The Hammond Report

The Missoulian, Independent and KPAX ran stories this weekend on «Faces of the Pov».  An art exhibit where photographer Catherine Walters and painter Kimberly Anderson teamed up to present an art show to demonstrate how close we all are to being homeless.

«It makes you realize how close you really are to becoming homeless,» says Walters. «It's really easy. One paycheck. I feel like everyone's at least one paycheck away from becoming homeless.»

Give me a break!  I don't agree. Liberals would like us to believe we are all that close to being homeless so the government can step in and take care of us.  That's what this is all about.  That and fund raising for the Pov.  I read several of the stories and just can't relate. In fact, I smell BS.  Actually, a couple of the stories confirm my opinion that most homeless are there by choice.

For example in the paper version of the story on Sunday, 8/3/08 the following two stories accompanied the pictures.

He says he was «just hitchhiking around, and landed in Missoula one time, and liked it.  I just haven't had the motivation to get myself started.  It's sad, but it's true.  If I didn't know how to laugh, I think I would have been dead a long time ago.»

Glenn, 35

«I need a chance to get myself back on my feet, get the kids home, get the divorce done, get everything done.  I've done the best I could.  If I would have stayed in school and had better resources when I was growing up, I would not be in the predicament right now.»

Jennifer, 36

I'm also having a difficult time believing this story. **BS Alert!**

Pat became homeless the exact day she moved from her home in Idaho to Missoula. She had just tied up a divorce and her car brimmed with everything she owned. She rolled into the parking lot of a friend's Missoula business and left the engine running as she quickly tacked a note to her friend's door. But when she turned around her car was in flames, and almost instantly everything in it was gone. She managed to save her driver's license, though it was charred and bent, but she lost all the money she had just cashed from her retirement check.

She turned her back and her car burst into flames, instantly destroying everything including the money she had just cashed from her retirement check.  Happens all the time.  The Missoulian or Independent should have covered it if when it happened but I can't seem to find anything about it.  I wonder if the «reporters» checked out her story.

It's very difficult for me to have sympathy for people who make poor choices throughout their lives which put them in the situations they are in.  I resent it when people try to make me feel guilty for not being homeless.

The people who think everybody is one paycheck away from being homeless must live in a sad and depressing little bubble.  Look around and see the prosperity, wealth, and opportunity we enjoy in the US.  There will always be homelessness in the world and we should take care of those who truly need the help.  As I said here last year...

Understand that I don't like homelessness. I contribute regularly to my church, the YWCA and the local food bank. I hate to see homeless families down on their luck and I try to do what I can to help them out of their situation by my contributions. It also breaks my heart to see abused women with kids who have no place to go which is why I contribute to the YWCA transitional housing program.

But there are many who are homeless by choice and expect to be taken care of.  I don't think I should have to to take on that responsibility.  I've made my choices and I take care of my family.