Blogger #1 Chan Whitaker

I Have Been Told

I am eighteen who I am doesn’t matter, my gender, race, sexuality, nationality, religious, or political beliefs, don’t matter. What does matter: I am eighteen, I am a human, my story, and what I have to say to you

One Billion people worldwide are estimated to have inadequate housing. I am lucky, yet I wish no one has to feel the ways I have. I have slept on the streets, I have felt hunger with no food, I have been alone and afraid, left with nowhere and no one. The on going debate is whose job is it to do something, when the debate should be what should we do about it?.

This world has many problems, let’s start fixing. First, we are all human, it is our job to do something. Our homeless are unsafe and scared, let’s give them at least a temporary home to feel safe. Our poor are hungry, let’s give them the means to grow their own food. Our youth are ignorant, let’s educate them. Our small-business owners are understaffed and are common folk are unemployed, let’s help.

I have been told I can’t fix the world because no one person can change the world. Well that is true the world is in fact too large for any one person to fix, however, united the human race has caused great change. Together the world has stopped tyrants, dictators, and genocides. It is time to stop focusing on each individual problem on its own. In short our problem; the people of the world, our people, need help our help, it’s broad I know that’s the point.

The state of California is currently under a “state of emergency” when it comes to the issue of homelessness.  Although government officials are attempting to find solutions to the problems, maybe there are other ways we can help.  There are empty lots everywhere, let’s petition the government to donate them tax free for homeless facilities, after all the government is supposed to be here to help and serve the people. If we convert shipping containers into a “halfway” facility for the homeless, we can have the previously homeless residents volunteer their time for the right to stay. The residents well volunteer to local businesses and community clean-up efforts as well as local paramilitary organizations such as the fire and police department to help keep the communities safe. Residents will also grow food food for the facility as well as food banks. Local students can volunteer at these facilities, to help pay for tuition through school programs.

This is just the start of the basic concept I have planned. Together we can better our communities and our world. We must start on a small scale and take things slow but keep our scope broad, because when nothing has worked previously it’s time to change our approach. Let’s change the world for the better, together as one.