I believe there is an unmet need with homeless houses. This applies to all the homeless people to stand on 13th and university , or stand off the highway asking for money. My plan would be to talk to churches in the area and see if they would be interested in partnering up and buying a house for just homeless people so they could have a safe place to go without begging people for money until they can get back on their feet. I also believe that police officers need to start enforcing no panhandling. If they know they can't stand on the corners asking for money it would give them a reason to get their lives together.
Interviews:
Christine: Christine lives in a house near university and always has homeless people walking around asking for money. When Christine walks home at night she is often frightened because she never knows what they'll say or do. She has caught one panhandler in particular walk through her yard many times looking for things or trash he can pick up to sell for what I'm guessing is drugs. The other day one guy came up to her at Publix and asked for 40 cents and when she said she didn't have any money to give his response was "F*ck you, how do you not have 40 cents" and then perceived to shoot her her a bird. These homeless get upset when they don't get their way and its scary.
Sharon: Sharon is actually a homeless person. She says she just got herself into a mess and can't seem to get herself out, so she asks people for money or for anything they'll give her. Sharon says that she doesn't see another way out of her situation unless she gets help from other people. I told her my plan for houses for the homeless, and she thought it was a great idea. She told me she wants the best for people and she doesn't want to scare or hurt anybody she just needs some help.
Brittney: I talked to Brittney who is also a victim of homeless people asking her for things. Brittney says she has never come into a good situation with any homeless person. She says they're always so hostile and rude to begin with and she says she has even be insulted by a homeless saying "you're just a privileged girl, you don't know what you're talking about." She has never had given homeless people any more or anything like that but she says she would love to see them get help!
Reflection:
As I took a step back and interviewed not only homeless people but people who are affected by homeless people it honestly breaks my heart, yes most of them do this to themselves, but it makes me want to get out there and talk with organizations and churches to see if there is a way these people can be helped. They might be rude and offensive sometimes but nobody deserves to live like that.
Summary: My opportunity is absolutely still there it just needs someone to start it. I believe my opportunity is about the same as I started but I feel the need to go out and make it happen, it would be awesome to see these homeless people off the streets, even if it's just giving 1 homeless person a home it would be worth it. I believe entrepreneurs should adapt to customer feedback because essentially the customers are the ones keeping them in business
Hi Jaycie,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that housing can be a good idea to get homeless people off the streets and give them time to think of a plan to overcome their problems. In addition to housing, I think mental aid should be provided such as having students help homeless people overcome their problem. For example, helping them get a job or apply for certain government assistance. Overall, I think that there is definitely an opportunity in regards to homelessness.
Hello Jaycie.
ReplyDeleteI loved your post because in assignment 5A I posted an article regarding Alachua County's budget for the homeless in the area. They are now trying to allocate money into two budgets one for the Grace Marketplace and one for funding towards housing the homeless. Grace Marketplace is a one-stop homeless facility serving Gainesville and Alachua County. Government entities currently fund the homeless shelter around $1.5 million annually. I loved that you strategically did interviews with individuals that are directly impacted by this issue. Your blog post was well written and a great idea. Check out my 5A assignment!
Hi Jaycie,
ReplyDeleteI love your idea! There should be more options for homeless people. There is a large population of people with disabilities who are homeless, and it is devastating when they become homeless for various reasons related to disability. Many buildings lie vacant in summer or on the weekends, and it would be nice if those could be opened up for homeless people to have the opportunity to sleep on a bed or even just take a shower. Great post!