Homeless but connected. From communication to advocacy.

I've heard a few whispers in other blogs, unrelated to CVM or agencies. The reoccuring question seems to be why so many homeless people have cell phones or email addresses. Quite frankly, it's not a luxury, but a neccesity. Many individuals can't fathom life on the streets. When help does come, or if a person needs to call for help, how can it be accomplished if someone is in transit? A cell phone, that's how. In our case, a voice mail number. The two go hand in hand. Well, actually, the three go hand in hand. Email connects another dot. Let's not forget how many employers require applicants to apply via email, too.

Communication is something that many take for granted, or the apathetic throw toward the wind. A fair percentage of people want to do better, and they want to take action. Zach Tracker is a youth with a big heart. As young as he is, he gets it. In fact, he proved it by walking from his home town of Tampa to Washington, DC. During his journey, he attracted attention to the plight of homeless children. He also stays connected to the cause through his website, http://zachtracker.com/.

Imagine being a homeless parent, struggling to reunite with your children, or even a member of a homeless family. Some clients struggle to keep minutes stored on prepaid accounts. It really doesn't take long to burn up twenty dollars worth, considering how long it may take to pay for it. For this reason alone, CVM can prove to be a critical resource tool, serving as a stable number. It's an important start that can lead to other open doors. If you or someone you know is struggling to afford keeping a cell phone activated, a community voice mail number may be the perfect answer. When good news comes, from housing to getting hired, a working number is a must have, not an option.

Additionally, the information super highway is getting use from none other than homeless advocates who are sometimes homeless. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=105047997. Eric Sheptock is both homeless and fighting for rights of the homeless. http://www.blogger.com/www.ericsheptock.com provides an insider's view of a world few bother to really consider. When I first read Mr. Sheptock's passionate musings, I couldn't help wondering where would we be without technology. Homeless individuals should have a voice, and now they do and can. Those of us who believe that anyone can fall on hard times could probably find social action interesting. Staying connected is important for both homeless individuals, in addition to those who are receptive to being educated through someone else's journey.

Do you want to read another article about this topic? If so, visit this link:http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/22/AR2009032201835.html.