Margie Is Homeless
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Please help the homeless
I felt compelled to write this today because you see I cried for hours after meeting Margie last week at my children’s school. Margie is seven years old and is in my daughter’s class and last year she lived in a nice home with her mother, father and brother. In a few months her world turned upside down and now she lives in a van. She is only one of the homeless kids in our surrounding neighborhoods and I don’t know any of the others.
An article came out a while ago saying that our County in California has the most homeless kids in the school system and not a lot of people can tell who they actually are. Some of the families are hiding the fact that they have lost everything and are living in their cars and still sending their kids to school. Another family near a good friend of mine in a very expensive neighborhood are living on a ranch and have rented a spot to park their trailer after they lost their home. They do not have cars and they walk their children a few miles down a steep hill to school every morning. My friend has to sometimes wait until they pass her house because she is afraid that she will have to take on more then she can chew. Afterall, she too had to scale down and sell her house this year when her husband lost some of his work and she has two young children to take care of. They also have two cars but they are not in the position to take care of anyone else. They also live on this ranch with citrus trees that has many acres and other house rentals on the property and they donate whatever they can to people in need.
The other day while I joined my daughter for lunch at school, I noticed Margie sitting all alone at a table in tears and all she had was a juice for lunch. I walked over to her and asked if she was hungry and she said that she felt sick. I then asked one of the ladies that help at lunchtime if she could get lunch at school. One of the woman assured me that she qualified for the government lunch program. When someone sent her to the office to check her temperature I could not help myself from worrying about her. As I headed out of the school I noticed her walking back and she knew me well enough to come over to me. I asked her if she was ok and then she told me that her mother died. I stood still in my tracks because I knew that there was something that had drawn me to her. The way she was dressed and not quite in step with the other girls. Her hair was a mess and she was wearing dirty clothes and I thought of when I lost my mother at the same age many years ago. All the extras that she would have received from her mother were missing. I was fortunate to have my grandmother make up for some of the lost nurturing that I missed when my mother died but Margie had no one else but her father who was struggling to feed his family.
After she told me about her mother I assured her that I understood because I lost my mother too around the same age. When I asked her when it happened she said “When Michael Jackson” died. I was very thrown at this statement because it was so shocking. I could not imagine something so important and life changing being compared to a dead celebrity. I guess this is how powerful the media has become in our daily lives. I don’t even remember anything or anyone that ever took away the intensity of my mothers death? This is a new and scary world when a celebrity can take center stage in a loved ones death.
The reason I am writing this article today is because I’m really worried about the homeless children and families in the Winter and around the holidays this year. I hope by you reading this that you will reach out in some way to a family or organization near your home. If it is happening here in my very nice neighborhood, I can guarantee you it is happening near you too. There is plenty of things that you can do. A lot of them may need blankets or clothing to keep them warm during this Winter. They may need a nice meal or just a friendly helping hand. See if your church knows of someone who may need your help. Also the elderly are getting hit hard too and may need some support if they do not have any family around. Please think about doing something now because once November hits it will get harder for them to keep warm and I live in California!
Please contact any local “help” group and offer to do something. Anything. I’m actually planning on having food available at a local church so that if families are embarrassed about their situation, they can go there. Let us forget about world problems and what Obama is not doing right now and focus on people near our homes and in our own neighborhoods. I have actually already contacted Margie’s father and I’m planning on helping him with the kids. Donating money is fine, but it would be nice to know that you made a difference in your own neighborhood. It may be someone who you know. It could be anyone.
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Comments
I feel very fortunate, even though, we are struggling to keep a roof over our heads and food in our stomachs. Lacking in financial resources, I still try to give some of my time to help others. It's really the best I can do.
Very sad. We're currently helping churches in the Philippines, that are helping the hundreds and thousands of homeless, due to the recent typhoon and flooding. We also run a street children's work in Manila, feeding and sending relief, etc. I know the reality of the situation, even here in Hawaii, where there are so many homeless, and they sleep in tents in many of the beaches. God bless your heart, for what you are doing in your area.
Thank you James. I think a lot of people are in the same boat. I guess I just wanted to reach out to people and remind them that even an extra blanket can help. This has been one of the worse years for everyone I know. Bob Dylan just did a Christmas album and all of the proceeds are going to helping the homeless. Everyone is doing what they can. We shall think positive for the coming year! G
Anna, I appreciate your comment and for stopping in. It is nice to know that everyone is trying their best.
IslandVoice.....thank you for telling me about all that you are doing. It is amazing to see people reach out like you are. It just seems that things will get worse for a lot of people and I'm such a positive thinker! It breaks my heart to think of all the children out there right now. G
This hub moved me deeply and I'm so glad your are focusing on this real life issue - it's true all of can do something and we are all in this together whatever our religion of political view! Kartika
kartika! Thank you for stopping in and your lovely comment. I have grown up learning about all sorts of religions and going to temples and churches since my parents had different upbringings and religions. When I was young, it seemed to me that my grammas Baptist church did more for people in need then a Jewish temple that I used to go to in Beverly Hills. I never knew why? The temple had so much more money and resources. Maybe they reached out more to Israel and foreign countries. Part of me thinks that maybe more people came forward to the church locally for help? I wish there was a way to reach people so that they can come forward without being ashamed? I wanted to start a foundation for this sort of thing. Trying to figure it all out. Best, GPAGE
Thank you so much for getting this word out. How wonderful you can reach soo many people this way. These times are hard - very hard for so many.We all can help out just a little ... it will go a long way. And yes, Winter is coming... let's all keep that in mind, especially here in chicago.
Thank you for such a fantastic look into today's environment. I hope we can keep the comments coming so that this particular hub makes it to the top list and everyone will see it. Every single person I know has been effected but it's the new homeless that are the most sad and it scares all of us - who knows who may be next? Is this the new malaria?
Ellen. Thank you for stopping in. Also for your kind and caring words.
The Rope.....I'm so happy to see you here and thank you so much for your nice words and support for this hub. This whole thing terrifies me.....I worry about it every single day. I'm trying to do as much as I can to help.....Best, GPAGE
I know that down in CA there is a church called *The Vineyard* and they do a LOT of awesome helping. Perhaps Gpage, get ahold of them ~ I know they are online but I also know a person who goes there a lot.
If you want any *aid* or to get involved - just lemme know. I have been to the Vineyard and I think it is an awesome place to get with like-minded people whos only desire is to help others.
At least that is the impression I got from being there several times. The congregation is very big - over 2500 I believe. The one I mean is in Lancaster.
And, yes, there is no finer feeling than helping. I especially love it when the receiver doesn't know who/where it came from! :}
Always take care of your own backyard. If everyone did this; the world would be doing a whole lot better.
Best - M/
Thanks for the info privateye2500!! I will look them up on-line. I just dropped off loads of stuff to a local "help group" today. Lancaster is a bit far away from me, but I am interested to find out about the church there. I have also helped a lot of people without them knowing it was me. I hope everyone does "something" for "someone" who needs help.......that is why I wrote this hub.
Best, G
G, you have a heart of gold,if alot more people thought like you the world would be a better place.
GPage, we all have to do our bit. The women shelters are also hard hit as in these hard times local donations are much lower then before.
Thanks for sharing this heart wrenching story.
kindest regards Zsuzsy
One more hub from you ,with sweet and honest feelings for the other people.Really I am very happy because I belong to your fan club.
Greetings from Hellas
easy1.....it is so nice to see you here! Thank you for your kind comment....G
Zsuzsy Bee! I know what you are saying about the shelters. A Help group here in my neighborhood reaches out to those places too. Thank you for stopping in and sharing your thoughts. Best, GPAGE
meteoboy......your comments are always very kind and I thank you very much for sharing with me.
GPAGE
I have had my own experiences with being homeless a few times in my life, and have learned to be stronger because of it. However the last time I don't consider myself truly homeless because I was simply waiting 2 weeks for apartment paperwork to go through. I was lucky enough to find in the area I moved to there is a Rescue Mission. The Rescue Mission does all it can for the homeless in our area, they have enough room for probably around 200 although due to the rules a lot of homeless won't stay there. They offer 3 meals a day and house children along with the mentally handicapped. While I was staying there it was very humbling watching the residents which are the people who are there for the long haul. One day at lunch this 3-4 year old little girl went through the female lunch line and hugged everyone in line she could get to before her mom called her back. It took everything for me to hold back the tears, I could tell from the faces of the people around me I wasn't the only one that had had my day touched by this little girl's hug. The woman that slept in the bunk bed underneath me was schizophrenic- she had several "friends" and I even watched her punch air once as if she was hitting someone in the face. It helped me to know that these people have help and a warm place to sleep, WITH SHOWERS. You have no idea how amazing a shower is when you're homeless... They have a thrift store and the proceeds all go to the mission. We can help by doing something as simple as going shopping. However be careful where you go- just because they say they help the homeless doesn't mean they do. For example I tried to go to the Salvation Army for assistance- they require a copy of your lease to give you any type of help, even food. I'd like to point out if I'm homeless it's not likely I have a lease...
This is a sad story. I have a big heart for the homeless. I wrote a hub about a homeless man. My daughter and her friend are teens and they do volunteer work each month to help feed the homeless.
Great hub!
UsakoUsagi! Wow. Thanks so much for sharing your experiences. The visual I had of the little girl....how touching. Anyway, I thank you so much for stopping in and sharing. Thank you also for the tip on the Salvation Army. I usually donate to local help groups. I hope people research before they give to any association or group who claim that they help the homeless. Best, GPAGE
Useful Knowledge....Thank you so much for for your comment and it is nice to know that younger people are getting involved in helping the homeless too.....Best, GPAGE
GPAGE, you really touched on something in your comments. One thing I've noticed is that while we may have really opposite viewpoints on religion and politics with people, sometimes when we do come together to actually help people or work to promote causes together, we can really connect - and sometimes the people you least except to step up and give, give the most, and sometimes the people we think will be there, aren't! Live is really full of mysteries! I'm glad this hub has gotten lots of readers. Kartika
kartika....thank you again for sharing your thoughts. They are sooooo appreciated! So are you! Best, GPAGE
I was just wondering if her father intended to keep her or place her in a foster home or up for adoption?
WorriedMommy.....Yes the father is trying to currently keep his kids (he has two), but I'm watching the situation closely. He has contacted some other family out of state. Let's hope it all works out for them. Best, GPAGE
your hub about the homeless girl was very touching you did a great job
soccer2129
Thank you so much for your comment and stopping in. Best, GPAGE
What a very sad story - I lost my mother at the age of 8 and it is very traumatic. Just wondering - How is Maggie now? I try my best to help out and I take in gently used stuffed animals and bring them to the local shelters for the children so they have something to hug in a time just like this. I try to help when I can, but just like the rest of us we all have hot hard times me included when my husband became hurt on the job a couple years ago - financially life has not been the same and is a struggle everyday. I always have to tell myself there are other people out there that have it a lot worse even when it feels like we are the only ones. What ever anyone can do or give is more than nothing and I always offer and my stuffed animal donations have been helpful to so many children - so that brings a smile to my face.
ThePartyAnimal....thank you again for you comments! The kids are doing a bit better now that I have stepped into help. I have been giving them lots of food and clothes and have offered to help in other ways too. You are not alone.....EVERYONE is feeling it. Just a lot of people never talk about it. But atleast we can talk about it here. Best, GPAGE
That is so great that you are helping - good for you. She is lucky to have someone like you to step in and help in anyway. I hate to see kids suffer - life can be so unfair.
There are a lot of homeless people right now in the Philippines, the country where I am from. The strong typhoon submerged thousands of houses under flood. We are all trying to help in reaching out to those who are without home, food, water, and clothes. The time to help and take action is now.
Poor Margie, no pun intended. I used to volunteer at the soup kitchen on Wednesdays (the only day it is open). But since I moved here, I've kind of given that up, other than the occasional sandwitch or whatever I have on hand to a passing homeless person.
I know what it is like to be homeless (or as close to it as I ever want to be.)
GPage, this is a very sad story. For a little girl to lose her mother at such a young age is a profound tragedy. I worry about what might happen to my kids if I were to die suddenly and unexpectedly. It is a terrible loss for a young child to lose a parent, no matter what the financial circumstances -- whether they live in a parked car or in a palace.
Does the death of the mother have anything to do with homelessness? Did she die because they were homeless, or did they become homeless because the mother died? If there is a causal connection, it would be best to spell it out.
Chin Chin...nice to see you here. Your comment is very appreciated and I do hope that we can all make a difference. Best, GPAGE
franki79....thanks for stopping in. I do whatever I can too. You would be amazed at what one little thing can do. I have seen it in peoples faces. I worry about the holidays right now. I will try my best. GPAGE
Aya Katz.....
Just like you I also worry just like you about my children and the possibility of me not being around. Losing my own mother at the age of eight does not ease the anxiety and the worry. I'm trying to get more information as I go a long on Margie and her brother, but it is hard to ask too many questions. I have to respect the line with the kids. I'm hoping to have more conversations with the father. I will let you know if I find out more about how mothers death and how it has played its role. Best, GPAGE
With tears in my eyes, i have to admit that this is so moving. I had always prayed to God to give me the means moneywise, so that i can spread a bit of joy where it may be needed in this chaotic world of ours.
However, reading this great hub has made me realise that even if i don't have the money, there are so many other ways that one can spread the wings of love and a helping hand to the helpless and the needy.
Thank you for this enlightenment GPage, and may God reward you and many like you for your kindness.
GodBless.
Thank you viryabo.....your words mean a lot to me. We all need to reach out....
Best, GPAGE
GPAGE, thanks for your comment on my hub and tip to this great one. Yes, it is often that people, me included, hesitate to 'get involved' because of what we fear might happen. Your caring and involvement will change the life of Margie and her family. Blessings on you for your action!
After I read this hub. I am realize I drop my tear. "little cried" for a while. This hub very touching me. As a teacher I saw my student with smiling and laughter everyday. But it not happen with Margie. If the picture is really her, I think she is beautiful student. If you meet her in her class, please give my greeting to her. I hope she is patience with all this happen to her. Thanks GPAGE you bring the story into reality. I know many case like her surrounding us. I pray to god, there isn't another Margie.
frogyfish....thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts and your blessings. VERY much appreciated! GPAGE
prasetio30....I'm glad that this hub touched you. I have been spending more time with Margie and see her every week. Things are improving on her end and others have also stepped in to help her family. Maybe if you are still teaching you can reach out with your class to help the homeless children in your city?
I'm trying to get support for a help group in my neighborhood to make it better for someone this holiday season. Getting to donate blankets and food has been very successful so far. Best, GPAGE
I'll do the best for my student. And there are some "poor" student, they didn't paid anything. You had done the right things. Like donate blankets and food very help them who suffering. Two thumbs up for you. Keep it up!
James A Watkins says:
3 months ago
I hear you. I do all I can for those less fortunate than me. Now, I may find myself in that boat, too. I get the gist—believe me. I was once wealthy but now I am poor.