Background

The idea of a home is so essential to our understanding of life. Knowing that no matter how bad things get we will always have a place to return to and call our own is a comfort that should be enjoyed by each and every individual on this planet. This idea is closely connected to the concept of the American Dream, and the relative affluence of this country might lead one to believe that homelessness is not an issue in the United States.

This is simply not true.

Homelessness is reaching epidemic levels and some of the statistics surrounding this population are staggering. For example, consider that:

• Over 500,000 people on any given night do not have a place to sleep

• 8 percent of the nation’s homeless are veterans.

• 15 percent of the homeless population is considered “chronically homeless,” which means they literally have nowhere to go night after night

• 550,000 unaccompanied, single youth and young adults under the age of 24 experience a homelessness episode of longer than one week

These numbers point to a glaring issue in our society. The fact that hundreds of thousands of people are spending the night on the streets each and every day is simply not acceptable and something must be done. But what?

Purpose

One of the best ways to fight this problem is to make sure we stop ignoring it. Most of us have no idea what it is like to be homeless and our disconnection from this issue causes us to diminish its significance. Our work with the homeless tries to break down this divide and connect people to the problem.

By working directly with homeless people and by introducing people to the conditions prevalent in shelters and on the streets, we are helping to remove barriers and promote inclusion. Eliminating homelessness is a long and difficult process, but it starts with compassion and understanding. This is where Coupla Guys and Gals Give Back and the amazing individuals that collaborate in this movement step in.