I walk every evening when the weather is suitable and I don't have obligations. I'm a bit obsessed as I take the same route 90% of the time. It's a pleasant walk of 3 to 4 km through a heavily forested area. There are many other walkers so from time to time you meet someone who likes to visit. So I've got to know some people quite well.
As with any forested urban area, there can be undesirables in the area. This area is quite well known for homeless camps. It's right across from a large shopping mall. It's usually you leave me alone and I'll leave you alone.
Occasionally you will meet a homeless person who makes sense. Last night I met one of those people who made sense so I had a good visit. There were actually two people and the other guy wasn't homeless.
We talked in general about homeless needing support. The one guy was 57 and the other guy around 40. Somehow we got onto schools, and teachers. They knew many of my buddies so we had a good laugh about that. They seemed to have had a positive time in school.
The one guy had much hearing loss so he was showing me the hi tech hearing aides he had. My biggest problem with hearing aides is that I sometimes hear more noise than voice.
So it was difficult to continue my walk as we kept finding interesting things to talk about.
These two guys were approachable and interesting to talk too. Some of them you just know that you're better to stay away.
So having a positive interaction with a homeless person makes me think that some things could be done to help homeless people.
Your evening walks sound peaceful and meaningful, especially with the chance encounters you describe. It’s refreshing to hear about a positive, genuine conversation with homeless individuals, breaking common stereotypes.
ReplyDeleteThe way you highlight their humanity and shared connections—like knowing teachers and friends—adds depth and challenges assumptions. Your openness to listen and engage reflects compassion and understanding. It’s true that some people need support, and small moments like yours can inspire empathy and action.
Thanks for sharing this thoughtful reflection; it reminds us all to look beyond labels and see people’s stories and potential for change.
Greetings from Indonesia
Thanks for visiting Hiawatha House. You write about homeless as if you've had experience with some people.
DeleteSome homeless people are perfectly happy:)
ReplyDeleteIt's surprising the number who chose to be homeless.
DeleteOh, indeed. Perhaps you could take it up with the King during his visit to your country.
ReplyDeleteTo be fair to Charles , he has always supported environmental causes.
DeleteI think they key is asking the homeless person what they think they need..not to impose a "one size fits all" solution and if you don't want that you must be intentionally homeless so on your way..
ReplyDeleteSome people choose to live outside. There have to be different options.
DeleteIt's shocking just how easy it is to fall into homelessness.
ReplyDeleteMost people don't realize how close they come to being homeless.
DeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteIt is sad to see homeless people. I am sure they enjoy a conversation and some attention. I live in a rural area where it is rare to see a homeless person. Maybe one moving through with a backpack.
Take care, hope you have a great day!
There are many different types of homeless. Don't get me started on that one. There's not just one size fits all.
DeleteYour conversation with these two guys sounds like it was enjoyable for both you and them! A win win in a way! I made a snap judgement not long ago when during a morning walk I saw two guys in the bush off the trail. I began to get away quickly, one guy called out, I looked back, he was standing there with a phone wondering if i could tell him where something was. The trail I was walking was a section of the Trans Canada Trail, they were biking the trail from east to west and stopped there for the night.
ReplyDeleteInteresting story. You were just what they were looking for and I'm surprised you didn't join them.
DeleteEvery homeless person has a different back story. Any of us could have ended up that way. When we visited The Pacific North West region in 2014, I was surprised at the number of homeless people we saw in Vancouver, Seattle and Portland. In 2005 I talked to a couple of military veterans in Santa Monica CA. Both were homeless in the "land of the free".
ReplyDeleteThere's no easy solution as there are so many different causes of homelessness.
DeleteThe amplification of backgrounds sounds is problematic. My previous devices were better at diminishing that. They can do it, but you have to pay extra, as if we aren't paying enough.
ReplyDeleteOh I realize it's money.
DeleteI agree. We have so many homeless here that it makes me very sad to see it.
ReplyDeleteYou have a gentler climate which attracts some of the homeless.
DeleteI have helped some homeless people before in localized settings but generally I shy away from any large encampments. I also try to mostly give food or necessary items instead of cash.
ReplyDeleteI don't recommend individuals attempting to help homeless.
DeleteI'm glad you had a good visit with those guys on your walk. We don't know everyone's life story so it is difficult to judge.
ReplyDeleteI think "undesirables" isn't a good word to use as maybe circumstances or mental health issues have contributed to their situation. It's hard to know how to help as each situation is different.
There are some whose behavior is not positive .
DeleteHow to help is the issue here. What works, what doesn’t and how to support the best efforts is always a concern.
ReplyDeleteHow to help is a big issue. Some need assistance as if they are helpless.
DeleteYes, treat people with respect, as you do.
ReplyDeleteMinicipalities are so reluctant to build for the homeless.
I would think many homeless are unable to live independently in their own home.
DeleteHomelessness is a crisis here. It makes me sad. Then when I see some camps with people living in squallor it makes me angry. I have mixed emotions.
ReplyDeleteSome of the camps are really disgusting.
DeleteHomelessness can be but a check away for lots of people. It's scary and there is a shortage of homes these days too, it adds to the problem.
ReplyDeleteYes, many people are very close to being on the street.
DeleteRed,
ReplyDeleteBeneath the boughs of evening’s shade,
Along the path so oft replayed,
Two voices rose from forest floor—
Not threat, but stories to explore.
A kind exchange, a shared refrain,
Of schoolyard days and silent strain.
With hearing aids and honest tone,
You found connection, not alone.
A chance encounter, gently spun,
That hinted hope for everyone.
Sometimes a walk can light the way—
A stranger's truth, the soul's relay.
John
So true. I have to find some way to save your poems separately as they refer to my posts.
DeleteMay I suggest a screen shot? If you are not familiar with how to do that with your computer, simply go to Google and enter: Steps to take a screen shot with a ***name of your computer*** The captures can then be saved in a file on your computer.
DeleteIt’s wonderful that you had such an interesting discussion. Homelessness is a big issue here. I know there are those who try to help.
ReplyDeleteWe don't have visible homelessness here, but then I don't get very far from home in my chair!
ReplyDeleteHomelessness is also an issue here in Nashua, NH. In the past few weeks, the weather has warmed up to the point that many folks have encamped on city streets. Admittedly, I have not engaged in conversations with any of these folks.
ReplyDeleteHow bad I missed few of your wonderful posts dear Red!
ReplyDeleteI believe that your own light and positivity allows you to garb joys from ordinary moments that can many might waste away.
It makes me feel happy and respect you more for stopping by and talking to homeless men who were quite younger than you. It definitely reflects your broad perspective towards life and people 🥰
The small gestures turned the simple evening walk into a lovely and memorable experience 🤗♥️