Letter to Editor: Lend a helping hand

Dear Editor,

As citizens of the Human race, shouldn’t we embody the definition of Humane? If asked if we are advocates of a humane society, most people would reply, “Yes! I believe in showing compassion, being kind, considerate, understanding, sympathetic, and tolerant.” Yet, when we see a homeless person, we walk around to avoid contact or some may throw change into a hat.

Is that enough?

The Springfield Shelter is asking for warm clothing, blankets, hygiene products, hats, scarves, coats, gloves, food, and more specifically employment opportunities to assist our homeless brothers and sisters here in Springfield, Illinois. The need is real!

The critics of assisting the homeless make reference to those rare con-artists who beg for money on corners while driving expensive S.U.V.’s and living in affluent neighborhoods. Their concerns may be justified, but the alternative cannot be do nothing, for all disadvantaged ones in our area.

We don’t know how they got there, but we need to realize that according to MarketWatch.com, 62 percent of us are only one paycheck away from homelessness ourselves. The majority of Americans have no savings to cover emergencies or sudden job loss.

Finally, Over the last two years multiple people have been found dead, frozen to death, lying on the street in various places around our country; that includes Illinois. Is it too much for the Springfield Shelter to ask for coats, hats, or scarves? We therefore need to ask ourselves, Are we our brother’s keeper? The answer should be a resounding, “Yes We Are!”

Orsey Nunn