The month of March signifies a change of direction for People Seeing People. Starting this month each Monday will continue to feature avenues for denormalizing and destigmatizing homelessness, developing empathy, and calling for change. The first Monday of each month will feature a current event revolving around homelessness, a general reflection from People Seeing People, or a local organization. The second week of the month will continue to feature a story of someone in our community, the third will result in a podcast, and the fourth will feature another community member story. When a fifth Monday resides in a month, we will publish another story focused on a community member. We look to offer more insight into the homeless plight facing La Crosse. We continuously scour articles and search for underlying thoughts toward those who experience homelessness. Feelings for some result in hope for shelter from the elements, recovery centers, legislative change, deep pockets, yet rarely acceptance. We critique stories concerning how fires started downtown and vandalism and rather than jumping to conclusions, we ask questions. Why would someone experiencing homelessness start a fire in the winter? Do they have a warm place to stay? Can they get out of the wind by staying in the parking ramps? Not without a citation. How about the library? Not without a phone to call and make an appointment. The resources available in the current climate depend on sobriety. As many wise friends tell us, getting sober comes after knowing you have a place to rest your head. We must continue to ask questions when we discover ideas, concepts, events, and people with whom we cannot understand. Similarly, we must ask questions about how the pandemic continues to affect others. We know COVID-19 leaves many fearing and experiencing loss of loved ones, housing, and job security. The article we selected for this week depicts the fear that continues to envelope so many American citizens. Homelessness riddles cities throughout the United States, La Crosse shares in this quality; however, what we choose to do next can set us apart. Every day represents an opportunity to stand and fight for others to share a safe space in our world. Today, we start the fight together. https://pbswisconsin.org/news-item/the-pandemics-impact-on-people-experiencing-homelessness-in-wisconsin/ Kindly, People Seeing People
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