans would be everywhere! Our homeless population cleans up the trash and liter on our inner city streets. Picking up cans to sell for food and yes, for some, a drink or two, serves a good purpose for the rest of us.
Reaching out the people on the basis of their value always seems to be the place to begin productive engagement. The fact is lots of homeless people work hard every day picking up at least part of our trash.
Maybe more of us should stop and express our thanks.
Stop by and comment on Mike's blog today, Larry. We could use your insight from the ground level
ReplyDeleteI hate that even hard numbers can still be used to "say whatever you want them to," and perpetuate myth.
ReplyDeleteProbably the biggest factor in that, is that the general public doesn't necessarily understand that correlation ≠ causation.
Just like people think that because homelessness is high among those with mental illness, all homeless persons must be crazy. No, in fact, they are the minority (roughly 23%), but they are overrepresented if you were to look at the incidence rate of mental illness in the general population, (1-2%).
Larry, keep up the good work of trying to make the truth heard. :)
Thank you, Larry, for keeping this in front of us and challenging us not just to think about these issues but DO something about it in our communities. Since we met with you in February in Tulsa, we are increasingly doing something about the need to partner with our community to address the problems and make this a better and more equitable and joyful and God-filled place to live.
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