The man in the picture above? He is the face of homelessness. And I know him. But before I get ahead of myself, let me explain. During the month of December, my Northwest Arkansas Blogger group (NWARKcares) is focusing on the issue of homelessness. The goal of our group is to bring awareness to a different cause each month. September was literacy. Literacy was easy for me. I love books and reading and have my own Little Free Library in the front yard. October and November? I didn’t do so well pushing the topics of domestic violence and women in politics/leadership roles. No particular reason, they are both worthy, important topics, I was busy with other things. Excuses, excuses. And now December is homelessness. What better time than the holiday season to talk about the homeless? December is the time when people gather in their homes with family and friends. The weather outside is frightful and shelter is needed more than ever.

Homelessness makes me uncomfortable, sad, angry. The idea that in our country, a country of luxury, excess, and wastefulness, people are without basic necessities. Seriously, I can’t stand the thought of a homeless animal. The sweet cat that keeps showing up on my porch? I’m one bowl of cat food away from adopting him.Continue Reading