One week after the devastating earthquake and tsunami, the Japanese people are already demonstrating remarkable resilience in the face of unimaginable tragedy [see lead story]. I feel like a spoiled, lazy American. I, didn’t even like vending Salt Lake Street News in inclement weather. I hang my head in shame.
Of course, a lot of famous folk do concerts, donate, even visit disaster areas to help the disadvantaged and distressed. I’m thankful for our stars that feel social responsibility is part of their duty. They should help because they can; they have the ways and means.
But that leaves people like you and me feeling that you need fame, power, and money to make a difference. I was recently reminded by a speaker at January’s MLK Day events, we don’t have to have all that. All anyone needs to do what they can is the will, passion, and commitment.
I struggle by on disability pay (calculates to about $30/day), and whatever else I can scrape up. I know some of you have less than that. Still, as bad off as we are, there are people in our country and around the globe that have much less.
You can make your life better and help others. Don’t look for others to do it. You can make a difference. YOU!
I’ve linked to several web pages that can suggest how. Contrary to popular belief, not everything comes down to influence, celebrity, or money.
Here are this week’s links:
Japanese street paper: ‘We are not defeated’ 18 March 2011 “Vendors are back on the streets of Tokyo selling copies of The Big Issue Japan, as staff vowed to support all street paper vendors affected by the magnitude 9.0 earthquake and resulting tsunami.” by Staff writer for The Big Issue in Scotland via Street News Service
Annie Lennox Returns From Charity Trip To Malawi M
arch 17, 2011 by Natalie Schaefer
Read more: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/5966-annie-lennox-returns-from-charity-trip-to-malawi#ixzz1Gyisugn2
Fourth Street Clinic gets defibrillator By Katie Drake The Salt Lake Tribune First published Mar 15 2011 Updated Mar 17, 2011
Positive – in poverty (HIV and the streets) By Amanda Waldroupe, Staff Writer at Street Roots’ blog Posted on March 17, 2011
Entertainment: Films, books, arts with a homeless connection
Film: Another Bullshit Night in Suck City to star Robert DeNiro and Julianne Moore from imbd.com
Art: Celebrating Genius Of An Undiscovered Photographer by The Associated Press via npr.org
Theatre:
New Utah musical will help homeless shelters from Burger with Relish by David Burger, The Salt Lake Tribune Mar 17, 2011
Events: Upcoming local fundraisers, and activities for homeless people
The Road Home event page
Salt Lake City Mission’s event page
Rescue Mission of Salt Lake
Together, We Eat March 26, 2011 from 6pm to 10pm One World Cafe 41 South 300 East Salt Lake City event page
Related links: Besides finding all kinds of ways to help, or obtain services, you can search ‘homeless’ at some sites for a lot more news than I link to!
Local/Regional - The Road Home Salt Lake City Mission Rescue Mission of Salt Lake Fourth Street Clinic Catholic Community Services Palmer Court Apartments Salt Lake Street News Street Roots
National/International – National Alliance to End Homelessness National Coalition for the Homeless North American Street Newspaper Association International Network of Street Papers Street News Service Big Issue Japan (English version)
On a personal note: You who dropped me off at my apartment the other night, and gasped, “You live at the homeless shelter!” Palmer Court is for people who are overcoming homelessness. We pay rent just like you do. many of us work. Get educated here. You may look down on people that are, or were, homeless. I look down upon insulting people without compassion or manners. Just sayin’.
Until next time...Help yourselves, help others if you can, but most of all, give a damn.
—your editor
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